Emergency Communication Operator (Dispatcher)

Do you want to be a part of the team that makes the City of Palm Beach Gardens the signature place to live, learn, work and play? We provide world class services, parks, community centers, athletic fields, golf, tennis and pickleball, and public safety. This can only happen when the best, brightest, talented, and committed individuals work for our City. We encourage like-minded individuals to apply to join our culture of excellence as part of our team! Come join our family!

Summary

Essential Function Duties and Responsibilities

• Dispatches calls for police service of an emergency and non-emergency nature
• Monitors and dispatches police activity
• Acknowledges and records the status of all units assigned to or transmitting on his/her frequency
• Checks the status of any unit on a traffic stop or any call where personal safety is a factor
• Disseminates information checks on persons, articles, and vehicles
• Records call disposition via computer terminal as advised by field units
• Coordinates the movements of law enforcement in the field
• Maintains a working knowledge of the operation of the multi-frequency radio console
• Determines proper response to field units
• Researches information for field units
• Receives telephones calls for police service and administrative needs
• Transfers calls of an emergency nature outside the city's jurisdiction to the appropriate agencies
• Provides callers with necessary assistance including transferring calls to proper departments, referring callers to proper agencies, and giving directions to streets and points of interest
• Receives requests for service from other agencies and/or officers, takes appropriate action, and logs the information as required
• Receives and relays messages via telephone, computer and radio to facilitate communication between police, fire and the general public
• Interacts in a professional manner with the public and other agencies
• Maintains a working knowledge of department rules, regulations and procedures
• Faxes and teletypes information to other law enforcement agencies
• Enters data into CAD system
• Provides information to complainants in lobby
• Records caller via CAD and logs appropriate times
• Maintains working knowledge of computer terminals for FCIC/NCIC/PALMS entries and other functions
• Operates NCIC, FCIC and PALMS computer terminals
• Makes inquiries to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) for title and lien information
• Responds quickly to all incoming NLETS or AM messages and incoming messages directed to the department
• Puts out BOLO requests to field units, logs and files
• Assists other dispatchers in the performance of their duties
• Monitors electronic equipment and security devices.
• Notifies Emergency Communications Supervisor of any equipment malfunction or any calls of a serious, unusual, or life threatening nature
• Performs any other related duties as assigned
• Maintains ability to work weekends, holidays and shift work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required

Special Qualifications/Preferences

• Valid State of Florida Driver's License with a good driving record
• Must have or achieve Florida Department of Health Public Safety Telecommunicator Certificate within one year of date of hire.

Eligibility: Coverage in the City’s group insurance plans begins the first of the month following thirty (30) days of employment.

Health Insurance: Choice of three (3) plans provided through Florida Blue. Employee contributions are required toward the cost of this insurance on a bi-weekly basis as follows

On-Site Employee Health and Wellness Center: Available for use by employees, spouses and dependents enrolled on the City’s Health Plan. No-copays for doctor’s visits, labs, physicals, or prescription drugs dispensed at the Center

Dental Insurance: PPO plan offered through Humana, provided at no cost

Life Insurance: Two (2) times annual salary up to a maximum of $100,000 provided at no cost

Short Term Disability: Non-probationary employees eligible for 60% of salary up to 26 weeks, provided at no cost.

Long Term Disability: 60% of salary up to $5,000 monthly, provided at no cost

Employee Assistance Program: Six (6) visits per calendar year, per issue, provided at no cost.

Wellness Program: Voluntary wellness initiatives that promote and reward health awareness.

Pension Plan: Provided through the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Choice between the Investment Plan with a one (1) year vesting schedule, and the Pension Plan with an eight (8) year vesting schedule. Mandatory 3% pre-tax contribution.

Holidays: Eleven (11) days per calendar year. One (1) Floating Holiday per calendar year.

Personal Leave: Sixteen (16) hours accrued monthly used for vacation, illness, or personal time away from work. Personal Leave is tiered based on years of service and increases overtime.

Optional Voluntary Benefits: Employee Rental Assistance Program, Vision Care Insurance Plan, Supplemental Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, AFLAC Group Policies, 457 Deferred Comp Plan, Roth IRA, Recreation Program Discounts, Day Care Discounts, Free EV Charging Station, Flexible Schedules, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer under the U.S. Department of Education’s PSLF Program.