Public Safety Telecommunicator

The City of Rochester welcomes applications for:

Public Safety Telecommunicator
Public Safety Communications Center

Nature of Work
The Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) answers 911 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, performs law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and rescue telecommunications dispatch work in the Rochester/Olmsted County Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC). Responsibilities include operating computer aided dispatch system, multi-line telecommunications system, and 800 MHz radio communications equipment to receive requests for emergency public safety assistance. Individuals are also required to make independent decisions to determine priority type and level of response necessary, accomplish timely and effective dispatch of emergency personnel and equipment, monitor response and safety of responding units, and retrieve supplemental information from other local, state, and federal information systems.  The PST will monitor four to six computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, condensing, and documenting caller and/or first responder information into clear, concise, and readable notes.  Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules, regulations, and procedures under general direction of a Public Safety Communications Manager.

Distinguishing Characteristics
All positions in the Police Department are required to demonstrate cultural competency by positively interacting with people from a wide variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds by promoting community policing, attending community meetings and events, updating merchants regarding potential problems in the area, and participating in community based programs.
 
By demonstrating cultural competency in law enforcement, collective behaviors, attitudes and policies come together in order to effectively work through cross-cultural situations.


The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.

*Serve as a public safety answering point (PSAP) telecommunicator

• Answer incoming telephone lines and interpret information from callers on emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone lines, by text message or by online request.
• Determine nature, location, priority and the correct course of action while following established procedures.
• Direct or assign requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance to the appropriate law enforcement, fire or emergency medical service agency.
• Maintain status updates and location of emergency personnel and monitor safety throughout incidents.
• Dispatch appropriate equipment as required.
• Operate telephones, radios, pagers, computer systems, recording equipment, intercoms, etc. to interact with and direct field personnel.
• Provide essential communications support for Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS units in the field.
   

*Process data through other local, state and federal agencies

• Input data into local, state, and federal computer systems and query data for wanted persons, vehicles, and property.
• Make proper entries and deletions from local, state, and federal computer systems.
• Conduct driver's license and motor vehicle checks using computerized file information as requested.

Perform other related duties as assigned

*ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSEducation and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent

Special Requirements

• Must acquire State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification within six (6) months from date of hire
• This position requires completion of a finger-printed background investigation as a condition of employment
• This position requires successful completion of a multi-tasking skills test and a pre-employment screening evaluation

Desirable Qualifications

• A degree in Communications, Criminal Justice, or a related field
• One (1) year experience in communications operations, preferably as a call taker or dispatcher
• One (1) year computer experience with PC keyboarding and multi-tasking skills
• State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification
• Experience speaking and understanding additional language(s)
• Other relevant professional licenses and/or certifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services and their general procedures/operations; the general operations and interrelationships of city, county, state and federal governmental units; the general principles of computers and software; the geography of the Rochester/Olmsted County area; utility, maintenance and other service agencies operating in the Rochester/Olmsted County area.

Skill in: the use of computers and typing, Microsoft Office, telephone systems and software, 800 MHz radio systems, and radio paging equipment; communicating using proper grammar and correct spelling.

Ability to: remain calm, use independent judgment and make proper decisions in emergency and non-emergency situations; perform responsibilities in a professional manner using extensive communication skills while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality; read to understand; write in a clear, concise, courteous, and professional manner; speak in a clear, well-modulated tone; hear clearly; function effectively and courteously under pressure; work in a high stress environment; simultaneously handle multiple tasks; work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays; deal effectively with a demanding and diverse public in a variety of stressful situations; follow oral and written instructions; distinguish various colors on color PC monitors; perform responsibilities in a tactful and professional manner while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality; demonstrate excellent oral, listening, and written communication skills.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

Continuous demands: sitting, fine dexterity, and simultaneous use of the hands and wrists.
Occasional demands: standing, walking.

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch.

Salary : $31 - $36