Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee - Sierra Vista

Under general supervision, answers emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone calls, determines nature and urgency of call and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment; position requires working on a rotating schedule (day, mid-shift and nights), covering 24/7 operation to include working holidays and weekends; performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.TYPICAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)   Answers emergency and non-emergency phone lines, determines the nature and urgency of the call, obtains the necessary information and details regarding requests; refers to appropriate agency or dispatches appropriate police, fire and medical personnel and equipment; records time and nature of call as well as time and nature of response; directs concerns or calls for service to proper channels, including other law enforcement agencies to confirm or locate stolen vehicles, missing or wanted persons; continually evaluates pending and new calls for service to assure they are being assigned in order of priority; performs registration and driver’s license checks. 

Determines appropriate response necessary based upon questioning of the caller; maintains status and location of law enforcement and fire personnel; handles lobby traffic during non-business hours and in instances where the caller is at the station; performs monthly warrant updates and validations; responds to public requests for general information; answers TTD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) calls and tests daily; maintains a variety of logs relating to public safety, including radio logs, tow company requests, on-call duty officer requests, and wanted persons “hit” file.

Enters and validates data on warrants and stolen items; accesses Criminal Justice Information System databases to enter and retrieve law enforcement information; monitors and operates two-way radio to provide information and monitor status of computerized radio system while monitoring, transmitting, and paging on-site radio channel; monitors alarms at the Sierra Vista Police Department.

When necessary: monitors video surveillance points by utilizing camera system located at console, answers calls made from external call boxes and ability to open back access gate for emergency personnel.High School diploma or equivalent; must be a minimum of 18 years of age and successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation; must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License and the ability to be covered by county insurance; successful completion of a written exam, psych exam, hearing exam; mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.Knowledge attained following successful training period:

• Emergency dispatch practices and procedures;
• The road, location and addresses of buildings and landmarks in Cochise County;
• The Cochise County and Cochise County’s municipalities organization and services; 
• Successful certification in current Emergency Dispatch Protocols.

Ability to:

• Communicate, using telephone and two-way radio equipment;
• Evaluate emergency calls and determine appropriate level of response needed;
• Remain calm and function appropriately during emergency situations and communicate with persons in varying degrees of hysteria; 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with emergency personnel, other government personnel, outside law enforcement agencies and the general public; 
• Work in a multi-tasking environment, subject to quickly changing priorities;
• Speak clearly and actively listen;
• Negotiate;
• Use computer terminals and keyboard at 40 words per minute.
• Receive and apply feedback;
• Exercise good judgement when direct supervision is not available.
• Assess routine and complex problems.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instruction;
• Ability to provide instruction to callers/peers/co-workers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Work is primarily performed under general supervision in an office setting with appropriate climate controls; exposure to continuous interruptions, constant noise from phone/radio and in-person communications and background noises; exposed to crisis calls which may include abusive language; requires working early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as assigned. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, large motor skills, ability to communicate, prolonged periods of sitting and/ or standing, lifting, kneeling, squatting, stooping, extended periods of viewing a monitor, and operating a keyboard.   

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force, frequently lifting of objects weighing up to 10 pounds, requires a good deal of standing, or involves sitting most of the time. 

Mental Application:  Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills.

Salary : $40,997 - $81,994