Telecommunicator/Dispatch

Dispatch/Telecomunicator

Job Class Code: 5025

Safety Sensitive

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision of the Support Services Sergeant or Supervisor this position receives and transmits communications for Police, Fire and Ambulance operations. Operates computer equipment, and Computer Aided Dispatch Systems. This position works one of three eight-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays, with a forty-hour duty week.

**This position has been classified as a safety sensitive position and is subject to our drug testing policy to include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident for the following prohibited substances: marijuana, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and cocaine, as well as any drug not approved for medical use by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.**

Typical Duties:

• Receives inquiries, complaints or emergency calls by telephone or radio.
• Screens calls determining need for assistance or information.
• Determines appropriate authority to which call should be relayed.
• Coordinates all Police, Fire and Ambulance and other emergency request relaying instructions to appropriate emergency unit.
• Maintains records and logs of calls taken and radio dispatches made.
• Records calls broadcast and complaints received.
• Transmits and receives messages between divisions of the city and other Law Enforcement and Emergency agencies.
• Monitors silent alarm systems to detect illegal entry into protected establishments.
• Operates Teletype terminal to send and receive messages.
• Inputs data into computer to log all calls for service for use during police shift briefings.
• Updates and processes warrants.
• Monitors NAWAS telephone and various radio frequencies of emergency response units.
• Operates Dictaphone to change and store logger tapes.
• Updates call out lists on Detectives, sheriffs, Traffic Units, Street Divisions, District Attorney, State Police, and Wreckers.
• Will be required to work weekends and Holidays.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of work experience in dispatching or office experience, including phone-public contact is preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Type 30 words per minute with a high degree of accuracy preferred.
• Due to the requirement of this position to handle crisis situations, incumbents must be free of any physical, emotional or mental condition, which might adversely affect their performance of dispatch duties.
• For insurance purposes, must be bondable.
• Must obtain certification as an Emergency Dispatcher by the New Mexico Law enforcement Academy within one year from date of employment.
• Experience in the operation of computers and communications equipment is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist. Lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight.
• Use repetitive hand movements, fine coordination and manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment and computer systems.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing to permit the employee to discern verbal instructions, use a phone, and communicate with others.
• This position is mainly sedentary with a quality of typing, so repetitive motion comes with this position. One must get up and move around periodically and take multiple breaks to flex hands and wrists to keep joints limber.
• Sufficient visual acuity which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review, evaluate, and prepare a variety of written materials

Working Conditions:

• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.
• Occasional work beyond normal business hours.
• Position is subject to drug testing and regular driver’s license monitoring in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Clovis policies.