Communications Dispatcher Trainee

Communications Dispatcher

Higher starting pay for experienced dispatchers : 0-1 yr full-time experience : $24.72 / hr 2 yrs full-time experience : $25.96 / hr 3+ yrs full-time experience : $27.25 / hr General description : Public safety communications work in operating radios, telephones and computer. Answering calls for assistance and dispatching.

Communications dispatcher trainees are required to work under the direct supervision of a communications dispatcher I, communications dispatcher II, communications shift leader, or communications supervisor. Communications dispatcher trainees will be reclassified to communications dispatcher I upon the successful completion of the communications dispatcher I training program and upon successful completion of a one year probationary period.

Essential job functions : Answers switchboard, transfers calls and takes messages; Answers 911 calls taking information and entering into CAD system; Assigns complaints to officers and maintains current status of officers; Processes inquiries regarding registrations, warrants, jail information, business complaints and house watches; Monitors radio channels and alarms; Operates NCIC / FCIC system for inquiry regarding persons, vehicles, boats and articles; Performs radio paging via Sheriff's paging system; Operates Teletype and office machines; Maintains logs and records of work; Works shift work; Performs related duties as required. Essential physical skills : Must be able to operate switchboard, radio, computer and perform data entry; eyesight correctable to 20 / 30; normal hearing with or without a hearing aid; sit for long periods of time; work shift work. Environmental conditions : Inside an environment which is often under emergency and stressful situations. Knowledge of : Geography and street locations of the county; general radio language; computers. Ability to : Gain knowledge of procedures used in dispatching; communicate effectively with public and officials under emergency conditions; orient, read and utilize a map or atlas using the grid system; give clear, concise directions between geographic points; perform multiple functions simultaneously; gain knowledge of codes, signals and operations of telecommunications system; FCC rules and regulations; manage situations involving high stress. Skills : Computer; communication skills used on a radio network.

Minimum qualifications : Graduation from high school or GED. Type 35 cwpm.

Performance testing : Applicants must successfully pass communications dispatcher performance test (CritiCall) administered by the agency. Applicant will be afforded three (3) opportunities to successfully complete testing.