Emergency Communications Operator I

Bernalillo County•Albuquerque, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Emergency Communications Operator I answers emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency calls; dispatches law enforcement, fire, rescue, and support service units; and provides emergency medical and fire pre-arrival instructions. The operator provides responding emergency personnel with current information and updates it as needed. The work is highly sensitive and requires precise, accurate, and concise communication in accordance with public safety emergency communications standards, procedures, laws, and ordinances. The employee must work various days and shifts, including holidays, weekends, and overtime when scheduled. The position involves working in a temperature-controlled indoor environment, with intermittent noise and high-paced, stressful duties. The operator uses communications and computer systems to receive calls, dispatch units, maintain unit status and location records, access databases, and provide information to callers and responders. Duties may be performed with or without supervision. The posting lists hourly pay of $27.58 while on probation and a union rate of $28.13. Successful completion of a post-offer medical examination and background investigation is required. Within one year of hire, the employee must complete the department's ECO Training Program and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Telecommunicator Academy, and obtain and maintain the listed state, EMD, CPR, NCIC, and FEMA certifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of related experience that includes data entry, computer applications, and/or telephone communications, or six months of emergency communications/radio dispatching experience.
Ability to type 40 words per minute.
Ability to learn Federal Communications Commission regulations for proper radio procedure and discipline.
Ability to perform duties under stress.
Ability to communicate precisely and clearly in oral and written English.
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with the public, supervisors, responders, and coworkers.
Ability to learn and use radio/CAD codes and operate communications center equipment.
Ability to learn the County's general geographic area.
Ability to interact effectively and understand communications on a Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) phone.
Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
Valid New Mexico driver's license by the date of hire and maintained while employed.
Must not have a felony conviction or a DWI conviction within the past three years.
Within one year of hire, successfully complete the Department's ECO Training Program and the NM Department of Public Safety Telecommunicator Academy in Santa Fe.
Within one year of hire, obtain and thereafter maintain New Mexico State Public Safety Telecommunicator, New Mexico State Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), American Heart Association CPR, and NM State NCIC Full Access Terminal Operator Level certifications, and complete FEMA IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700 courses.
Comply with attendance policies and procedures, including reporting to work on time and maintaining regularly scheduled attendance.
Work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime when scheduled.
Meet the described physical requirements, including extended sitting, limited standing and walking, reaching, handling equipment, and strong hearing and sight abilities.

Nice To Haves

Prior emergency communications operator experience.

Responsibilities

Receive and respond to recorded emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency calls concisely, promptly, and accurately in accordance with applicable protocols and standards.
Dispatch law enforcement, fire, and Emergency Medical Services units in response to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Enter and maintain accurate records of field-unit locations and statuses.
Provide callers with pre-arrival instructions as prescribed by EMS and Emergency Fire Dispatch procedures and departmental protocols.
Access information systems, including NCIC, NLETS, NMLETS, WITS, CAD, and New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicle files, in accordance with procedures and protocols.
Provide units with database information in a timely, accurate, and concise manner.
Provide requested general information to the public in a timely, accurate, and concise manner.
When assigned, collaborate effectively with other team members.
Complete required training and obtain and maintain required certifications within the specified timeframe.
Follow County safety guidelines and attendance policies, and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license while employed.