Desk Officer (HELPs)

Salary Range: $56,386 - $78,863* (*Salary range provides earnings potential, which is based on years of
service employed with Saratoga County in specified title)

Work Location: 6012 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Classification: Non-Competitive - (Exam requirements temporarily waived)

Job Description
The Desk Officer role is crucial, as these employees are responsible for manning the telecommunications
console within the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Division. They work on assigned shifts,
including evenings, overnights, holidays, and weekends, answering emergency and non-emergency calls for
police, fire, and emergency medical services. They transmit emergency information and dispatch police,
fire/rescue, and EMS personnel and equipment. This position is directly linked to the life and safety of the
public and the emergency service agencies served. Desk Officers must maintain communications with field
units while monitoring numerous telephone lines, computer systems, and radio frequencies in a fast-paced,
high-stress work environment. They must exercise sound independent judgment, alertness, and
responsiveness in prioritizing calls and dispatching appropriate emergency services to situations involving
danger to life and/or property damage as quickly as possible. Incumbents must function calmly in
emergencies, efficiently take appropriate action, remain calm and courteous when dealing with emotional,
upset, potentially angry, and abusive callers, and maintain accurate records of all calls and actions taken.
Employees in this class are also responsible for providing emergency medical service pre-arrival instructions
(EMD). Work is performed under the general supervision of the Desk Sergeant per established department
policies, rules, and regulations. Does related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from high school or possession of high school equivalency diploma (GED)

Typical Work Activities (*Illustrative)
• Answer, screen, and process incoming emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and other

public service providers. Interrogate callers to determine the nature of their emergency and what
emergency response is required.

• Provide instructions to callers, which may include emergency medical instructions (EMD) using

• Direct emergency responders' activities by setting assignments' priorities based on information

• Maintain radio communications with police, fire, and emergency medical service units in the field to

• Enter event data into the Computer Aided Dispatch System to maintain a continuous log of all radio

• Operate various State and Federal database systems.
• Participate in the training and development of new personnel.
• Operates various office machines, phone systems, and computer equipment.

• Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned

• Excellent benefits, a Competitive Compensation Plan, and NYS Retirement membership

• This title has been approved under the NYS HELPs program. An exam is not required for appointment

To Apply (via Link Provided)
• Qualified candidates may alternatively submit an application and resume, by mail or in person to the

Personnel Officer – Civil Service Division, 40 McMaster Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

• Resume may not be substituted for application

• Fax submissions will not be accepted
  

Applications will continue to be accepted through the date posted or until flyer is removed.

** This title has been approved under the NYS Civil Service HELP Program – exam requirements have been
temporarily waived through June of 2028 **

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise

participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office. Saratoga County is an equal opportunity

employer.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment. We seek

to attract talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, and encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, those with

disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.