Dispatcher (Public Safety Telecommunicator)

Manatee County Sheriff's Office • Bradenton, FL

95d

About The Position

The position involves receiving calls for emergency and non-emergency services, screening calls, and dispatching law enforcement or other appropriate response vehicles to investigate. The role requires operating a computer-aided dispatch system and computerized electronics communication system, monitoring radio traffic, and tracking the location information of law enforcement personnel. The dispatcher must accurately enter and retrieve information from various computer systems in a timely manner, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and react quickly and calmly to emergency situations. Knowledge of the geography of the county, dispatch codes, and regulations is essential, along with skills in using computers and two-way radio communications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Valid Florida driver license or valid Florida ID required.
• Must become certified as a Florida DOE Public Safety Telecommunicator within twelve (12) months of appointment.
• Must become certified as Emergency Police Dispatcher (EPD) within six (6) months of appointment.
• Must be NCIC/FCIC certified or must obtain certification within six (6) months of appointment.
• Ability to accurately enter and/or retrieve information from various computer systems and/or programs in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Knowledge of the geography of the county and its road network.
• Knowledge of dispatch codes and signals used to respond to emergency and non-emergency services.
• Knowledge of FCIC/NCIC rules and regulations, codes, and query forms.
• Knowledge of computerized communications center systems and procedures.
• Skill in the use of computers, two-way radio communications, and various other equipment used to perform daily functions of position.
• Skill in eliciting critical information from citizens in a stressful or life threatening situation.
• Skill in accurately performing data entry at 100 keystrokes per minute.

Responsibilities

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Operates a state-of-the-art computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and computerized electronics communication system.
• Screens and inputs calls for service into the system including reported crimes using proper event codes.
• Evaluates and prioritizes calls for service to determine the nature of the call and appropriate level of service required.
• Dispatches and monitors radio traffic and location information of law enforcement personnel simultaneously.
• Checks jurisdictional boundaries and notifies other agencies when a call is within their boundaries.
• Responds to inquiries from law enforcement personnel for information on tag numbers, warrants, and other miscellaneous inquiries.
• Maintains communication logs in accordance with state regulations and agency policies.
• Successfully completes all assignments to duties as directed specifications, within specified timeframe and budget.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer
• Commitment to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED