Communications Technician I

City of Gahanna•Oh 43230, OH

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Gahanna Division of Police is seeking diverse, motivated and qualified individuals for the position of 911 Dispatcher. Come join one of central Ohio's leaders in policing. Be a part of a diverse workforce that provides for the safe travel for motorists, pursues excellence in service delivery, and works to reduce the rate and fear of crime all while keeping the City of Gahanna a safe place to live, work and raise a family. The Gahanna Civil Service Commission will administer an online practical examination upon application. Eligible applicants will receive an email with instructions from Criticall on how to complete the exam. For more information on the hiring process, read the 2026 applicant packet. To view the packet, visit https://www.gahanna.gov/184/Join-Our-Team

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent
Ability to type 45 WPM with minimal error
State of Ohio Notary (obtain within first six months of employment)
Must be able to obtain LEADS certification within 6 months of employment
APCO EMD/EFD certification (obtain within the first six months of employment)
Knowledge of: Methods of operating two-way communication systems.
Knowledge of: Radio code system and teletype procedures
Knowledge of: Geography of the City and location of important buildings
Skill in: Typing with minimal error at least 45 WPM.
Skill in: Data Entry with minimal error at least 4,000 keystrokes per hour.
Skill in: Radio operations and related equipment; Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD); telephone; two-way radio; LEADS and basic office equipment.
Skill in: Assisting and responding courteously and professionally to the public and co-workers.
Skill in: Quickly assessing an emergency situation and determining course of action.
Ability to: Listen, speak, and write articulately and clearly while interacting with the public, co-workers and emergency personnel.
Ability to: Remain calm in stressful situations.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other communication technicians, police officers, and the general public.
Ability to: Operate standard office, data entry and computer equipment, and communication consoles.
Ability to: Effectively multi-task with multiple calls, radio traffic and other tasks under emergency and often times, stressful situations.
Ability to: Work all shifts including holidays, weekends and mandatory overtime in order to handle the workload of the dispatching center.

Responsibilities

Receiving calls for service; dispatching personnel and equipment; maintaining records; entering data; preparing reports.
Receives and transmits messages primarily by radio and maintains radio log on shift work in Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD).
Enters and retrieves a variety of data into computer system concerning department activities.
Receives emergency calls, determines location and nature of emergency, and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment.
Dispatches vehicles where and when needed.
Receives complaints in person or by telephone, passes information on to appropriate units and keeps records of complaints/phone calls.
Makes inquiries concerning vehicles via computer system.
Monitors police frequencies and emergency frequencies.
Makes criminal history and vehicle information checks.
Performs a variety of filing, checking, and clerical functions for officers and the general public including accepting payment for bonds.
Provides complex verbal pre-arrival instructions to callers as well as first responders including but not limited to emergency medical care, location of potential hazards, etc..
Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor.