COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

City of Burbank (CA)•Burbank, CA

56d

About The Position

Under general supervision, to answer emergency (911) and non-emergency phone lines, to maintain contact with law enforcement personnel and other City units in the field, to dispatch appropriate units or equipment in response to emergency and other calls received through the Burbank Police Department (BPD) Communications Center; and perform related work as required.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work; effective customer service techniques; spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Skill in operating modern computers and related software; exercising independent judgement and making decisions based on standard policy and procedures.
Ability to learn the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering the operation of radio receivers and transmitters, the policies and procedures of the Communications Center, BPD General Orders, and City Administrative Procedures, California Penal and Vehicle Codes, the City's Municipal Code, and BPD CAD system; learn the proper use and care of radio communications equipment; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; think clearly and act quickly in emergencies; maintain accurate records; simultaneously receive, dispatch, and record information utilizing a database system; work rotating shifts; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.
High school graduation or equivalent, and one year of recent full-time experience in customer service, clerical work, or emergency services dispatch/radio communications work; ability to type 40 net words per minute.
Peace Officer Standards and Training-certified (POST-certified) Public Safety Dispatch Basic Course Certificate within one year of appointment.
All required licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.
A valid California Class "C" driver's license or equivalent may be required at time of appointment.

Responsibilities

Serves as an Operator in the BPD Communications Center on a shift basis
Receives calls, dispatches and records appropriate law enforcement and other equipment to respond to reported emergencies in the field
Maintains contact with units at all times during shift assignment in order to send needed or requested assistance in event of emergency
Maintains a continuous record of the status of mobile units indicating the disposition of each unit by mechanical or other means
Operates emergency (911) telephone system
Sends and receives computer messages and routes same to appropriate destination
Operates a computer terminal to enter, modify, or retrieve data
Maintains a current log of all information received and transmitted
Prepares required reports and summaries of Communications Center activities
Performs miscellaneous clerical work
May compose and type log sheets as required
May drive on City business.