Dispatcher

Dispatcher I:

A Dispatcher I utilize the telephone, radio and computer systems to receive calls for service in the emergency services dispatch center; dispatches appropriate emergency service providers including police officers, and fire personnel and equipment. Performs administrative and clerical duties, including typing, filing, and computer data entry.

This position requires a person capable of rapidly addressing multiple tasks in order of priority. The Dispatcher Is required to interact with departmental employees, communications employees and supervisors from other agencies, and the general public. Because of the vast amount and sensitivity of information that is maintained in various computer systems, the dispatcher must acquire knowledge of laws, rules, and court decisions relating to criminal/victim rights, civil rights, criminal justice and law enforcement procedures; knowledge of methods of crime detection, radio communications and communications systems; knowledge of laws and ordinances; thorough geography of the town and Matanuska Susitna Borough; be resourceful and exercise sound judgment in emergencies; demonstrate integrity; writing skills and tact; and master a high level of skills in oral communications. The Dispatcher must have the ability to testify clearly and accurately in court; have resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies; the Dispatcher must be characterized by personal and professional integrity.

Dispatcher II:

The employee occupying this position is expected to maintain control of actions performed by less senior dispatchers when training or when acting as senior dispatcher on shift.  Employee will utilize telephone, radio and computer systems to receive calls for service in the emergency services dispatch center, and dispatch appropriate emergency service providers.  Employee must perform administrative and clerical duties, including but not limited to: typing, filing, and data entry. 

The Dispatcher II is expected to organize, coordinate, and assist in the day to day functions of the dispatch center.  Employee must perform administrative and clerical duties and use a variety of office equipment. The Dispatcher II must use independent judgment, frequently in emergency situations.  Employee must be able to work well under pressure, stay focused and rapidly assess and address multiple priorities. Employee must possess a high degree of initiative and responsibility to make rapid decisions that can affect lives and property. Decisions are made independently based on written operating procedures, and often without the benefit of supervision.  Must be familiar with the region’s services and agencies to properly refer or coordinate calls for service. 

Dispatcher I:

Dispatcher II:

• Answer and document all incoming telephone calls on multiple business and emergency/911 lines, direct agency hot-lines, TDD Telephone for the Hearing Impaired, Crime Stoppers hotline and numerous in-house phone extensions.  
• Initiate telephone contact with citizens and other agencies as requested by officers, fire units, and other services. 
• Receive request for emergency and non-emergency calls for service and information.  Requests include police, fire, including request for wreckers, social service agencies, and family and youth services. Must use sound judgment to quickly determine nature of telephone call, determine responsible agency, and assign priority. 
• Utilizing radios, pagers, and telephones to dispatch combinations of police and fire services and their apparatus for the City of Palmer.
• Monitor and document all incoming and outgoing radio transmissions on several radio frequencies.  Maintain control of frequencies during periods of high volume radio usage. 
• Act as intermediary between units on calls which require multi-agency response and insure superiors are briefed and updated on events. 
• Utilize multiple computer systems; APSIN, NCIC, NLETS, CAD, ARMS, or others that may evolve, to retrieve, enter, update, forward, and delete all information that is required by the Department. 
• Answer public inquiries and refer the caller to the correct person/agency.
• Maintain and keep confidential all information obtained during the course of the work.
• Train new personnel in dispatch functions and procedures after successful completion of the Communications Training Officer Course.
• Cultivate and maintain a climate, which is free of harassment, intimidation, and disrespect to provide a safe place for to work and a safe, professional environment for citizens. 
• Perform other activities as requested.  

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION.   ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Applicant must have the Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Personal Qualifications of both Dispatcher I AND Dispatcher II

Dispatcher I:

• High school diploma or equivalent with ability to type 45 wpm corrected
• Must have a mastery of the English language and Reading and Comprehension.

• Required to take and pass a medical physical prior to employment.
• Required to submit to and pass an in-depth background investigation. 

• Must obtain CPR/BLS certification 
• General knowledge of filing and general office procedures 
• Ability to communicate effectively and calmly in emergency situations is required 
• Must be able to acquire and maintain an APSIN security clearance 

• Must possess a high degree of initiative and responsibility to make rapid decisions that can affect lives and property. Decisions are made independently based on written operating procedures, and often without the benefit of supervision.
• Must possess good eyesight in both eyes; good hearing in both ears; and good voice and speaking quality without impediment.
• Must be able to effectively handle calls involving emergency situations, at times handling several calls simultaneously.
• Must be able to remain on the telephone with callers during emergencies while the caller may be injured, attacked, or otherwise distressed.
• Must deal professionally and courteously with emotional and injured callers.
• Ability to work as a member of a team of staff working towards a common goal.  
• Ability to multi-task to perform and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.
• Valid Alaska Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.

Dispatcher II:

• Successful completion of eighteen months of consecutive work as a Dispatcher I.
• High School diploma or equivalent. 
• Two (2) years of computer data entry required.  
• CPR/BLS certification required.
• Knowledge of general office procedures and filing.
• Must be able to type 45 wpm corrected.   
• Must have a mastery of the English language and Reading and Comprehension.
• Ability to clearly articulate both orally and in writing, especially in emergency situations.
• Must be proficient on the following equipment:  Multi-line telephone system; multi-channel radio console; computer systems (CJIS, CAD, E911) and printers; TDD telephone system; and other systems that may evolve.
• Must possess a high degree of initiative and responsibility to make rapid decisions that can affect lives and property. Decisions are made independently based on written operating procedures, and often without the benefit of supervision.
• Must possess good eyesight in both eyes; good hearing in both ears; and good voice and speaking quality without impediment.
• Must be familiar with the region’s services, agencies, and geography to properly refer or coordinate calls for service.
• Must be able to effectively handle calls involving emergency situations, at times handling several calls simultaneously, and in a calm manner.
• Must be able to remain on the telephone with callers during emergencies while the caller may be injured, attacked, or otherwise distressed.
• Must deal professionally and courteously with emotional and injured callers.
• Ability to work as a member of a team of staff working towards a common goal.  
• Ability to multi-task to perform and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.
• Must maintain an APSIN security clearance.

Salary : $22 - $38