Communications Dispatcher I

Communications Dispatcher

The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule. County Website

Under general supervision, to learn to receive and dispatch routine and emergency radio and telephone communications; to dispatch law enforcement, emergency medical, and other public safety personnel and equipment; to maintain field communications during incidents; to learn to serve as Public Safety Answering Point for the 911 System for unincorporated areas of Siskiyou County; to process warrants; to perform general office support assignments; and to do related work as required. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry and first working level in the Communications Dispatcher class series. Incumbents have responsibility for dispatching and maintaining field communications with public safety personnel. Incumbents also process warrants and perform a variety of office support responsibilities. Communications Dispatcher Is perform many assignments in a training and learning capacity. When an incumbent becomes familiar with the Sheriff / Coroner Department and the dispatching systems and policies and demonstrates good sustained work performance, they may be promoted to the Communication Dispatcher II. Incumbents in these positions will be expected to work ten hour shifts. Work shifts may rotate.

REPORTS TO

Communications / Dispatching Coordinator, Sheriff Sergeant.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory class.

Essential functions :

Answers the telephone, receiving and classifying calls; learns and exercises basic responsibility in determining priority of response and dispatching Sheriff-Coroner, emergency medical and other public safety units, according to availability, assigned geographic area, and location, to routine and emergency calls; maintains field communications for public safety checks, and during emergencies and incidents; insures adequate back-up for Sheriff personnel; learns to serve as Public Safety Answering Point for 911 Telephone System; transfers emergency calls to other agencies as warranted; monitors various public safety radio channels, and coordinates efforts in dispatching personnel and equipment; maintains records / logs of calls for services, radio transmissions, and telephone messages using the computer; records and maintains master audio tape recording equipment for all radio transmissions / telephone calls; establishes chain of custody / evidence of communications dispatcher records; enters and clears information on the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (CLETS) to assist personnel with calls; operates the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD); sends, receives, and decodes teletype information; enters and tracks restraining orders into local, state & national data base systems; arranges and coordinates removal of deceased persons; coordinates interagency law enforcement communications using telephone radio and computer with emergency medial and public safety activities; processes warrant, criminal and civil subpoenas, and records checks; updates daily dispatching logs; enters information such as stolen / repossessed property, and abandoned vehicles information into the teletype systems; may search master recordings for needed information; performs a wide variety of general office assistance assignments; operates dispatching, office equipment, and computers; provides information to other staff and the public.

Knowledge of :

• The general geography of Siskiyou County.
• Modern office methods and procedures.

Desired Skills :

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be :

One year of office support work experience in a position having substantial public contact.

Special Requirements :

Applicants will be required to submit to a pre-employment physical, a pre-duty drug test, and a psychological examination.

Must be fingerprinted and receive employment clearance from the California Department of Justice.

Must not have been convicted of any felony.

Typical Physical Requirements :

Sit for extended periods, generally up to three hours; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX as well as radio communication and dispatching equipment.

Typical Working Conditions :

Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.