Rockingham County is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with federal and state statutes regarding discrimination in employment. 

This posting is continuous and will remain posted to fill vacancies as they become available. Applicants that apply to this posting will be considered for any vacancies of this type and will only need to apply once.

Work involves receiving all incoming calls on emergency 911 lines, dispatching applicable personnel, and operating a computer terminal connected to the Division of Criminal Information (DCI), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the National Weather Service. Work also includes dispatching units or representatives from fire departments, rescue squads, police departments, the Sheriff's Department, Highway Patrol, wildlife services, animal control, etc. Employee must exercise considerable tact and poise in obtaining information from distressed persons. The employee must also exercise independent judgment and initiative in receiving messages, responding to emergency situations, and dispatching calls. Reports to the 9-1-1 Coordinator.

• Operates a two-way radio or telephone to receive and transmit messages for County Sheriff's Department and Jail, municipal police departments, volunteer and municipal fire departments, Highway Patrol, Department of Transportation, rescue squads, ambulance service, air ambulance service, public utilities, magistrate's office, animal control, wildlife services, various human services agencies, Department of Social Services, etc.
• Receives complaints and requests for service by telephone or radio and in person.
• Obtains necessary information and dispatches necessary officials and/or advises caller of proper contact for assistance or information.
• Monitors and operates TDD teletype to communicate with hearing-impaired callers.
• Operates a computer terminal connected with the Division of Criminal Information and the National Crime Information Center to obtain driver's history, vehicle registration data, gun permit verification and criminal record information; enters information into network such as missing person identities, descriptions of stolen vehicles or other articles.
• Corresponds with other law enforcement or public services jurisdictions through DCI system; processes and maintains records of information obtained.
• Informs emergency response personnel, local hospitals, rest homes, nursing homes and County departments of severe weather warnings provided by National Weather Service.
• Maintains a log sheet on all complaints and services requested; maintains knowledge of location and activities various emergency response personnel; prepares activity reports. 
• Assigns case numbers for requests for services from Madison Police Department and incident numbers to requests from fire departments.
• Receives and provides home and business alarm codes to law enforcement officials and firefighters, as requested; notifies keyholders of activation of alarms.
• Maintains Dictaphone, changing tapes and cleaning heads daily. 
• Performs other routine maintenance of office equipment and work area. 
• Coordinates repair of equipment through outside service vendors.
• Provides information and advice to public as requested; may conduct tours of department for public.
• Assists in training of newly hired communications personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the geographical layout of the County as to location of streets, important buildings and other landmarks.
• Knowledge of the operation of two-way radio equipment and related Federal Communication Commission regulations.
• Knowledge of the operation and location of law enforcement and emergency service units.
• Ability to operate two-way radio equipment and the Division of Criminal Information terminal.
• Ability to elicit information necessary for proper dispatching from persons who may be distressed.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations.
• Ability to speak clearly, distinctly and politely.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Ability to maintain simple but effective files, records and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computer terminals, radio panels with hand and foot pedals, audio/video equipment, copiers, dictaphones, etc. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. However, if the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Job Summary