What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Safety Communications Officer I position at St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners?
OFFERS ARE TYPICALLY MADE AT THE MINIMUM OF THE RANGE.
Position Overview: The Public Safety Communications Officer I serves as the first line defense in emergencies by providing critical support to residents and visitors in distress. This position is responsible for receiving, processing, transmitting and conveying public safety information to dispatchers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services and emergency management personnel based on the caller’s location and the nature of the call, all while utilizing computer computer-aided dispatch (CAD), radio systems, and maintaining detailed call logs; essentially acting as the crucial communications link between the public and first responders within St. Lucie County. Key Responsibilities:
Call Handling:
Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds occasionally. Primarily involves sitting, with occasional walking or standing. Requires the ability to use a computer or other equipment while seated for extended periods. May involve fine motor skills for tasks such as typing or handling small items.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS:
Work is primarily conducted in a climate-controlled office setting. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting and extensive use of computers and other office equipment, which may lead to eye strain and repetitive motion injuries. Employees may frequently engage in meetings and teamwork, requiring effective communication in shared spaces. The position involves minimal physical exertion, primarily consisting of desk work, although occasional movement within the office may be required. Employees will work under standard office lighting and may experience moderate noise levels from office equipment and conversations.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
ADA STATEMENT:
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
EEO STATEMENT:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 2 background screening which includes fingerprinting.
Position Overview: The Public Safety Communications Officer I serves as the first line defense in emergencies by providing critical support to residents and visitors in distress. This position is responsible for receiving, processing, transmitting and conveying public safety information to dispatchers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services and emergency management personnel based on the caller’s location and the nature of the call, all while utilizing computer computer-aided dispatch (CAD), radio systems, and maintaining detailed call logs; essentially acting as the crucial communications link between the public and first responders within St. Lucie County. Key Responsibilities:
Call Handling:
- Handle multiple calls and tasks simultaneously, prioritizing critical incidents and responding to requests from public safety teams.
- Operate communication equipment, including radio systems, telephones, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, and other tools necessary for effective communication.
- Follow established protocols and procedures for dispatching, handling emergencies, and ensuring compliance with public safety standards and regulations.
- Receive and prioritize emergency calls (911) and non-emergency calls, accurately gathering information and assessing the situation to determine appropriate response actions and prioritize based on urgency and severity, ensuring rapid response to life-threatening situations.
- Provide advice and guidance to callers who are in danger or need immediate assistance, while emergency responders are enroute.
- Handle non-emergency requests from the public, including directing individuals to appropriate resources or providing information related to public safety services.
- Remain calm and focused under pressure during high-stress situations, ensuring clear and accurate communication during emergencies.
- Determine the appropriate response units (police, fire, and EMS) based on the nature of the emergency and dispatch the units, ensuring timely and appropriate resources are sent to the scene.
- Monitor the progress of dispatched units and provide updates as needed.
- Maintain continuous communication with public safety personnel, providing real-time updates, information, and ensure proper closure of incidents.
- Coordinate emergency response efforts with other public safety agencies and outside organizations (e.g., utility companies, hospitals).
- Document all calls, incidents, and activities accurately and completely for record-keeping and reporting purposes.
- Accurately enter incident information into computer systems, ensuring that all calls and actions are documented properly for legal and operational purposes.
- Follow established guidelines and procedures for handling emergency calls and dispatching units.
- Demonstrate comprehension of general liability concepts and terms as well as a comprehension of specific liability issues associated with the position including the most notable areas of litigation in public safety communications.
- Adhere to applicable local, state, tribal or federal statutes or codes as appropriate.
- Comprehension and application of the division’s confidentiality policies and rules regarding the discussion or release of information acquired in the workplace to the public, the media, or others.
- Work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as 24/7 emergency services are required.
- Work schedules include 12 hour rotating shifts and can include up to 16 hours.
- Will be required to work during declarations of emergencies and disasters without notice or timeframe.
- May be mandatory to work additional days or hours outside regular scheduled days or hours.
Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds occasionally. Primarily involves sitting, with occasional walking or standing. Requires the ability to use a computer or other equipment while seated for extended periods. May involve fine motor skills for tasks such as typing or handling small items.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS:
Work is primarily conducted in a climate-controlled office setting. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting and extensive use of computers and other office equipment, which may lead to eye strain and repetitive motion injuries. Employees may frequently engage in meetings and teamwork, requiring effective communication in shared spaces. The position involves minimal physical exertion, primarily consisting of desk work, although occasional movement within the office may be required. Employees will work under standard office lighting and may experience moderate noise levels from office equipment and conversations.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
ADA STATEMENT:
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
EEO STATEMENT:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Previous experience in emergency dispatch, public safety, or a related field preferred.
- Completion of a 911 dispatcher training program or certification may be required.
- Knowledge of emergency medical dispatch (EMD) protocols and certification may be preferred.
- Proficiency in using communication equipment, computer-aided dispatch systems, and other relevant technologies.
- Knowledge of emergency response protocols, including the use of emergency systems and dispatching technologies.
- Knowledge of the geography of the service area, including streets, neighborhoods, and critical facilities.
- Knowledge of public safety radio communication systems and procedures.
- Familiarity with medical, fire, and law enforcement terminology and procedures.
- Ability to remain calm, focused, and effective under pressure, especially during high-stress emergency situations.
- Ability to process and prioritize emergency information quickly and accurately.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with callers and responders in both routine and high-stress situations.
- Ability to operate various communication equipment, including telephone systems, radios, and computers.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for relaying information accurately and effectively.
- Excellent multitasking skills and the ability to handle multiple calls and tasks simultaneously.
- Strong decision-making skills with the ability to act quickly and appropriately in critical situations.
- Proficient in using computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, radio systems, and other communication tools.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 2 background screening which includes fingerprinting.
Salary : $22
