Emergency Communications Specialist - Multiple Anticipated Vacancies - Houlton

Department of Public Safety • Houlton, ME

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Emergency Communications Specialists play a crucial role as the liaison between law enforcement and people in need of help. They are responsible for gathering essential information from callers and accurately and promptly sharing it with first responders. This position offers possible advancement routes to Q/A positions, Supervisor, Operation Managers, CAD Administrators, or Director. The operation requires 24/7 coverage, operating on a rotating schedule that may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or night shifts. Selected candidates must pass a fingerprint-based background check and a polygraph. During training, all three shifts (days, evenings, overnights) must be worked. After the probationary period, shift assignments are determined by seniority in compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Ability to make prompt and accurate decisions under stressful and time-sensitive conditions.
• Ability to handle multiple enhanced 911 calls simultaneously.
• Ability to detect discrepancies within agency databases and report inconsistencies.
• Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize incidents.
• Must be able to pass a fingerprint-based background check and a polygraph before employment.
• Must be available to work all 3 (three) shifts including days, evenings, and overnights during the training period.

Nice To Haves

• Within six months of hire, new employees receive training from the Department of Public Safety to attain certifications in: Maine State Terminal Operator, Emergency Telecommunicator, Emergency Fire Dispatcher, Emergency Medical Dispatcher (which includes CPR training), and NexGen 9-1-1.

Responsibilities

• Acting as the first point of contact for people in need of help for emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Coordinating effective response to calls for service.
• Developing incident resolution strategies.
• Searching databases to find pertinent information for appropriate personnel (e.g., criminal history, stolen property, motor vehicle data).
• Documenting calls in the computer-aided dispatch system.
• Operating communications equipment, including computer-aided dispatch and radio systems.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums)
• Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
• Retirement Plan (State contributes 14.71% or 18.91% of employee's pay towards MainePERS)
• Extensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED