Emergency Services Dispatcher (Public Safety Communications)

City of San Angelo Texas • San Angelo, TX

9d

About The Position

The Communications Division is one of the most vital services for both our Police and Fire departments and also serves as the critical link between the citizens in need and responding personnel. Our Dispatchers receive and dispatch requests for Police, Fire, EMS, and other emergency and non-emergency services.

Requirements

• Be a United States citizen.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A valid Texas Driver License with a good driving record is required. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure.
• Able to pass all necessary training to perform the functions of the job.
• Able to receive the TCOLE Basic Telecommunications Operator Certification prior to completing the one (1) year probationary period.
• Be available to work mandatory overtime as required due to manpower or other emergency situations.
• Be available to be called in with little or no notice due to unforeseen emergencies; ex: Acts of nature, terrorist actions, etc.
• Regular and timely attendance is required.
• Be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Be able to handle high call radio and phone volumes.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to listen and communicate effectively.
• Ability to evaluate a situation and determine the appropriate level of response needed.
• Ability to remain calm and function appropriately during stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to successfully work in a multi-tasking environment with constantly changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Answers multi-line telephones for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Identifies the problem(s), reassures the victim or caller, gathers required information (nature, severity, location and status of emergency), and dispatches units and information.
• Operates a multi-channel public safety radio system while simultaneously listening to and comprehends both telephone and radio traffic; receives and transmits pertinent information on all calls for services including those in progress and those involving other agencies; monitors activities of Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service personnel; maintains the location and call status of all emergency units during an assigned dispatch shift.
• Maintains records and data for items such as warrants, missing persons, stolen property and emergency protection orders by confirming information is correct, entering and modifying information in database, and clearing information as applicable.
• Operates computer terminals for specialized access with various automated data banks; simultaneously inputs, retrieves, and maintains information, reads from both computer screens and printouts; reads and interprets maps, charts, and other graphic material in print and computer format.
• Communicates with hearing/speech impaired citizens by operating a specialized T-D-D system.
• Provides assistance to residents and visitors by communicating and relaying messages, responding to requests for information, referring questions to the appropriate department or agency and interacting with citizens on a regular basis.

What This Job Offers

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