Communications Operator

Communications Operator

The Communications Operator, under direct supervision, responds to all 911 emergency and non-emergency incoming calls for Police, Fire, and EMS. The incumbent prioritizes the calls and dispatches emergency personnel to crime scenes, calls for assistance, accidents, request for emergency medical assistance, security officer assistance and all other service calls. The Communication Operator enters and maintains call records and any related documents in both electronic and paper format.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

The key duties and responsibilities include:

1. Answer emergency calls and dispatches appropriate personnel for response; determine when additional back up units are needed and checks for safety of personnel on call.
2. Under direction from the Communications Shift Supervisor or Communications Manager may contact other agencies such as search and rescue, life flight support and other surrounding police agencies.
3. Answer non-emergency call for stray or diseased animal pick up; arrest and transportation of individuals with warrants; and monitor fire and burglar alarms to determine appropriate personnel response.
4. Maintain and documents all records of incoming and outgoing calls on Spillman CAD/RMS Systems, as well as, any other system that may be implemented by the police department.
5. Provide police officers with requested information such as, but not limited to NCIC (National Crime Information Center) and ACIC (Arizona Crime Information Center) information, local information and general police bulletin information.
6. Monitor radio transmissions for Police, Animal Control, Security, Detention, Fire Department and Probation, and local bus monitors.
7. Operates all communications center equipment associated with answering, process, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
8. Provide pre-approved, pre-arrival instructions, directions intended to enhance the safety of the caller and the field responders.
9. Assign the appropriate dispatch priority to a call for service based on the criteria presented by the caller; determines the order dispatch of calls for service "holding."
10. Work closely with alarm companies in reference to silent/panic alarms activated either at any tribal enterprise and/or government facility when required to do so.
11. Monitor local alarm and camera systems, and dispatch Police and Security Officers, as well as, the Fire Department as needed to respond to alarms
12. Monitors any police alerting systems
13. Enter and retrieve information from ACJIS (Arizona Criminal Justice Information System), which may include but not limited to, license and registration confirmation, missing person's information, recovered and stolen vehicles, etc...
14. Contact resources for Law Enforcement and Fire Department Staff as needed to accomplish any task they are assigned.
15. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The position requires knowledge of:

• Policies and procedures related to the Pascua Yaqui Communications Center;
• Applicable federal, state, local and tribal laws, rules, and regulations;
• Geographic and demographic layout of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation;
• ACIC and NCIC information date process;
• Proper application of radio communication codes and terms and the use of radio equipment;
• Availability and use of auxiliary emergency resource, agencies, personnel, and services;
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.

Skills and abilities include:

• Solicit needed information necessary to dispatch appropriate emergency personnel to a scene;
• Make quick decision during priority calls, and able to work without supervision;
• Reading and comprehending complex technical documents written in English;
• Deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of people, often under stressful conditions;
• Multitask necessary to work on different assignment and/or equipment at any given time;
• Use the Pascua Yaqui Tribe's street map to locate addresses and streets;
• Operate a base station two-way radio, computers, printers and telephones;
• React quickly and calmly in emergency situations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and people of varying social background;
• Read and understand oral and written policies, rules, instructions, and other materials of the Pascua Yaqui Fire Department;
• Handle confidential information, which includes crime scene information and HIPAA covered medical issues.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Education, Certifications and Experience Required

High School Diploma or GED and completed the Pascua Yaqui Training program. AND Must type at least 35 words per minute; Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred, but not required; Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor, or any criminal offense involving moral turpitude in Arizona, or any Federal and State jurisdiction, where the commission of such a criminal offense would be a misdemeanor as defined by Arizona Revised Statutes, other than minor traffic violations within the previous one (1) year period; Must not have been convicted of a crime or misdemeanor, or be under a court order, that would restricts the ability to possess firearms; Must not have any felony convictions; Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License. Special Requirements: This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends; Must have a FBI, BIA, Tribal Court, and an Arizona POST Clearance, which includes a Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card. Failure to maintain a current clearance from the aforementioned agencies will result in termination.