DISPATCHER I - TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

CITY OF MILTON•Milton, FL

9d•$18 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Telecommunications Specialist – Dispatcher I serves as a critical link between the public and emergency services by receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching calls for service for the City of Milton Polic Department. This position requires the ability to remain calm under pressure, gather and relay accurate information, and ensure a timely and appropriate response to incidents, while maintaining compliance with State of Florida telecommunicator certification requirements and criminal justice information system standards. This position is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance, dispatching appropriate public safety personnel, and maintaining a variety of departmental records and communications logs. Work involves a combination of emergency dispatching and technical support duties, requiring accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The nature of the work requires responsiveness to dynamic and often unpredictable situations, contributing to the complexity and critical importance of the role. Successful performance directly supports the safety of the community and the effective coordination of emergency and non-emergency response services. The primary purpose of this position is to receive and process incoming calls for service and to dispatch appropriate emergency response personnel. Effective performance ensures efficient communication, coordination, and response during routine and life-threatening situations.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent
Must be at least eighteen years of age
Must obtain and maintain State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within twelve months of hire
Must possess, or have the ability to obtain within a specified timeframe, certification and access to state and national criminal justice information systems, including FCIC/NCIC
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including criminal history review, in accordance with agency and CJIS requirements
Ability to type 50 words per minute with > 80% accuracy.
Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as required
Demonstrated knowledge and competency typically acquired through specialized training in emergency communications, public safety, or a related field, in addition to foundational skills associated with a secondary education

Nice To Haves

Experience operating computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and law enforcement databases is preferred
Familiarity with the Florida Incident-Based Reporting System (FIBRS) and related reporting standards is preferred
One of two years of relevant experience, or completion of an accredited training program, internship, or apprenticeship in emergency communications or a related discipline, is highly desirable
Prior experience in emergency communications, public safety dispatch, or a closely related field is preferred
Working knowledge of local geography, roadways, landmarks, and jurisdictional boundaries

Responsibilities

Conducts driver’s license, vehicle registration, warrant, and criminal history checks; maintains and releases motor vehicle registration information to law enforcement agencies; monitors officer-initiated activity such as traffic stops
Coordinates communication and information-sharing with neighboring jurisdictions and regional agencies to support mutual aid and interoperability
Dispatches law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel; monitors unit status and location; maintains continuous communication with field units to ensure officer safety and effective response
Maintains alarm system records and contact databases; monitors alarm activations and coordinates appropriate response
Monitors multiple radio frequencies and communication channels; relays critical and time-sensitive information, including officer safety alerts, to field personnel
Operates the department radio system to communicate with patrol units and other emergency personnel
Provides pre-arrival instructions to callers, including emergency medical guidance and telecommunicator CPR, in accordance with established procedures
Receives and processes incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public and public safety agencies; evaluates, categorizes, and prioritizes calls in accordance with established protocols
Receives, assigns, and tracks complaints; assigns complaint numbers; dispatches patrol units and other emergency vehicles; notifies news media of serious accidents or disasters
Adheres to all departmental policies, procedures, CJIS security requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Assists officers and other personnel by gathering, relaying, and documenting information for incident, arrest, booking, crash, and other reports
Maintains accurate and complete records of all telephone, radio, and CAD activity; prepares reports and assists with the compilation of operational statistics and monthly activity summaries
Operates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, FCIC/NCIC systems, and other communications technologies to document, track, and manage calls for service and unit activity
Performs administrative and clerical duties related to communications operations, including filing, typing, data entry, records maintenance, and documentation
Performs other related duties as assigned
Prepares and mails Florida citation abstracts to the state, and prepares departmental payroll and other specialized records and reports
Processes background and records checks, including Firearm Eligibility system (FES) and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) inquiries, in accordance with applicable laws and agency policies
Sends and receives messages via computer, teletype, or other department communications systems; communicates statewide and nationwide as required