Communications Operator I

Communications Operator I

This recruitment is being conducted to fill reoccurring full-time vacancies. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year. Periodic testing for this position will take place as described below in the supplemental information section.

The incumbent in this position will perform a variety of complex duties in direct support of public safety personnel including receipt, interpretation, and dispatching of calls for law enforcement, fire, ambulance and other emergency assistance; direct fire and medical emergencies to the proper agency for response; accurately utilize a computer-aided dispatch system to initiate a response to effectively handle emergencies; utilize a two-way radio system to communicate with field units; accurately maintain the status of all field units; and provide information and assistance to the public.

This is the entry / trainee level class in the Communications Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Communications Operator II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series in the Communications Section. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Incumbents are expected to promote to the Communications Operator II level after satisfactory completion of an eighteen month probationary period and when experience and education requirements for the Communications Operator II level are met.

Receives immediate supervision from a Communications Supervisor and receives functional supervision from Patrol Supervisors, to include the On-Duty Watch Commander.

Examples Of Important Responsibilities And Duties

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

When Functioning in the Communications Center :

• Receives, interprets, classifies, prioritizes and responds to calls of a routine and emergency nature, including those calls involving life-threatening situations.
• Assigns calls to police units for necessary action, determining the appropriate units required for response. Coordinates when necessary with patrol supervisors regarding deployment of personnel. Visually monitors video display terminals and actively listens to police radio frequencies to ensure correct status of officers and emergency personnel. Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.
• Dispatches law enforcement or other emergency personnel and equipment. Operates a variety of communications equipment, including computer-aided dispatch terminals, radio transmitters and receivers, dispatch consoles, electronic data terminals, telephone and lease line teletype. Monitors multiple computer screens simultaneously. Enters, updates and retrieves information from computerized databases relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.
• Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and public safety agencies.
• Provides information to officers and field personnel expeditiously, including but not limited to, warrants, vehicles, driver's licenses, parole, and criminal history information. Interprets or clarifies coded responses from various systems for law enforcement, public safety, or other relevant parties.
• Accurately processes information received in the communications center and accurately disseminates that information to the appropriate concerned parties, including but not limited to, relatives of those involved; employers; hospitals; sworn and non-sworn public safety personnel at other agencies; other City departments; ambulance services; detoxification centers; tow companies; attorneys; state parole; county probation; animal control; commercial establishments; alarm companies and schools.
• When appropriate, monitors other public safety and emergency preparedness radio traffic; security monitors; and takes necessary action.
• Maintains a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files related to communications center activities.
• Make court appearances as required related to assigned activities.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety activities.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Perform other work as assigned.

When Functioning in the Field :

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities / Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of :

Ability to :

Experience and Training Guidelines : A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be : Experience : Some experience operating radio, computer or other communication equipment is highly desirable. Training : A High School Diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by general clerical experience. License or Certificate : Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver license upon hire.

Tools and Equipment : Telephone console to receive 911 and non-emergency telephone calls; PC computer aided dispatch systems with mapping features and printer; Radio console controls and monitors; Headsets; Mobile Data computers; Microsoft Word and E-mail; Copy machine; Fax machine; California Law Enforcement Telephone System (CLETS); Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDD).

Supplemental Information

The Recruitment & Selection Process :

1. Applicants must submit a completed City of Vallejo online application, including all responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (Resume / Cover Letter Optional), by the posted testing deadline in order to move forward in the selection process. NOTE : If you have problems creating a user account, obtaining your already created account information, or submitting your online application, please contact governmentjobs.com applicant support directly at 855-524-5627. City of Vallejo staff are unable to assist with these issues.

2. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have submitted a completed application including answering all Supplemental Questions, will be invited to participate in the testing process as outlined below :