Dispatcher

City of Newburgh•Newburgh, NY

13d

About The Position

The Dispatcher performs routine clerical, administrative, and technical work for the dispatch center, receiving and dispatching routine and emergency information, maintaining official records, and assisting with administration of the center’s operating policies and procedures. The position works under general supervision in accordance with established policy and has no supervisory responsibilities. The Dispatcher monitors incoming telephone and radio communications, gathers information, dispatches fire and other response vehicles, relays incident details, and keeps responding personnel informed of relevant updates. The role also maintains communication logs, dispatch records, information about personnel and equipment, and the dispatch work area and equipment. Additional assignments may include monitoring holding cells or a flood warning system and assisting with training new employees.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
Working knowledge of computers, electronic data processing, and modern office practices and procedures.
Some skill in operating the listed tools and equipment.
Ability to effectively interact with the public.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle stressful situations.
No felony convictions.

Responsibilities

Monitor dispatch-center telephones and radios, answer incoming calls, determine the nature of each call, and gather information to transmit or relay.
Dispatch fire and other response vehicles for emergencies.
Broadcast the nature, location, and time of incidents and contact required personnel and other local concerns during emergencies.
Contact designated personnel to ensure reserve units are available for call-back.
Relay information as required and maintain ongoing contact with responding personnel during emergencies.
Maintain logs of radio and telephone communications and track the location of personnel and equipment.
Track traffic lights that are out, closed streets, out-of-service fire hydrants, and similar information, and inform emergency personnel.
Maintain the dispatch-center work area and equipment in clean, working condition.
Operate radios and the base radio as required and assist with radio communications.
Operate office machines and enter data on standard office and department forms, manually or electronically.
Make simple postings to reports, compile and tabulate data, and maintain dispatch documents and records.
When assigned, monitor individuals in holding cells for conduct, safety, medical, or other needs.
Assist in training new employees and, as needed, monitor the flood warning system.