Public Safety Telecommunicator

City of Pensacola•Pensacola, FL

22h

About The Position

This is highly responsible, specialized work receiving, screening, prioritizing, and transmitting emergency 9-1-1 calls, information, and messages, and dispatching police and/or fire personnel and equipment. The employee operates computerized emergency communications equipment and maintains an orderly flow of communications between the base of operations and the field. Work follows departmental rules, regulations, and procedures and requires judgment and initiative to determine the seriousness and response priority of situations and to work effectively with other agencies, employees, and the public. Work is reviewed through observation, monitoring of operations, and analysis of reports and records. Employees must be available for rotating and/or permanent shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The position provides emergency and non-emergency communications support for the citizens of Pensacola, Police and Fire personnel, other law enforcement agencies, and public utilities. Duties include answering enhanced 911 and administrative calls, entering information into the Computer Aided-Dispatch system, monitoring radio channels and alarms, operating public safety information systems, and coordinating responses and other public-safety-related services.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
One year of experience in customer service, healthcare, call centers, emergency dispatch, or as an Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Firefighter, Police Officer, or Air Traffic Controller; equivalent related training and experience in one of these fields may qualify.
Alternatively, a combination of education, training, and/or work experience equal to or higher than the stated requirements, as determined by Human Resources.
Obtain State of Florida Department of Health Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within one year of employment or promotion into the classification.
Obtain State of Florida FDLE NCIC/FCIC System certification within 30 days of employment.
Obtain certification for the State of Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (DAVID).
Complete NIMS/FEMA training.
Complete Basic Life Support and AED training within 30 days of employment.
Possess an appropriate driver license for equipment operated and any license, training, or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks.
Pass the Pensacola Police Public Safety Telecommunicator Assessment Exam with a minimum score of 80%; the exam is administered after the application passes minimum-requirement screening.
Be willing to work nights, weekends, holidays, and shift work.
Have the ability to elicit information necessary for proper dispatching, assess situations, make fast and accurate decisions, prioritize, multitask, and remain clear and calm in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Have the ability to speak clearly, distinctly, and politely; communicate effectively orally and in writing; accurately and quickly interpret and enter data into a computer terminal; write legibly; and transcribe verbal information.
Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.
Have knowledge of communications equipment, Police and Fire Department functions and procedures, city geography, radio procedures and protocol, public safety information systems, and law enforcement methods and procedures.
Have keyboarding skills and skill using computer-aided dispatch systems, telecommunications systems, and radio transmitting and receiving equipment.

Responsibilities

Receive and answer enhanced 911 calls from citizens needing Police, Fire, or EMS assistance.
Answer administrative lines, ring-down calls from other law enforcement agencies, and calls from public utilities in support of emergency communications operations.
Enter responses into the Computer Aided-Dispatch system, following recognized protocols such as verifying location, identifying the nature of service, and contacting other emergency services.
Promptly dispatch Police or Fire resources to help protect citizens and their property.
Assign complaints to Police and Fire officers and maintain current officer status.
Monitor radio channels and alarms.
Operate the NCIC/FCIC system to make inquiries regarding persons, vehicles, boats, and articles.
Page and/or call specialized units.
Operate teletype and other office machines.
Provide non-emergency support to officers and citizens, including obtaining wreckers and coordinating traffic-light repairs, tree removal, street-sign replacement, and road blockages for safety.
Perform related duties as required.