JOB SUMMARY
Dispatches appropriate police, fire, and/or EMS personnel; processes emergency and non-emergency calls; provides information and assistance to callers; maintains communication with callers and response personnel; prepares and maintains emergency communication records; operates and maintains various types of communications equipment; access to state and federal law enforcement databases; coordinates and performs a variety of dispatch functions on behalf of the City's 911 Communications Center and performs other related duties.

• $5,000 Hiring Incentive for applicants who hold a current Texas TCOLE Telecommunicator License
• $2,500 Hiring Incentive for all other applicants
• Evening and Midnight Shift Differential
• Applicants with 1 year or more recent experience as a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator will be exempt from the required Criticall test prior to interviews.
• Interviews tentatively scheduled for late June with potential hire date in July/August

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Answers, processes, documents, and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls for service from citizens, officers, local businesses, and other law enforcement agencies; obtains necessary information from callers in or to provide pre/post arrival instructions for medical, fire and police emergencies, such as but not limited to: CPR instructions, stroke diagnostics, escaping burning or flooding vehicles and structures, safety instructions for active shooter or crimes in progress. 
• Dispatches appropriate police, fire, and/or EMS personnel; tracks the location and status of response units; maintains communication with field personnel; obtains and relays information including but not limited to incident locations, directions and caller/patient updates.
• Accesses and operates multiple confidential databases and programs. Processes officer requests for information including driver's license, license plate, and criminal history; enters lost/stolen property, missing persons, runaways, and protective orders; researches and confirms local, county, state and national warrants through multiple criminal justice databases that include but aren't limited to: Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS).
• Maintains contact with City personnel and outside agencies during times of emergency; coordinates mutual aid to neighboring fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies.
• Updates and maintains contact information and lists for City departments, various police divisions and other local community emergency services
• Monitoring and operating multiple job-related software programs on various computers that include but are not limited to Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD), a multiline non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone system, communicating on a multichannel emergency radio system.
• Operates and assists in routine testing and maintenance of equipment including computers, radios and various communications devices; assists with routine maintenance and cleaning of the communications center including but not limited to workstations, breakrooms, kitchen, storage rooms and common areas.
• Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing; utilizing maps and other resource materials; multi-tasking during high levels of activities; controlling stressful emergency situations calmly and concisely; acquiring and maintaining a working knowledge of city streets, geography, boundaries, thoroughfares, landmarks, businesses, and locations of police and fire stations and districts; entering, retrieving, and compiling data from a variety of databases. Skill in typing and using computer systems.

 
DECISION MAKING

• This position works under general supervision.

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• One (1) experience in either an emergency dispatch center or closely related experience in fields such as: customer service, call centers or fast paced work environments. 
• Must pass a skills test including an acceptable working knowledge of computer operations, data entry with an emphasis on accuracy and speed; make and carry out decisions; competently perform under stress when confronted with emergency and critical situations; perform a variety of tasks, often changing quickly from one task to another without loss of efficiency and composure; work without constant direct supervision.
• Must show consistent progress through and complete all modules in allotted time frame of the San Marcos 9-1-1 Telecommunications Training program.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to work under adverse conditions and during unusual hours including nights, weekends, holidays and scheduled/unscheduled overtime.

• Must be a U.S. citizen at time of hire.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Spanish desirable
• TCOLE Telecommunicators License 

 
JOB DIMENSIONS

• Able to work in a 24/7/365 emergency communications center; working during emergency events, holidays, nights, weekends, occasional overtime and must have flexibility in your schedule
• Must be able to read/comprehend emergency communications manuals, books, and records.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required; Must be able to interpret information given from citizens or responders quickly and translate effectively in emergency situations.
• Must be able to view, operate and manage multiple computer programs and emergency communications devices concurrently through multiple separate computers that is displayed across multi-tiered monitors.
• Must be able to maintain positive and professional working relationships with peers, personnel from other City departments, outside agencies, and the general public.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical requirements include lifting up to 45 pounds rarely. Subject to sitting, handling, fine dexterity, vision and hearing constantly; reaching, crawling, bending and twisting occasionally; standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, kneeling, crouching, climbing, balancing and foot controls rarely.
 
Working conditions involve ability to sit for extended periods of time and work in closed quarters with infrequent break periods; occasional exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions and infectious diseases; 9-1-1 Telecommunicators are considered essential staff even in emergency situations.