Communications Operator

City of Bishop•Bishop, CA

2d•$4,536 - $6,221•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Bishop is accepting applications for the position of Communications Operator. This is a Full-time, entry-level position reporting to the Senior Communications Operator. Under general supervision, the Communications Operator receives emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches police, fire, and medical emergency units; maintains contact with personnel in the field; operates a variety of transmitting/receiving equipment; performs a variety of general support duties related to dispatch activities; and performs related duties as assigned. The salary range for this position is currently $4,536 - $6,221 per month.

Requirements

Basic office methods and procedures including but not limited to filing, telephone etiquette and office machine operation.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Principles of basic report preparation.
City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
Principles, practices and operating characteristics of manual and automated records management and dispatching systems used in municipal law enforcement environments.
Standard telephones, teletype and radio broadcast procedures and the applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.
Best practices in dealing with members of the public.
City and Department policies and procedures.
Safe driving practices and motor vehicle safety.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Information technology, personal computer, and related software applications.
Radio operation.
Basic investigation methods.
Speak clearly and precisely.
Learn and effectively apply standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
Learn local geography.
Type accurately at a speed necessary for adequate job performance; approximately 50 wpm or more.
Operate computer terminal and other office equipment quickly, accurately, and at times, concurrently.
Compile and maintain records and files.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Spell accurately.
Dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
Must be able to maintain a positive attitude with trainer and co-workers and able to accept criticism and feedback without being argumentative or defensive.
Be polite, considerate, avoid spreading gossip; respect and adhere to the chain of command.
Understand and carry out both oral and written directions.
On a continuous basis, know and understand operations and observe safety rules.
On a continuous basis, sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Normal vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen.
Learn to interpret and apply rules, regulations, and ordinances relating to police operations.
Use a computer, calculator, telephone, photocopy machine and camera.
Analyze situations quickly, calmly, and objectively and to determine proper course of action.
Safely and effectively perform duties.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
High school/G.E.D required.
At least 18 years of age.
Must possess or obtain by appointment date a valid driver’s license issued by the state of California.
Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, psychological exam, and physical.
Prompt and regular attendance is required.
Must be available to work a varying schedule, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events as assigned.
Vision standard: correctable to 20/20, normal color vision
Hearing Standard: normal hearing
Position requires standing, walking and/or running or uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, crawling, and making repetitive hand movements above and below shoulder level in the performance of daily duties.
The position also requires both near and far vision when performing work and operating assigned equipment as required by POST.
Acute hearing is required when providing phone and face-to-face service.
The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, fine coordination, and finger dexterity.
The need to lift, carry, pull and push tools, supplies and other equipment weighing up to 100 pounds is also required.
Additionally, the incumbent may be required to respond to after-hours emergency callouts.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in customer service is preferred or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Experience in related dispatch work is preferred, but not mandatory.
Bilingual Preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, EMS or other emergency service and answer non-emergency and maintenance services calls for assistance.
Monitor other agency radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect operations.
Dispatch, as necessary, Police and other emergency units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field.
Use appropriate terminology and cite code sections by number.
Call public and private agencies, such as allied law enforcement, hospitals, towing services and utilities, and request mutual assistance when necessary.
Keep track of police unit locations and status; maintain constant radio communication with personnel in the field.
Provide general information to the public; as necessary, refer callers to appropriate agencies; calm callers; maintain professionalism in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations.
Run Warrant, Registration, and Property checks.
Monitor police activities by using remote video cameras inside and outside the police facility: including detention facility, parking area and front entrance. Operate remote video cameras in the city park and outside businesses surrounding the city park.
Perform related duties as required, within the context of the Chief of Police’s Mission Statement and Organizational Values.