Communications Intern

Under supervision, Communications Interns provide clerical and other technical assistance to a division and/or unit in carrying out the operational or technical functions of the Center. This position serves as an introduction to a public safety communications career.

Communications Interns are responsible for a range of clerical and technical duties necessary to support the activities of the assigned division or unit, including reproducing audio recordings, document production, inputting data into automated systems, and maintaining filing systems.

Depending upon the assigned division or unit, this class reports to the Administrative Services Supervisor, Systems Supervisor, or Operations Supervisor. The incumbent may receive work assignments or guidance from other personnel including Senior Administrative Assistants, Information Technology Analysts, or Senior Public Safety Dispatchers.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Participates in front office activities; answers phones and assists visitors.
• Relieves staff of office and routine duties including creating audio reproductions from the master logging equipment. 
• Checks and files forms, records, reports and data input documents for accuracy and completion.
• Inserts and extracts materials and/or information from files and/or automated databases.
• Prepares documents.
• Sets up and maintains filing systems.
• Performs routine data entry and retrieval tasks.

Knowledge of:

• The operation of personal computers.
• Productivity software including word processing software.
• Modern office procedures, methods, practices and equipment including telephone, calculator, FAX machine, and photocopy machine.

Ability to:

• Learn to effectively operate modern voice recording equipment and reproduction techniques.
• Maintain confidential and privileged information
• Prepare clear, concise and understandable written documents.
• Read, write, spell, and speak in a clear and concise manner.
• Type at a moderate rate of speed and accuracy.
• Accomplish tasks in a controlled and competent manner while working under stress.
• Learn and understand the basic purpose, principles, and methods used in a modern, midsize public safety communications center.    Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including coworkers, consultants, professional agencies, and the general public.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be the equivalent of graduation from high school plus current and continued part or full time enrollment in an accredited college or university in a related course of study, for example: administration of justice, fire science, emergency medical services, law enforcement, computer sciences or computer applications.

Licenses and Certifications

For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and the ability to meet the automobile insurability requirements of the agency or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.

Candidates for this classification may be required to pass a background investigation in accordance with applicable law, regulation and/or policy.

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.  

Employees work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and occasionally travel to other sites where they may be exposed to inclement weather. This is an in-person position. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 

ADDITIONAL CLASS INFORMATION

Working Title(s): None

Bargaining Unit: Management and Confidential Unit (unrepresented)

Established: October 14, 1998

Revised: February 20, 2025

Career Ladder:

The Communications Intern may have multiple opportunities for advancement within the agency, depending on the assigned division or unit. Generally, the Intern would be qualified to advance to any entry level position such as Administrative Assistant, Public Safety Dispatcher I (Trainee), or Systems Technician.

Please note that Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1's preferred method of communication with applicants is via email. As such, please ensure you verify the email address on your application and check your email frequently, including your spam and junk folders.      

1. Application:(Pass/Fail) – All applicants must complete and submit  a Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 employment application online.  The application contains 4-5 supplemental questions used to help with the screening process.

2. Submit a personal history statement (PHS)

3. Eligibility: Candidates who meet the minimum qualification standards will be placed on the eligibility list.  

4. Interview:  Candidates at the top of the eligibility list will be invited to an on-site interview. (tentatively scheduled for the week of May 12th)

5. Background Process: Candidates must consent to a background check and fingerprinting if they are considered for appointment.

6.General Manager Interview --> Conditional Offer: Applicants may progress through the recruitment process upon available authorized positions and successfully passing the preceding steps.

7. Final Job Offer with a start date. 

QUESTIONS  

 For questions concerning this application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.

For questions about the position:

• Send an email to applications@scr911.org or
• Call the administration office at (831) 471-1000

Salary : $17,160