Communications Dispatcher I

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule. County Website

Under general supervision, to learn to receive and dispatch routine and emergency radio and telephone communications; to dispatch law enforcement, emergency medical, and other public safety personnel and equipment; to maintain field communications during incidents; to learn to serve as Public Safety Answering Point for the 911 System for unincorporated areas of Siskiyou County; to process warrants; to perform general office support assignments; and to do related work as required. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry and first working level in the Communications Dispatcher class series.  Incumbents have responsibility for dispatching and maintaining field communications with public safety personnel.  Incumbents also process warrants and perform  a variety of office support responsibilities.  Communications Dispatcher I=s perform many assignments in a training and learning capacity.  When an incumbent becomes familiar with the Sheriff/Coroner Department and the dispatching systems and policies and demonstrates good sustained work performance, they may be promoted to the Communication Dis­patcher II.   Incumbents in these positions will be expected to work ten hour shifts.   Work shifts may rotate.

REPORTS TO

Communications/Dispatching Coordinator, Sheriff Sergeant.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory class.

Essential functions:

Answers the telephone, receiving and classifying calls; learns and exercises basic respon­sibility in determining priority of response and dispatching Sheriff-Coroner, emergency medical and other public safety units, according to availability, assigned geographic area, and location, to routine and emergency calls; maintains field communications for public safety checks, and during emergencies and incidents; insures adequate back-up for Sheriff personnel; learns to serve as Public Safety Answering Point for 911 Telephone System; transfers emergency calls to other agencies as warranted; monitors various  public safety radio channels, and coordinates efforts in dispatching personnel and equipment; maintains records/logs of calls for services, radio transmissions, and tele­phone messages using the computer; records and maintains master audio tape recording equipment for all radio transmissions/telephone calls; establishes chain of cus­tody/evidence of communications dispatcher records; enters and clears information on the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (CLETS) to assist personnel with calls; operates the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD); sends, receives, and decodes teletype information; enters and tracks restraining orders into local, state & national data base systems; arranges and coordinates removal of deceased persons; coordinates interagency law enforcement communications using telephone radio and computer with emergency medial and public safety activities; processes warrant, criminal and civil subpoenas, and records checks; updates daily dispatching logs; enters information such as stolen/repossessed property, and abandoned vehicles information into the teletype systems; may search master recordings for needed information; performs a wide variety of general office assistance assignments; operates dispatching, office equipment, and computers; provides information to other staff and the public.

Knowledge of:

• The general geography of Siskiyou County.
• Modern office methods and procedures.                

Desired Skills:

• Learn the proper operation and care of telephone, CLETS, computer terminal and voice radio equipment used by the County.
• Learn the operating policies, procedures, and functions of the Siskiyou County Sheriff.
• Learn the laws, codes, and regulations related to transmission and reception of public safety communications.
• Learn to operate radio communications, computerized systems, and teletype equipment.
• Use sound judgment in dispatching personnel and equipment.
• Think clearly and act calmly in emergency situations..
•  Read, analyze, and interpret laws, codes, rules, and regulations
•  Evaluate situations and respond appropriately.
• Use a computer keyboard to enter and extract a variety of data and informa­tion.
• Perform a variety of office support work.
• Take and transmit clear and complete directions and information.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

 One year of office support work experience in a position having substantial public contact.

Special Requirements:

-Applicants will be required to submit to a pre-employment physical, a pre-duty drug test. and a psychological examination.

-Must be fingerprinted and receive employment clearance from the California Department of Justice.

-Must not have been convicted of any felony.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods, generally up to three hours; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including com­puter, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX as well as radio communication and dispatching  equipment.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office environment;  continuous contact with other staff and the public.

Salary : $44,179 - $56,410