Police Communications Operator – Public Safety

Salary:                Commensurate with experience
Benefits:            Generous benefits include paid time off including holidays and vacation, retirement match, and tuition remission for employee and dependents.  Details at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location:                   Public Safety
Position Status:        Full-time                                             
Hours:                        Varied
Position Number:    670108/43-015
FLSA Status:             non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible communications work relaying information to campus police officers.  Work includes receiving calls via telephone and walk-ins, then relaying the information on police radio, and/or to other appropriate personnel.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Emergency Management and Threat Assessment.

The Department of Public Safety exemplifies the Community Oriented Police Model, seeking foremost to prevent crime through a broad spectrum of interactions and programs within our Duquesne University community.  Police Communications Operators provide a vital link between the University community, guests/visitor to our campus and the safety personnel deployed to protect them.  This position requires outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.  

Individual must be available to work eight hour shifts on either night shift, afternoon shift, or daylight shift and be available for recall to duty during emergencies, or as otherwise necessary.  Must be accountable, reliable, and consistent in their work attendance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Receives, acknowledges, records and reports all incoming radio transmissions and telephone calls and relays information to police officers and to other appropriate personnel or agencies by use of ARMS Computer Aided Dispatch software.

Dispatches University Police personnel for emergency responses and for routine details as required and transmits supplemental information on specific incidents or general police information as received.

Proficiently operates of all security systems, to include but not limited to, activating the Outside Warning System, DU Emergency Alert and/or emergency lockdown procedures when deemed appropriate.  

Dispatches Facilities Management personnel for maintenance problems reported to base.
Monitors city police scanner and alerts police personnel to any activity reported in the area immediately adjacent to campus.

Monitors all alarm systems, cameras, card access and remote lock doors.  Report safety concerns, security breaches and unusual circumstances immediately to the appropriate supervisor.

Calls Index at request of officers for information related to vehicles and arrests.

Completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent. 

Experience in radio dispatch or similar activity.

Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Ability to successfully pass Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) course within first year of employment and maintain the APCO certification and trainings thereafter.  

Fully embraces training that enhance professional job performance.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and to secure appropriate information over the telephone and radio in a professional demeanor.

Knowledge of how to use a computer and proficient typing skills.

Ability to use independent judgment; with a first rate problem solving aptitude and the capacity to think independently and evaluate situations while functioning within the rules and policies of the department.

Ability to work flexible hours and maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality standard;

Ability to be a self-starter; with a high-quality work ethic.

Ability to multi-task.

Ability to focus under high stressed situations.

Willingness to join the labor union during the first year of employment (as required by labor contract).

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.  This includes maintaining a service orientation approach when carrying out all duties.

Commitment to acting legally, morally and ethically at all times.

Ability and willingness to maintain a neat and professional appearance.

Ability to work in a team-oriented environment with the ability to work independently.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University.  The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.  Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit.  Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.