Emergency Communications Operator (Trainee, Operator, Senior)

Emergency Communications Operator (Operator And Senior)

Under close supervision, receives emergency and non-emergency calls for police and fire service. Dispatches calls for service and enter accurate and concise data into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. A high degree of accuracy is required at all times. Incumbents in this classification must maintain constant awareness of the consequences of error. Work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion. The Emergency Communications Operator is the basic and intermediate TCOLE-certified class in the Emergency Communications Operator series. The Senior Emergency Communications Operator is the advanced or master certification level in the Emergency Communications Operator series and is distinguished by the ability to perform the full range of duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance as needed.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume. Please note, this position requires shift work.

Essential Functions :

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls at the Police Station.
• Gathers information from callers, including nature, severity, location, and status of emergencies.
• Assesses the need for response and dispatches services accordingly.
• Assists Police Officers by relaying information regarding calls for service.
• Documents and corrects 911 location premise errors in CAD (Computer Assisted Dispatch).
• Enters data and maintains CAD for alarm permits and cautionary information in alert files.
• Notifies appropriate entities related to problems or complaints under their jurisdiction.
• Enters, maintains, updates, and researches information into TCIC / NCIC (Texas Criminal Information Center and National Criminal Information Center) and TLETS / NLETS (Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System / National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System) databases.
• Researches and responds to inquiries from other law enforcement agencies and departments.
• Performs crisis intervention with distraught callers during high-risk situations until appropriate emergency field units arrive on scene.
• Prepares clear and concise records and reports with comprehensive documentation in CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system.
• Performs computer-assisted and manual records checks for officers on individuals, locations, vehicles, and other property; verifies warrants or reports of stolen property.
• Maintains constant awareness of the status of mobile units and updates information as it changes.
• Maintains, updates, and accesses various logs and computer data files for all officer activities (incident reports, stolen or repossessed property logs, maps, shift logs, etc.).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines :

Emergency Communications Operator : High school diploma or equivalent. Three (3) years full-time experience in public safety telecommunications as a radio dispatcher and / or E911 call taker.

Operator Licenses and Certification Requirements :

Senior Emergency Communications Operator : High school diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of four (4) years of full-time experience in public safety telecommunications as a radio and / or E911 operator.

Licenses and Certification Requirements :

Note : Out-of-state certification equivalents will be accepted but must be converted to Texas certification within one (1) year from the date of hire.

Physical Demands and Working Environment :

Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision, hearing, talking, and use of foot controls. Repetitive motion such as typing, data entry, and extended vision of monitors.

Pre-Employment Testing : Applicants for this classification series should be aware that any offer of employment is conditional upon the applicant passing : (1) hearing test, (2) drug screening, (3) driving record check (4) comprehensive criminal history background check, (5) medical examination, and (6) Psychological Evaluation.

Schedule : This position requires shift work.

Hiring Range : $26.00, hourly & up depending on experience.