Public Safety Telecommunicator

Performs a full range of radio and telephone operational duties in a 24 hour facility. Uses a computer-aided dispatch system to answer and assign emergency and non-emergency calls for Police and Fire and gathers and relays critical information to law enforcement officers in accordance with established procedures. Monitors multiple complex public safety radio frequencies and operates a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and computer systems.Blm.mn/PST

Mission: To always be respectful while keeping our community safe.

Vision: To be the most respected police department        

Core Value: Respect. Demonstrated through our compassionate and hones service.

CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS

• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Embraces the City’s shared values and contribute towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions

• Answers, evaluates, and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls and requests for service using training and policies to screen requests for emergency services
• Assigns appropriate emergency personnel accurately and efficiently while emphasizing officer and emergency personnel safety
• Triage, prioritize, properly categorize, and initiate the correct emergency response promptly in a limited time with limited or no supervision
• Monitors status and location of emergency personnel on patrol and special details, including surrounding community radio channels
• Provides computer-stored data from local, state, and national computers to Police personnel
• Demonstrating clear and effective communications and active listening with public safety responders using appropriate terminology, codes, and signals
• Demonstrating clear and effective communications with active listening, call control, judgment, respect, and empathy with callers that range from calm to panicked.
• Providing pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions to those that are requiring assistance during high stress situations, such as telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation, active shooter, and entrapments
• Utilizing language interpretation services and coordinating with mental health resources for appropriate contacts with callers who have mental health or language barriers to receiving help
• Documenting incident details quickly and accurately to establish incident urgency, categorizing the incident type and obtaining the proper help for the caller
• Relaying initial information for dispatch accurately, reviewing the call for service details, and assuming incident command until first responders arrive
• Conducting health and safety status checks of responders and using other available technology to ensure on-scene responders’ safety
• Documenting thoroughly and accurately
• Completing training, certifications, and competencies as needed by actively seeking training, completing the training and certifications required for assigned PST positions, and completing continuing education and career development as necessary
• Following established agency policies and procedures, being aware of liability to the agency, and adhering to federal disclosure and privacy laws
• Monitors closed circuit televisions throughout the police department and City Hall
• Performs data entry and retrieval, and other tasks as needed or assigned
• Other duties as apparent and assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of the geography of the City of Bloomington: boundaries, roads/street system, addresses, etc.
• By the end of the probationary period, thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, processes, laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting public safety call-taking and the ability to apply them appropriately
• Adhere to policy and procedure requirements that are stringent, rigorous, and unwavering, including situations where policy or procedures are unclear including confidentiality of information and trustworthiness while dealing with sensitive information
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively; relay details accurately; listen actively; think and act quickly
• Maintaining a calm demeanor under chaotic and stressful circumstances, multiple conversations, and frequently noisy environments
• Compile and analyze operational data and prepare and maintain accurate records
• Effectively interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic background
• Establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, representatives from other departments, and other emergency services agencies
• Follow instructions, spell correctly, and write clearly
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations
• Ability to use debriefing tools, stress management techniques. and critical incident response models to deal with mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance
• Provide effective customer service and deal tactfully and courteously with a demanding public that may be hostile, confusing, or emotional
• Able to handle complaints and difficult situations, remaining calm under pressure
• Remember and record names, numbers, and locations accurately
• Read and interpret geographical spatial data and maps quickly and accurately
• Resilient and resourceful while coordinating high-risk, high-stress operations, with the objective of keeping all participants safe
• Operate computer systems with specialized software and enter data via keyboard and software with speed and accuracy
• Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks
• Able to use logical critical thinking and decision-making skills to rapidly evaluate situations to solve problems, establish priorities, resolve matters, and pass on information as needed
• Friendly and tactful personality

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Dependable, self-motivated, and team-oriented, with a desire to provide a service to the community
• Working knowledge of Windows-based software and various other computerized electronic, telecommunications equipment
• Flexibility to adapt to changes
• Have great attention to detail and empathy towards the customers’ needs and concerns
• Must be able to adapt and function, without reservation, in high-stress situations
• Must pass a background investigation that meets all local, state, and federal requirements as well as to be without felony convictions.
• Must be able to work on a rotating schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage
• Subject to call back and hold over to maintain minimum staffing 24/7
• This position is designated as essential and must report to work during times when the government/agency is closed

• 911 dispatch certification 
• Two years of work experience in a call center, multi-tasked oriented work environment or other similar related work
• Experience as a 911 Telecommunicator with a city, county or state agency or experience with Police, Fire or EMS (Emergency Medical Services) dispatching
• Work or volunteer experience in a public safety environment (i.e., police, fire, EMS)
• Work experience with police Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems
• Current MNJIS (MN Justice Information System) certification
• Knowledge of law enforcement and fire department policies and procedures
• Familiarity with or knowledge of Bloomington city geography
• Ability to speak a second language, in addition to English that has a recognized presence in the community. (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese Mandarin, Cambodian, etc.)

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

This position does not supervise others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

Continued behaviors consistent with Bloomington Police Department’s:

Mission: To always be respectful while keeping our community safe.

Vision: To be the most respected police department        

Core Value: Respect. Demonstrated through our compassionate and hones service.

2025 Pay Range: $32.52– $35.84 per hour

2025 Full Salary Range: $32.52 – $42.67 Hourly

Newly hired employees shall generally start at Step 1 of the Wage Scale. However, the City retains the right to start newly hired employees at Step 2 or 3, based on prior experience as a PST. Employees hired at Step 2 shall progress to Step 3 after 1 year of service and to Step 4 after two years of service.  Employees hired at Step 3 shall progress to Step 4 after 1 year of service. However, no employee shall advance to the Longevity Steps of the Wage Scale (Step 7) until completion of the respective 10 years of service as a PST with the City of Bloomington.

Step 1: $32.52 (new hire)

Step 2: $34.14 (after 1 year of service)

Step 3: $35.84 (after 2 years of service)

Step 4: $37.63 (after 3 years of service)

Step 5: $38.77 (after 4 years of service)

Step 6: $39.92 (after 5 years of service)

Step 7: $42.67 (after 10 years of service)

 Full-Time; Non-Exempt; Union (IAFF); Benefits Eligible per Union Contract

The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Salary : $33 - $36