Public Safety Communication Officer

City of Jacksonville Beach•Jacksonville Beach Police, FL

24d

About The Position

Performs responsible technical work dispatching law enforcement, fire rescue, ocean rescue, and other personnel and equipment, usually in response to emergencies. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Public Safety Communications Supervisor or patrol supervisor. The role requires responding and remaining on duty during emergency operations and being available for standby and recall as needed. This position is part of the Qualification Advancement Program. Advancement to Communications Officer II requires two years of service as a Communications Officer I and both the FCIC/NCIC Operators Certification and Florida Department of Health Emergency Communications Certification.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain FCIC/NCIC Operator Certificate and FDOH 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within one year.
Open availability and ability to work a rotating schedule, including varying shifts, days, nights, midnights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
Knowledge of emergency communications equipment procedures, customer service standards, City geography, and applicable FCIC/NCIC systems and guidelines.
Skill in operating emergency communications radio equipment and using empathetic listening techniques.
Ability to remain calm under pressure; prepare oral and written reports; handle confrontations constructively; speak English rapidly, clearly, and concisely; and maintain control of stressful conversations.
Ability to maintain accurate records and exercise judgment and initiative in dispatching emergency calls and other requests.
Ability to dispatch and handle emergency calls continuously under time constraints and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to read computer screens for extended periods, hear under adverse conditions, write English legibly and rapidly, learn and recall signals, codes, and computer commands, and communicate, interpret communications, and accurately enter computer data simultaneously.
Ability to read and apply maps and GPS systems and follow instructions quickly.
Ability to operate a two-way radio console and/or multi-line telephone system while wearing a headset throughout the entire work shift.
Physical ability to reach, perform repetitive wrist, hand, and finger motions, walk, and perform manual-dexterity tasks; vocal communication, hearing, and visual acuity are required.
Ability to perform sedentary work requiring exertion of up to 10 pounds occasionally and negligible force frequently or constantly.

Responsibilities

Answer 9-1-1 calls requesting police and emergency assistance, and process information calls and requests for non-emergency assistance.
Dispatch police emergency calls and personnel or equipment using computerized radio and computer-aided dispatch systems, including simultaneous voice communication and data entry.
Obtain information from callers, including people who may be distraught or emotional, to process requests for emergency assistance.
Record emergency incident response information and maintain the current status of police emergency vehicles and equipment using computer-aided dispatch programs or manually.
Monitor and respond to voice communications on multiple radio frequencies.
Query, interpret, and maintain FCIC/NCIC database information and operate a high-speed teletype system.
Coordinate emergency service responses with other public safety agencies and surrounding counties.
Operate necessary office and emergency communications equipment, and maintain applicable records.
Serve on standby and be subject to recall as needed; respond and remain on duty during emergency operations.
Perform related tasks as required.