The public safety call taker receives emergency and non-emergency calls for a variety of municipal services. Work is performed under the general supervision of the public safety dispatcher supervisor. 

The public safety call taker performs the following functions:

• Receives information for emergency and other municipal services 
• Receives emergency telephone calls, determines locations and nature of the calls 
• Receives non-emergency calls and determines appropriate actions 
• Operates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) equipment and performs CAD functions 
• Provides pre-arrival police, fire and medical instructions when needed 
• Maintains tracking logs

• Thorough knowledge of the methods and procedures of various operating systems. 
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing data and voice transmissions.
• Must be familiar with the geography of the City and the locations of important buildings.
• Knowledge of communications management, technical design and application, FCC rules and regulations, and computer operations.
• Ability to:
  • Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner.
  • Obtain information from hostile or traumatized individuals in various situations.
  • Handle multiple activities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Exercise sound independent judgment and make decisions within established guidelines.
  • Speak distinctly and operate telecommunication consoles.
  • View a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
  • Work long periods of time, day or night, weekends, and shift work.
  • Provide outstanding customer service, both internally and externally.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain the 9-1-1, TDD and Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (FSS 401.465) certifications within one (1) year of employment.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain certifications in the emergency police, fire, and medical disciplines within one (1) year of employment and must meet or exceed minimum quality assurance ratings in each discipline.
• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class “E” driver’s license is required.
• The public safety Call Taker must be available for shift work in a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week work environment.

The environmental conditions and physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required, weekly or up to daily, to:

• Lift or carry objects up to 20 pounds.
• Reach and grasp objects.
• Use manual dexterity or fine motor skills.
• Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• Communicate orally.
• Hear.
• Push or pull carts or other such objects.
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy.
• Use a keyboard to enter and transform words or data.
• Use a video display terminal.
• Work in a normal office environment with few physical discomforts; and/or
• Be able to work a fluctuating work schedule based upon the need of the department.
• The employee may sometimes be required to stoop and bend.

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Reference Checks
• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check
• Certification/License Verification
• Credit Check
• Fingerprinting
• Polygraph
• Neighborhood Check
• Psychological Examination
• Drug and Alcohol Screen