Public Safety Telecommunicator II (Call Taker)

City of Minneapolis • Minneapolis, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Public Safety Telecommunicator II (PST II), you will serve as the first level of public contact for the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center (MECC). You will be responsible for answering and classifying calls for emergency assistance involving police, fire, or medical emergencies, as well as other public service requests. This role is essential to the City's public safety and offers a rewarding career in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of customer service/public service experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Minnesota Criminal Justice Data Network Certification, Telecommunicator CPR and Crisis Intervention Training, and pass the CJIS Competency Exam within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to type 35 words per minute, or a keystroke equivalent.
• Ability to pass a computer skills assessment exam (multi-tasking, keyboarding speed and accuracy, numbers, memory, call summarization, and prioritizing etc.).
• Ability to pass a background investigation, including signing an informed consent form.
• Ability to pass a medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening and a job-related personnel assessment with a licensed psychologist.
• Good knowledge of the geography of the City of Minneapolis.
• Base of knowledge in City government and operations.
• Good knowledge of services provided by city, county, state, and Federal emergency response and law enforcement agencies.
• Knowledge of police and fire field operations and procedures.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in stressful and fast-paced environment.
• Strong listening skills and ability to deal with emergency situations.
• Ability to assist in training others in dispatching phone answering techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant experience (to determine higher starting salary).

Responsibilities

• Answer and process emergency and non-emergency requests for service from the public and other sources using the 911 telephone and computer-aided-dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Classify requests by following department procedures and policies.
• Provide on-going updates to responding field personnel in real time.
• Alert appropriate supervisory personnel when necessary.
• Initiate emergency phone tracing using special procedures for landlines and cell phones.
• Operate the information radio, handling incoming radio messages from Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Minneapolis Animal Care and Control, and other agencies.
• Process service requests for these and other agencies.
• Enter missing and found person reports in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer database.
• Monitor and respond to ShotSpotter and bait vehicle activations.
• Process warrant checks for MPD.
• Perform checks on license plates, guns, bicycles, and other items in NCIC/CJIS per requests.
• Monitor messages from the State computer system and disseminate information appropriately.
• Send teletype messages to other agencies.
• Enter and sign on/off duty numbers for MPD and Minneapolis Park Police Department (MPPD) Officers.
• During storms, collect information on power outages, downed trees, and blocked streets and follow emergency storm protocols.
• Contact other emergency service organizations, public works crews, utility companies, and others as necessary.
• Assist in training, monitoring, testing, and evaluation of new MECC Call Takers.
• Provide classroom training to small groups of new employees.
• Work with new employees and provide coaching and advice on job performance.
• Host and explain operations to visitors and observers.
• Attend community meetings and represent the 911 Center as a member of internal and external committees and on special projects.
• Maintain necessary records.
• Pass satisfactorily all of an extensive simulation and on-the-job training program in Fire, Police, EMS, BCR and Animal Control procedures and methods of operation for computer aided dispatch provided after hire.
• Complete FEMA incident systems courses 100, 144, 200, 700 and 800.

Benefits

• Union Representation: This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and Minnesota Public Employees Association (MnPEA).

What This Job Offers

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