Emergency Communications Officer

Benton County•Mn 56329, MN

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Benton County Sheriff's Office is currently accepting applications for the position of Emergency Communications Officer. The ideal candidate will possess an understanding of the work, preferred knowledge of laws and regulations, and familiarity with the geographical area. Strong customer service, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills are highly valued. Previous full-time dispatching experience may lead to advanced placement on the pay scale at the Sheriff's discretion. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications must pass a video test, tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, at 9 AM. Further details will be provided via email. A practice test is available at www.ErgoPracticeTest.com at the applicant's expense. In-person interviews are to be determined.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent GED; OR Equivalent combination of education/training/experience.
Valid MN Driver’s License.
Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
Must complete and pass pre-employment testing.
Must successfully complete a background check.
Must complete and pass a psychological exam, physical exam, and drug and alcohol screening.
Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures.
Ability to obtain and maintain, within six (6) months of hire: BCA Single Certification.
Ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire: CJIS terminal operator certification, and First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
Ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire: APCO/NENA or Nationally Accredited training.
Working knowledge of law enforcement practices and terminology.
Ability to solve problems and determine an appropriate course of action.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or scheduled forms.
Ability to effectively use a computer and various software programs.
Ability to handle critical situations in a calm manner.
Ability to handle confidential information and follow data practice requirements.
Ability to maintain effective public relations and communicate with hostile, injured, or impaired persons.
Ability to use independent judgment and react quickly in emergency situations.
Significant ability to multitask.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to handle a variety of tasks under moderate supervision within standard operating procedures.
Ability to perform work involving complex and significant variables requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking.
Ability to maintain effective communication with outside and inside contacts and the public, supplying or seeking information on specialized matters requiring detailed or technical responses.
Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays.
Ability to travel within your daily work assignment.
Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed.
Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
Performs physical/mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position.
Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours, and outside regular hours, as necessary.
Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers.
Must comply with data practices policies and standards related to private data. Access to private data is limited strictly to what is necessary to perform assigned job duties. While accessing such data, the employee must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related need. Once the work-related purpose has been met, private data must be properly secured and stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of the work of an Emergency Communications Officer.
Preferred knowledge of laws, legal codes, and government regulations.
Knowledge of the geographical area, including the names of highways and roads.
Proven aptitude for calmness, patience and politeness even in difficult situations.
Superb customer service skills.
Good judgement skills.
Ability to make decisions quickly.
Excellent speaking and writing skills.
Problem-solving and communication skills.
One (1) or more years of previous Emergency Communications experience.

Responsibilities

Receive, classify, and prioritize incoming calls and texts to 911; and provide information, referrals, and/or dispatch the appropriate response in a timely manner.
Monitor the progress of call responders to ensure safety.
Provide communication support to deputies and law enforcement agencies, including computer checks, hit confirmation, work-related telephone calls, arranging tow trucks, and support from other civilian agencies.
Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment, including 9-1-1 telephone equipment, computer-aided Emergency Communications and records-keeping systems, and a multi-channel radio system.
Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain the status and location of field units; monitor multiple radio frequencies; and relay emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field.
Inquire, interpret, verify, receive, and disseminate information from national, state, and local law enforcement computer networks.
Responsible for compliance with the Data Practices Act and other related laws and regulations in the Emergency Communications Center.
Conduct emergency service tests.
Communicate disaster information and weather warnings to the appropriate personnel and agencies.
Perform data entry into the state and national computer network, maintaining the integrity of the CJIS Hot File System.
Maintain all essential equipment in the Emergency Communications Center and arrange for emergency repairs.
Serve as an answering point for CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) for Central Minnesota.
Attend training as needed.
Attend staff meetings.
Provide training and coaching for new employees.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.