Police/Fire Communications Specialist – Lateral

Port of Seattle • SeaTac, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Police/Fire Communications Specialist performs specialized duties in the Port of Seattle Emergency Services 911 Communication Center. The role receives and transmits requests for emergency services and answers 911 emergency and non-emergency calls, prioritizing radio transmissions and dispatching police, fire, and medical responders. The specialist is cross-trained in police, fire, and medical dispatch and call taking, maintains responder status and location information, and electronically logs relevant activity. Duties also include querying and entering information in state and national computerized data systems, reading maps and relaying directions, monitoring security cameras and alarms, dispatching fire suppression and medical resources, and providing emergency medical dispatch instructions before responders arrive. The role works with tenants, the traveling public, residents, businesses, partner agencies, and the community.

The position works 40 hours per week in a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week facility. The normal schedule varies; it is currently four 10-hour days, bid a year in advance, with rotation every six months. Employees must be available for assigned shifts, weekends, holidays, shift extensions, and unscheduled overtime. The dispatch center is windowless, located within an operating airport, and may be exposed to aircraft exhaust odors. Extended sitting may be required, though sit-to-stand consoles are available. Employees must establish and maintain Washington State residency. The position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 117, and is eligible for overtime pay.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.
• Be able to speak, read, and write English.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Have at least two years of full-time experience as a 911 dispatcher or 911 call taker in a 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), with no more than 24 months away from service.
• Meet all lateral standards at the time of application.
• Pass a background investigation, including criminal records, polygraph, medical, and psychological examinations.
• Successfully complete the hiring training process.
• Successfully complete Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Telecommunicator I and II courses, King County Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification, and State of Washington ACCESS certification within the first year of employment.
• Establish Washington State residence within 30 days of the first day of employment and maintain residence in Washington State during employment.
• Be able and willing to work any assigned shift, including weekends, holidays, shift extensions, and unscheduled overtime.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse population under stressful conditions and quickly convey situations to appropriate resources.
• Independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations, applying policies, rules, and regulations.
• Effectively multitask while exercising discretion and sound judgment.
• Review the Port’s automatic disqualifiers related to criminal activity, driving record, drug use, employment, and financials before submitting an application.

Responsibilities

• Receive and transmit requests for emergency services related to public safety.
• Answer emergency and non-emergency 911 calls, prioritize radio transmissions, and dispatch police, fire, and medical responders.
• Cross-train and work in police, fire, and medical dispatch and call taking.
• Maintain knowledge of emergency responders’ status and location and electronically log pertinent dispatch and responder activity.
• Inquire upon and enter information into state and national computerized data files and systems.
• Read maps and relay directions as necessary.
• Monitor security cameras, alarms, and fire alarms and dispatch appropriate resources.
• Dispatch fire suppression and medical responses to fires, fire alarms, aircraft emergencies, and requests for medical aid.
• Provide emergency medical dispatching, including pre-arrival instructions for medical aid calls.
• Work with tenants, the traveling public, residents, businesses, partner agencies, and the community.
• Apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision care with plan options.
• Paid vacation, starting at about four weeks per year and increasing with tenure.
• Paid sick leave of at least one hour for every 40 hours worked.
• More than ten paid holidays per year.
• A pension and additional savings plans.
• Subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card.
• Six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments, and internal internships.
• Resources to support work-life balance and wellness.

What This Job Offers

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