Dispatcher

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency telephone calls using E-911 computerized equipment, independently assesses need and urgency of the request and situation, and responds according to established procedures.

Serves as an information resource to response units and the general public; dispatches and documents assignment of units based on incident requirements; maintains contact with department on-duty units while in service and location and status of units known when out of service; relays requests for information through data sources and returns response to units; locates requested information through local, state and federal data bases; serves as command control mechanisms for user agencies; and acts as liaison between public officials, ancillary services  (i.e. utility companies, wrecker services, various other agencies)and the general public.

Operates varied and complex computerized communication and emergency warning equipment.  Operates radio transmitters, voice message retrieval systems and enters, verifies, and removes  information from local, state, and federal data processing systems, in accordance with required policies, procedures and regulations.

Maintains knowledge of current emergency communication policies and procedures and state, national, and local dispatch codes.  Participates in job-related training sessions and seminars as required; and attends regular staff meetings.

Prepares and maintains records, reports and logs as required by local and state law and policy and procedures.

Maintains confidentiality of information.

It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense it covers all the duties an employee may be required to perform.  The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience 

Graduation from high school supplemented with some course work beyond high school in police science, criminal justice, or related field; two (2) to three (3) years previous civil or military law enforcement work involving the operation of emergency communications preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and prepare records. Ability to work and communicate, verbally and in writing, with Law Enforcement personnel, First Responders groups, Fire department personnel, other County agency personnel, and the general public.  Ability to speak clearly in a well modulated voice and to use good diction.  Ability to use and interpret legal, medical and personnel related terminology.  Ability to read maps.

Mathematical Skills 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.  Ability to use and account for standard units of American money.

Reasoning Ability 

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.  Ability to recognize and respond to multiple and simultaneous events. Ability to analyze emergency situations and to adopt quick, effective, reasonable courses of action to resolve such situations with minimal hazard to personnel and the general public. 

Computer Skills 

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software.  Ability to operate the TIME System, emergency warning equipment and ability to dispatch and communicate by computer with mobile units in the field.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Certification in the TIME System Operation, CPR, and Emergency Medical Dispatch.

Other Skills and Abilities

Good knowledge of police, fire and emergency medical services, dispatch methods and procedures.

Some knowledge of Calumet County geography and roadway system including state and county highways, town roads, and city streets.

Some knowledge of proper operation of communications and emergency equipment available.  Ability to recognize equipment mal-function and report the same.

Good knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.

Ability to operate radio equipment including radio console and tape logger; and a variety of office equipment.

Ability to think and act quickly, accurately, and calmly in emergency situations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with other employees, County officials and officers, and the general public.

Ability to maintain security and confidentiality according to department policy.

Physical Demands   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  Ability to hear and comprehend radio and telephone communications. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Close quarters and secured setting. Intense levels of stressful activities.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, although there are constant repetitive noises, buzzers, alarms, and telephones.