Telecommunicator I

City of Bentonville•Bentonville, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Telecommunicator I is an entry-level position for a Telecommunicator Apprentice working under direct supervision, including a training phase. This role involves operating emergency police, fire, EMS, and 911/non-emergency phone and radio communication equipment. Responsibilities include receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching personnel and equipment, and providing pre-arrival instructions to citizens. Work assignments and schedules are subject to change based on City needs and operational requirements. Attendance and the ability to interact positively with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
Proficient oral/written communication and computer skills.
Ability to effectively deal with people and highly stressful situations, which may be for an extended period.
Ability to assess situations quickly and accurately.
Ability to use appropriate judgment when responding to incident reports and emergency situations.
Ability to adhere to and follow established policies and procedures.
Ability to operate multiple computer terminals, two-way radio, and related dispatch and recording equipment.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to deal effectively and courteously with co-workers and the public.
Ability to perform effectively as a team member.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measurement, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
ACIC/NCIC Basic and Advanced Certification
International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification
CPR Certification
APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification
Maintain Valid Driver’s License
Must be able to work any assigned hours/shifts with varying days off.
Subject to emergency call-in.
Must successfully complete an extensive background investigation; must not possess any felony convictions; and must pass pre-employment drug testing and physical.

Nice To Haves

Public Safety communications knowledge is preferred.

Responsibilities

Operates telephone console to receive incoming calls for assistance.
Answers emergency and non-emergency calls from citizens, obtaining vital information, referring calls to appropriate agencies, and contacting agencies for citizens.
Questions callers to determine the nature of the problem, location, seriousness of the emergency, and the type and number of personnel and equipment needed.
Transmits orders and receives messages from law enforcement, fire, emergency response units, local/state agencies, wrecker services, and utility workers.
Determines the correct course of action, priority, and number of units to dispatch.
Scans the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) program to determine available units and locations of first responders.
Maintains current knowledge of all Dispatch Policies and Procedures.
Operates the NCIC/ACIC computer system to receive and disseminate information concerning stolen vehicles, articles, and wanted/missing persons.
Enters felony and misdemeanor warrants into NCIC.
Operates two-way radio to dispatch police, fire, medical, and other personnel and equipment, and to relay instructions or information to remote units.
Maintains current knowledge of all main thoroughfares, access routes, and roads closed for construction and repairs.
Enters commands on a computer keyboard to update files and maintain logs.
Relays instructions or questions from remote units.
Documents radio traffic and citizen complaints in CAD.
Coordinates all police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency requests, relaying instructions to the closest and most suitable units available.
Provides pre-arrival instructions using EMD protocol before paramedics arrive.
Transmits and receives messages between divisions of the agency and other law enforcement agencies.
Contacts police officers to verify assignment locations, monitors dispatched units, and serves as a liaison with the caller when necessary.
Receives incoming alarms for Police, Fire, and EMS.
Updates CAD files with recent representative, address, and phone number information.
Determines the type and number of units to respond to an emergency.
Operates with minimal equipment when evacuated to Detention during natural disasters.
Notifies fire stations and activates the radio pre-alert toning system for fire/EMS calls for service.
Relays messages from the scene of a fire, such as requests for additional help and medical assistance.
Records date, time, type of call, and destination of messages received or transmitted.
Interfaces with the ACIC system to input data and obtain information on driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, stolen property, NCIC hits, and warrants.
Reads and interprets a variety of resource material, procedural manuals, and computer programs.
Performs minor office functions such as filing, copying, and sorting.
Tests various communications systems and reports malfunctions to maintenance units.
Protects the privacy of all Bentonville Emergency Communications Center information in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and practices as required by federal and state law.