Communications Officer - Police Dispatcher

Posting Date: April 21, 2025

Department: Police

Reports to: Lead Communications Officer

Salary Range: Grade N-08 $23.45 to $36.35 per hour, depending on experience

Position Type: Full-Time

How to Apply: Apply on our website bountifulutah.gov

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Overview:

Serves as a vital communications link with the citizens of the community, officers of this department, and personnel of other departments and agencies.

Supervision Received:

Works under the direction of the Lead Communications Officer and works under the indirect but immediate supervision of the Patrol Supervisor.

Essential Job Functions:

Promotes and follows the Department's mission statement, values, and expectations.

Regular attendance at work as scheduled by the department.

Maintain strict confidentiality concerning information learned while performing the duties of the job.

Dispatches police officers, fire, and EMS in response to calls and emergencies.

Relays instructions, orders, and information requiring knowledge of department policies, practices, procedures, and reporting relationships.

Receives, records, and services all incoming calls from officers, fire, EMS, staff, and the public calling for assistance or general information.

Secures information from callers, dispatched officers, fire, and EMS.

Coordinates response to calls during high volume periods or in cases of reduced staff.

Monitors and responds to fire and security alarm systems and to emergency calls.

Uses computer aided dispatching equipment to input and retrieve data and to generate reports quickly, effectively, and accurately.

Maintains various documents related to police and security activities.

In the absence of the Communications Supervisor or Lead Dispatcher, may be placed in charge of supervision of a dispatch shift.

Participates in the development of effective training programs, provides or oversees the training of new dispatch personnel.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other city employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Maintains contact with all units on assignment through computer aided dispatch including the status and location of police, fire, and EMS field units.

Maintains computer records of traffic stops and other officer-initiated activity.

Provide high quality dispatch services to the community.

Identifies problems and recommends solutions to the Communications Supervisor or Lead Communications Officer.

Serves as a resource to dispatch staff on problems and issues related to computerized equipment and systems, complicated dispatch issue, and emergency situations.

Handles other duties as assigned.

Must maintain annual evaluation at an acceptable level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to perform work in rotating shifts as scheduled by the department.
• Ability to handle stressful situations competently with calmness and appropriate speed.
• Ability to competently handle several situations at once.
• Must have ability to type 40 words per minute on standard computer keyboard.
• Essential knowledge of typing, spelling, vocabulary, office procedures and techniques, analytical abilities, and good knowledge of all office equipment.
• Knowledge of local geography, emergency communications equipment, standard broadcasting procedures, and rules.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent (GED)

Must maintain Utah POST Certification as a Dispatcher (provided during training)

Must maintain current EMD, CPR, and BCI Certifications (provided during training)

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit for long periods of time in a chair at the Dispatch Center

Ability to speak clearly on the radio and telephone so as to be easily understood by the other person

Ability to properly hear and understand telephone conversations and radio transmissions

Licenses Required:

Must maintain a valid Driver's License

Equipment Used:

Computer, mobile data terminal, telephone, radio equipment, copy machine, and fax machine

Critical Skills-Expertise:

• Proficient in operating computers and using a variety of software programs to perform tasks efficiently
• The ability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment is essential, as the role requires managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously
• Flexibility and the capacity to adapt to a constantly evolving work environment
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail

Must be able to successfully pass in-house skills test, background check, a driving record check, and a pre-employment drug test.