Emergency Communications Operator I (ECO I)

Emergency Communications Operator I (ECO I)

Under direct supervision, will answer emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency calls, dispatch law enforcement, fire, rescue, support service units and provide emergency medical and fire pre-arrival instructions. Provide and update responding emergency personnel with current information. Will be required to work various days, shifts, holidays, and overtime. Work is highly sensitive requiring precise information to be communicated in an accurate and concise manner in accordance with public safety emergency communications standards; procedures; laws and ordinances.

Duties And Responsibilities

1. Receive and respond to recorded emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency incoming calls in a concise, timely and accurate manner in accordance with applicable protocols and standards.
2. Dispatch units in response to emergency and non-emergency calls for service for law enforcement, fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in a concise, timely and accurate manner in accordance with applicable protocols and standards.
3. Enter and maintain accurate records of the location and status of all field units in accordance with applicable standards and protocols.
4. Respond to and assist callers with pre-arrival instructions as prescribed in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) procedures and departmental protocols.
5. Access information systems such as National Crime Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), New Mexico Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NMLETS), Warrants Information Tracking System (WITS), Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD), and New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicle (NMDMV) files in accordance with procedures and protocols.
6. Provide units with database information in a timely, accurate, and concise manner.
7. Provide general information as requested by the public in a timely, accurate and concise manner.
8. When assigned, work with other team members in an effective collaborative manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• One (1) year related experience including data entry, computer applications and/or telephone communications. OR six (6) months experience in emergency communications/radio dispatching.
• Prior emergency communications operator experience preferred.
• Ability to type at 40 wpm.
• Ability to learn Federal Communications Commission regulations pertaining to proper radio procedure and discipline.
• Ability to perform duties under stress.
• Must be able to communicate precisely and clearly in oral and written English.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with the public, supervisors, responders and co-workers.
• Ability to learn and use radio/CAD codes and operate communications center equipment.
• Ability to learn the County's general geographic area.
• Ability to interact effectively and understand communications on Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) phone.

Additional Requirements

• Must not have a felony conviction.
• This position is safety sensitive. Employment is subject to a pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state rules and regulations regarding alcohol and/or drug testing.
• Must not have a DWI conviction within the past three (3) years.
• Perform the duties and responsibilities of the Emergency Communications Operator position in accordance with safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR FROM DATE OF HIRE, employee must successfully complete the following in good standing: 1) Department's ECO Training Program; and 2) NM Department of Public Safety Telecommunicator Academy in Santa Fe.
• WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR FROM DATE OF HIRE, employee must obtain the following certifications and maintain certifications thereafter: 1) New Mexico State Public Safety Telecommunicator; 2) New Mexico State Emergency Medical Dispatch, (EMD); 3) American Heart Association, (AHA) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, (CPR); 4) NM State NCIC Full Access Terminal Operator Level; and 5) Federal Emergency Management Association, (FEMA) IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700 courses.
• Comply with attendance policy and procedures which include but are not limited to: report to work on time and maintain regularly scheduled attendance.
• Work shift work, overtime, holidays, and weekends when scheduled outside of regular schedule.

Working Conditions

• Work hazards or potential work hazards involve high pace and stress in performing job duties.
• Shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime work will be required.
• Duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Worker is exposed to intermittent noise factors.
• Duties are performed on an even surface, which may be carpeted or tiled.
• Works with and without supervision.
• All essential duties are performed indoors.

Equipment, Tools, And Materials

• Equipment used in performing duties include computers, multi-line telephone, multi-channel two-way radio, enhanced emergency 911 equipment, recording equipment, facsimile machine, and photocopy machine.
• Materials and products include logs, various forms and paperwork, writing instruments and manuals regarding the use of equipment and emergency procedures including the use of software specific to emergency communications.