Telecommunications Operator

City of Seguin•Seguin, TX

7d•$24

About The Position

Position requires the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment to perform radio and communications work in the communications division of the Police Department on an assigned shift. Work involves receiving all emergency incoming calls to the Police Department, Fire/EMS Department and Animal Control, all non-emergency calls for the Police Department and Animal Control, calls after hours for Utilities, Public Works, Water and Wastewater, dispatching all emergency response personnel (i.e. Police, Fire/EMS, Animal Control, Utilities, Public Works, etc.). Operates a computer terminal for connecting to the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications system, entering calls for service in Computer Aided Dispatch and utilizing pre-arrival instructions in an Emergency Medical Dispatch program. Employee must exercise considerable tack and firmness in obtaining information from distressed persons. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in receiving message, responding to emergency situations, and dispatching calls. Ensures smooth operation of day-to-day telecommunication functions for the Police Department.

Requirements

Knowledge of: operation of two-way radio equipment and telephone; radio transmission procedures and Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations governing operation of radio transmitting and receiving; geographical layout of city/county as to the location of streets, important buildings and other landmarks; and general knowledge of applicable communication system policies and procedures, techniques and regulations used by the emergency service departments.
Ability to: communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; interpret the nature of a call for assistance, apply the appropriate code for dispatching and dispatch the appropriate units; exercise tact, courtesy, and firmness in frequent contact with the general public; use radio and electronic data communications equipment; speak clearly concisely, distinctly, and politely; exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and handle several items at one time accurately during stressful situations; ability to shut out extraneous information from the work environment while selectively listening to information recognized as crucial; work flexible schedule; establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments; maintain accurate files, records, and reports; type at a speed of at least 35 words per minute with a high degree of accuracy; operate a computer; and maintain appropriate necessary certifications.
High school graduation, or its equivalent, and at least six months of related experience (related business or technical school training may be substituted equally for experience)
Telecommunications Operator Basic certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) to be obtained within one year of employment, and Texas National Crime Information System (TCIC/NCIC) certification.
Must have valid Texas Class C Driver's License and possess a good driving record.

Nice To Haves

special law enforcement telecommunications training desirable but not required
Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate and CPR training desirable.

Responsibilities

Operates a two-way radio to receive and transmit messages and dispatches appropriate patrol units or other emergency response personnel as needed; dispatches other city departments after hours and during a natural or man-made disaster; and relays information pertinent to filed operations
Receives, evaluates calls, and responds to complaints and requests for service by telephone, both wireless and wireline and 9-1-1. Directs calls to appropriate staff, officers, and/or agencies. Informs 911 callers of emergency procedures
Notifies other agencies needed to assist Police, Fire/EMS, and Rescue in emergencies (officers, fire, rescue animal control, public works, public utilities, child protection services, bomb squad and other emergency personnel as appropriate
Operates a computer terminal connected to the Texas law Enforcement Telecommunications system and the Texas and National Crime Information Center (TCIC/NCIC) to obtain such information as registration information, driver's license status and history, stolen property and wanted person information, as necessary
Enters, modifies, locates and clears missing persons, runaways, stolen property/vehicles in TCIC/NCIC and corresponds with other agencies both state and nationwide
Performs computer-assisted and manual records checks for officers on individuals, locations, vehicles and other property, sometimes verifying warrants or reports of stolen property with the originating agency
Monitors/utilizes other software critical to emergency communications
Maintains, updates, and accesses for officers' various logs and computer data files (incident reports, stolen or repossessed property logs, maps, etc.)
Provides Emergency Medical instructions over the phone until dispatched personnel arrive
Completes forms and reports
Monitors parking lot, entrances to and exits from building; operates door buttons
Monitors Municipal Court room and building entrances and exits
Monitors jail prisoner monitors as necessary
Takes calls and dispatches commercial and residential alarms
Assigns escorts when required
Maintains current technical and medical knowledge relevant to telecommunication, including reading appropriate newsletters and publications