What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Officer 1 position at Columbia Basin College (WA)?
Columbia Basin College ("CBC" or the "College") seeks a Communications Officer 1 (Dispatcher) to support the college's mission by giving top priority to the safety and security of the campus community. Through communication, proactive emergency preparedness, and the efficient management of security-related systems and records, this position actively contributes to creating a secure and conducive environment for students, faculty, staff, and the public. This position reports to the Director for Campus Security, Risk & Emergency Management.
This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by June 21, 2026 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Denise Cook at dcook@columbiabasin.edu or (509) 542-4407.
- Administer and maintain security records management systems, including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), ticket management, records retention, daily audits, event logs, and system access security;
- Monitor system integrity and compliance, identify security violations, maintain access permissions, and recommend updates to communications and operational procedures to support consistent department practices;
- Coordinate parking and citation administration, including processing citations, levying fines, managing permit databases, issuing reserved and carpool parking permits, and processing related applications;
- Compile, maintain, and analyze security-related data and reports, including daily operational records, statistical reporting, annual summaries, and data contributions for the Annual Security Report and other administrative reports;
- Operate and coordinate security communications systems, including radio dispatch, multi-line telephone systems, emergency communications, and other department data-recording and communication equipment;
- Receive, assess, document, and disseminate security-related communications and service requests, providing dispatch support and operational direction to patrol personnel during routine and emergency situations;
- Maintain departmental records and provide administrative support, including clerical functions, report processing, file maintenance, receptionist duties, and general office support for Campus Security operations;
- Administer campus access control systems, including maintaining key and electronic access databases, issuing credentials, programming electronic access levels, and managing related documentation for staff and resident students;
- Manage campus security surveillance systems, including monitoring system functionality and retrieving, archiving, and distributing recorded video footage as authorized;
- Provide operational support for department effectiveness, including coordinating with internal technology partners, training staff on systems and procedures, maintaining lost and found operations, researching equipment and supplies and developing forms; and
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- One (1) year of relevant work experience as a communications officer, dispatcher, or front desk worker in a college and/or university, security business or office, or as a public safety dispatcher or civilian staff employee for a police, fire, or emergency medical services (EMS) in a city, county, or federal governmental agency; and
- Experience managing and maintaining databases and electronic record systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree in criminal justice or other related area of study from an institutionally accredited college or university.
Skills and Abilities
Data Analysis & Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills to interpret data, derive insights, and make data-driven decisions that support continuous improvement and enhance operational efficiency;
Decision Making: Strong analytical skills and sound judgment to assess complex situations, weigh alternatives, and make strategic decisions that align with the college's mission, values, and priorities while considering diverse perspectives and potential impacts;
Innovation: Proactively seeking and implementing creative solutions to improve effectiveness and adaptability within the college environment. Embracing continuous improvement and fostering a culture of forward-thinking to enhance outcomes;
Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting;
Problem-Solving Skills: Proven capacity to analyze complex issues, identify solutions, and implement strategies to address challenges effectively within a dynamic educational environment;
CBC Shared Commitments: Demonstrates a willingness to work with and support others in completing assignments, accepts constructive feedback, and cooperates with coworkers and supervisors. Shows alignment with CBC Shared Commitments by treating others with respect, communicating and collaborating effectively, pursuing growth and learning, valuing and celebrating contributions, prioritizing wellness, and holding self and others accountable; and
Support for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Reflecting CBC's mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting; demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth.
This position is a full-time, overtime eligible classified staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, must be available to work a flexible schedule when prior notice is given by the College. This position is available immediately.
Process Note
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.
**Please note that selected interview candidates will be subject to supplemental testing that will measure skills and abilities related to this position (e.g., Safety and Security, Communication, Analytical Skills, MS Office Simulation [Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word], Customer Service, etc.).
Conditions of Employment
In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986. Columbia Basin College is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas (e.g., H-1B) at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.
Other Job Elements
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met and may be encountered by an incumbent when performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.
Working Conditions
Work environment includes office and other settings as appropriate. It is a fast paced and sometimes stressful services environment. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.
Union Clause
This is a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). Internal promotional, transfer and voluntary demotion applicants who have skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position will be considered prior to consideration of other applicants.
Salary : $65,220 - $87,756