Dispatcher

PLEASE NOTE: YOU *MUST* SUBMIT A CITY OF PALMETTO POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION. Employment applications may be printed from our website at www.palmettofl.org or picked up at the City of Palmetto Human Resource Dept., 516 8th Ave. W. Palmetto, Fl. 34221.

General Description:

Dispatch daily 911 emergency and non-emergency calls to ensure the safety of the general public. Receives calls for emergency and non-emergency services, screens calls and dispatches law enforcement or other appropriate response vehicles to investigate; operates a computer-aided dispatch system and computerized electronics communication system; monitors radio traffic, and location information of law enforcement personnel.

This Dispatcher works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this job/class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job/class as necessary.

Essential Functions:

• Works in the Administrative Bureau, under the supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor.
• Responds to, transfers, and prioritizes daily 911 emergency and non-emergency calls; communicates with police officers via radio system.
• Collects and verifies pertinent information via CAD screens for police officers’ safety and creates traffic stops or other priority actions for each situation.
• Completes and processes all FCIC data in the FCIC/NCIC system; sends alert notifications such as a BOLO for missing persons, stolen items, wanted suspects, and any other routine messages for other agencies. Enters missing persons and items in the FCIC/NCIC system and validates information for audit purposes.
• Handles after-hours service requests from various departments and companies such as Public Works/Water, wires down for FPL, cable, and phone.
• Provides information to patrons that visit the Police Department.
• Attends and participates in communications training by the Dispatch Supervisor.
• Knowledge of the geography of the city and its road network.
• Knowledge of dispatch codes and signals used to respond to emergency and non-emergency services.
• Skill in the use of computers, two-way radio communications, and various other equipment used to perform daily functions of position.

Additional Duties:

• Maintains dispatch records including but not limited to tow logs, private property impounds, criminal history log, patrol requests, trespass log, vehicle inventory log, and subpoena book.
• Communicates with outside resources and agencies when needed.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Responsibilities, Requirements and Impacts:

Data Responsibility:

• Collects and classifies information to facilitate the identification and extraction of useful information. Verifies and confirms information to enter accurate details in the system.
• Ability to accurately enter and/or retrieve information from various computer systems and/or programs in a timely manner.
• Ability to accurately enter missing persons and items in the FCIC/NCIC system and complete double verification on co-workers entries.

People Responsibility:

Provides information, guidance or assistance to people that directly facilitates task accomplishment; may give instructions or assignments to helpers or assistants.

Asset Responsibility:

Requires some responsibility for achieving minor economies and/or preventing minor losses through the handling of or accounting for materials and supplies. Operates and cares for equipment, tools, and vehicles according to General Orders.

Communications Requirements:

Reads routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures or work orders; writes routine sentences and completes routine job forms and incident reports; speaks routine sentences using proper grammar. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing that includes correct grammar, spelling, and conciseness.

Judgment Requirements:

• Must be able to think and act under pressure and multi-task. Must be able to prioritize calls for service and unit assignments. Ability to react quickly and calmly to emergency situations, recognize and understand others' reactions, use logic and reasoning to identify solutions, and make effective decisions while in stressful situations and circumstances.
• Ability to prioritize work.

Complexity of Work:

Performs skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem solving; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure. Taking calls and monitoring radio traffic/location information of law enforcement personnel simultaneously.

Impact of Errors:

The impact of errors is extremely serious -- affects entire organization and impacts other activities/organizations and the general public.

Physical Demands:

Performs sedentary work that involves sitting for extended periods of time, normally 12-16 hours, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time; requires little or no dexterity. Required to speak and hear clearly, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with arms and hands.

Vision abilities include close vision as well as color perception.

Equipment Usage:

Handles or uses office machines, tools, equipment or work aids involving moderate latitude for judgment regarding attainment of a standard or in selecting appropriate items.

Safety of Others:(Does not include safety of subordinates).

Requires considerable responsibility for the safety and health of others and/or continuous enforcement of the laws and standards of public health and safety.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires High School Diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one year of college in emergency communications or a closely related field.
• Valid Florida driver license required.
• Experience as an emergency communicator or 911 dispatcher (or closely related experience) preferred but not required.
• Writing skills that includes correct grammar, spelling, and conciseness.
• Bilingual skills preferred but not required.
• No felony convictions. Level II background check required.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Ability to obtain Florida 911 Telecommunication Certification within one year of employment.
• Ability to obtain FCIC Certification within 6 months of appointment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:

The City of Palmetto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), the City of Palmetto will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

***Please complete the Police Employment Application found on our website or inside the City Hall lobby (516 8th Ave. W, Palmetto) to be considered for this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.36 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Palmetto, FL 34221 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Palmetto, FL 34221: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19