Emergency Communications Operator I

County of Culpeper•County of Culpeper, VA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for performing responsible telecommunications work under frequent stressful conditions. Work involves the receipt of emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public, law enforcement, and fire and rescue communities, as well as maintenance of radio communications with emergency units.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a high school diploma.
Must successfully complete criminal history background investigation, including fingerprinting to include no felony convictions, no serious misdemeanor convictions, all convictions shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license.
Ability to successfully complete in-house training program within 6 months of employment.
Must attend and pass DCJS Communications Basic
Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain NCIC/VCIN, CPR, and EMD within one year of employment.
Must complete and pass: ICS 100, 200; NIMS 700; PST1; CPR; EMD; Fire Communications; Dispatchers Role in Homeland Security; and DCJS Basic Communications School.
Ability to learn the methods of operating communication systems, radios and teletype procedures
Ability to operate complex computerized equipment rapidly and accurately while receiving information by telephone
Ability to work well in emergency situations
Ability to speak distinctly and learn correct telephone answering techniques
Ability to hear and distinguish between several voices at the same time while acquiring and retaining information such as names, numbers and locations
Ability to wear headset
Ability and willingness to work any shift to which assigned
Ability and willingness to work assigned weekends and holidays
Ability to read maps and knowledge of county geographical area, road systems and the locations of landmarks.
Ability to multitask
Ability to follow oral and written instructions
Ability to deal courteously with public under stressful conditions including handling irate persons and emotional situations
Skill in working under pressure of deadlines and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies and the general public

Nice To Haves

Public safety experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Answer phone calls on 911 lines and non-emergency lines for the Culpeper County Public Safety Communications Center
Interview callers to obtain essential information and record data on incidents as they develop
Analyze calls for priority level of emergency response and take or recommend an effective course of action to protect life and property by applying complex police and fire policies and procedures
Broadcast calls for service to police/fire field units, order services requested by field units, dispatch and/or cancel field unit back-up assistance and monitor field units for service availability
Operate sophisticated computer-aided dispatch radio and phone systems and accurately enter information into the computer, including brief descriptions of crimes, incidents, or other emergencies
Maintain composure and professionalism when dealing with hostile or frightened callers during stressful or rapidly changing situations
Assist supervisory and directorial staff in various tasks
Assist in liaison activities with any and all agencies and persons regarding all operations of the Center
Prepare and maintain records and files
Prepare reports
Provides information and education to the public on EMS, public safety and related topics
Perform related duties as required