Martin County is currently accepting applications for a part-time Communications Officer!

The Communications Officer receives information requiring law enforcement, fire and/or medical responses and disseminates information via radio and/or phone to proper emergency or non-emergency services and is responsible for carrying out the directives of the Sheriff by organizing, directing, planning and coordinating the operations of the Martin County communications system and use of the law enforcement records system.

Shift and hours may vary based on department needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide initial contact for public safety calls, 911 emergency lines, administrative lines, administrative lines and radio traffic and determining priorities of calls and dispatch appropriate personnel including law enforcement, fire, rescue, ambulance/or air ambulance.
• Know how to answer questions on a wide variety of topics or how to refer the calls. Handle angry, difficult, hysterical or uncooperative callers in a professional manner. Must be able to remain calm in an atmosphere of ever-changing priorities and periods of high stress.
• Dispatching all emergency vehicles including law enforcement, fire, rescue, ambulance/or air ambulance.
• Operate radio console receiving and transmitting messages. Responding to all law enforcement, fire department, and EMS radio traffic.
• Maintain appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
• Continually perform at a high level of mental stability and professionalism. Perform multiple tasks simultaneously within critical time constraints and under the pressure of emergency conditions.
• Performs work on various computer systems, databases, and mapping software and other applications for data entry and information retrieval.
• Works rotating shift work during the days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, and must be available to work extended shifts and be subject to emergency callout(s).
• Receives and broadcasts emergency weather information.
• Communicate clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately.
• Running the state computer for law enforcement, looking up driving records, license plates, criminal histories, and other records including knowledge of where to find Order for Protections, Harassment Restraining Orders, and DANCO’s.
• Checking warrants on individuals for officers and jailers, entering warrants, stolen vehicles and other stolen property, and missing persons, etc.
• Contact on-call human service worker, off duty officers and business key holders after business hours.
• Assists in training of new hires.
• Finds addresses and phone numbers for law enforcement.
• Maintains court documents within the Sheriff’s Office Records System.
• Participates in continuing education and training sessions on appraisal methods, law changes, computer skills and other related matters. Ensures required certification and licensure credentials remain valid.
• Performs other work-related duties as required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties performed by personnel so classified.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED
• Less than one year of recent progressive experience along with the skills, knowledge and abilities required; or equivalent combined education and experience.

LICENSURE

• Valid Driver’s License

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge of the geography of Martin County, including roads, streets and location of various landmarks in the County.
• Comprehensive knowledge of principals, techniques and practices of the public safety communications system.
• Must have demonstrated ability of tact, courtesy, good character and good judgment.
• Must be able to work effectively without close supervision.
• A working knowledge of processes and operating requirements of the communication system and multiple computer environments.
• Demonstrated ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Established ability to concentrate and evaluate information when handling angry, difficult, hysterical or uncooperative callers.
• Ability to recall numerous details and essential information.
• General knowledge of law enforcement, fire and EMS operations.
• Working knowledge of the functions, resources and activities of city and county departments with relation to law enforcement, fire and EMS operation.
• Comprehensive skills in planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the overall program of communication operations.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, emergency service providers, other county and city staff and the general public.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience could provide necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job.

POSITION COMPETENCIES

ACCOUNTABILITY & DEPENDABILITY

• Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and achieves results with limited oversight.
• Follows instructions and adheres to all County policies and procedures as required.
• Maintains an acceptable record of work attendance and punctuality in accordance with County and Department requirements.

COMMUNICATION (VERBAL & WRITTEN)

• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain working relationships to produce results, and a work environment that builds rapport and trust.
• Communicates professionally and effectively with internal and external customers through spoken and written correspondence, including emails. Listens well; respects viewpoints different than own.
• Contributes knowledge, experience, and feedback appropriately to others.

DECISION MAKING & JUDGEMENT

• Makes timely, informed decisions that take into account the facts, goals, constraints, and risks.
• Displays balanced thinking, combining wisdom, analysis, experience, and perspective when making decisions or producing results.
• Finds solutions that are acceptable to diverse groups with conflicting interests and needs.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT & INTEGRITY

• Demonstrates knowledge and actions consistent with the County’s values and the County’s code of ethics and conduct.
• Respects and maintains confidentiality.
• Demonstrates high moral principles and professional standards with others through truthfulness and sincerity; makes ethical decisions.
• Shows respect for others’ ideas, perspectives, and styles. Demonstrates appropriate business etiquette and social skills.

QUALITY OF WORK

• Maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates the ability to use resources productively, effectively, and efficiently.
• Demonstrates the ability to think proactively, anticipates potential problems, and provides workable solutions and alternatives with a ‘can do’ approach.
• Develops and maintains good working knowledge of job responsibilities and prescribed procedures, which facilitates the efficient performance of duties. Takes initiative to utilize job knowledge to analyze situations, resolve problems, and reach decisions.

STRESS TOLERANCE

• Maintains composure in highly stressful or adverse situations. Handles high workloads, competing demands, vague assignments, interruptions, and distractions with poise and ease. Remains steady or thrives under pressure.
• Stays calm and maintains focus in turbulent, threatening, or emergency situations. Makes rational decisions and continues to perform effectively.

TECHNOLOGY

• Considerable knowledge of modern office equipment, practices and procedures including a computer and other basic office equipment.
• Software skills, including excellent typing skills, and the ability to use Microsoft Office products including but not limited to Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The position has good working conditions in general, but is a diversified job requiring sustained mental effort related to organizational issues, planning and technical areas. 

The individual may encounter moderate to high emotional strain or tension. There is sustained exposure to sitting and standing. There is continuous exposure to computer keyboards and video screens and moderate exposure to lifting up to 40 pounds.

Work up to ten (10) hours or longer at a time continuously wearing a communication headset that will cover one ear or fit within the ear canal of one ear, and be able to still hear and understand other outside sources not coming to the earpiece.

Incumbent must be prepared to remain in the communications center for the full scheduled shift. Uninterrupted lunch and other breaks are not guaranteed.

Work is performed in the confined environment under high stress and plays a critical role in public safety delivery. Must take information from callers who may be excited, abusive, use foul language, incoherent, drunk or hysterical.

Continuous: Sit; Keyboarding; Repetitive movement; Inability to leave work station for long periods of time; Exposure to emotional public; Exposure to trauma; Limited mental effort and/or stress; some mental effort and stress involved resulting in frustration; Considerable mental effort and stress; work requires moderate attention to detail; Work requires high attention to detail; Work with frequent deadlines.

Frequent: Exposure to offensive language; Exposure to threats.

Occasional: Walk; Stand; Work alone.

Intermittent: Bend or stoop; Kneel or squat; Lift or carry 11-25 lbs.; Lift or carry 11-25 lbs.; Lift, carry, push, pull 26-60 lbs.

This position is responsible for the use of Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Records Management, CJIS/NCIC/III, Dept. of Public Safety MN Government Status Board, Motorola MCC 7500 Elite/800MHz Radio Console, Plantronics Radio and Telephone Headsets, VestA 911 Phone System, Business Alarms File, GeoComm Geolyxn 911 Mapping, Martin County Sheriff’s Security Building Lock System, MGA and MN Judicial Branch, Statewide Supervision System (SSS), Civil Defense Sirens, DNT Weather Sentry, Instant Retrieval Recorder, MyBCA, NVR Client Security Camera System, Raritan Switch men/starview, Code Red, Martin County Courthouse Security Alarm System, Motorola 800 MHz Base Unit, Motorola MC1200 800 MHz Radio Phone back-up, Portable Motorola 800 MHz two-way radio, and Region V Sheriff’s Communication (Com) Vehicle.

Martin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.