What are the responsibilities and job description for the On Call Communications Officer position at Gonzaga University Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment?
Title: On Call Communications Officer
VP Area: Campus Security & Public Safety
Department: Security
Work Schedule: Irregular/on call
Telework Availability: On-campus Position
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employee Classification: Event Staff
Hours per week: 15
Months per year: NA - FXD/Temp Position
Job Purpose
Gonzaga University is seeking On-Call Dispatch Officers to support Campus Security & Public Safety operations. This position provides 24/7 dispatch, investigative, and communications support while ensuring the safety of students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
As the first point of contact, Dispatch Officers deliver excellent customer service and monitor alarms, surveillance systems, and access controls to maintain campus security and officer safety.
Join a mission-driven team committed to creating a safe and welcoming campus community.
Make an impact—serve, protect, and support the common good at Gonzaga.
Essential Functions
20% - Resource Liaison
Vocational, Associates, or Technical Degree
Years Of Related Experience Requirement
1 year
In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education.
Certifications And/or Licensures
Skills & Abilities:
In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 4 days/week
Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)
Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)
Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)
Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)
Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)
The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $20 per hour
Pay Range
Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): $20
Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): $22.30
Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): $24.63
Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement or a signing bonus?: False
VP Area: Campus Security & Public Safety
Department: Security
Work Schedule: Irregular/on call
Telework Availability: On-campus Position
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employee Classification: Event Staff
Hours per week: 15
Months per year: NA - FXD/Temp Position
Job Purpose
Gonzaga University is seeking On-Call Dispatch Officers to support Campus Security & Public Safety operations. This position provides 24/7 dispatch, investigative, and communications support while ensuring the safety of students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
As the first point of contact, Dispatch Officers deliver excellent customer service and monitor alarms, surveillance systems, and access controls to maintain campus security and officer safety.
Join a mission-driven team committed to creating a safe and welcoming campus community.
Make an impact—serve, protect, and support the common good at Gonzaga.
Essential Functions
- 75% - Communications & Systems
- Communications:
- Answer and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls
- Dispatch officers or route to appropriate departments
- Use proper radio protocol and multitask effectively while coordinating service calls
- Dispatch Plant Services after regular business hours
- Answer University switchboard calls during closures, holidays, or coverage gaps
- Assess and triage after-hours maintenance, custodial, IT, and grounds issues at campus properties
- Notify on-call staff and campus departments of emergencies or unusual incidents after hours
- Patch officers through to Spokane Police/Fire radio channels as requested
- Systems – Alarms & Access:
- Monitor fire, burglary, panic, temperature, and intrusion alarms
- Operate and monitor the Persona card access system to secure or unlock buildings, including emergency lockdowns
- Track and respond to Fire Pager and 911 calls
- Systems – Surveillance:
- Conduct real-time and post-incident video surveillance using campus security camera system
- Monitor for suspicious activity and alert officers as needed
- Export video footage upon request by officers or law enforcement
- Systems – Dispatch Records:
- Log all dispatch activity in Omnigo, including calls for service and daily reports
- Run reports from both Dispatch and Officer Modules Systems
- Parking & Lost/Found:
- Use T2 system to locate campus affiliates and manage parking records
- Record and track lost & found items in Crowdfind system - (Essential)
- Coordinate services for the campus community with external agencies such as Safe Ride, Uber Health, Detox, Spokane Police/Fire, Spokanimal, Avista, and Lutheran Services
- Maintain up-to-date emergency and non-emergency contact lists for staff, faculty, and students
- Provide access to student health information during emergencies, following appropriate protocols
- Utilize internal systems such as EMS and StarRez to support communication and service coordination - (Essential)
- Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department
Vocational, Associates, or Technical Degree
Years Of Related Experience Requirement
1 year
In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education.
Certifications And/or Licensures
Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to pass a background check.
- Previous experience in dispatch, security, or emergency services is preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, including in emergency or high-stress situations.
- Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in word processing and data entry.
- Availability to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Communications, Emergency Management, or a related field.
- Work experience in higher education.
- Proficiency with security and surveillance technologies, including video monitoring systems and card access control.
- Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio dispatch systems, and records management software.
- Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.
- Knowledge of Clery Act reporting requirements and/or familiarity with campus safety policies and procedures.
In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 4 days/week
Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)
Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)
Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)
Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)
Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)
The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $20 per hour
Pay Range
Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): $20
Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): $22.30
Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): $24.63
Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement or a signing bonus?: False
Salary : $20 - $25