Meade County

Communications Operator (Overnight Shift)                                                                      

SD-Communications

Starting Wage: $22.19 /hourly

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls and for dispatching appropriate personnel.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls using computerized equipment; identifies the nature of the incident, determines the proper response, and dispatches the correct agency or agencies.

• Operates, monitors, answers, and dispatches for multiple radio frequencies for Police, Fire Department, EMS, and other agencies, updates responders with new information.

• Researches, retrieves, and communicates information related to warrants, addresses, name records, phone records, and vehicle records using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.

• Queries, enters, clears, or cancels wanted persons, drivers license, criminal history, vehicle, gun, and stolen article records in the national criminal database.

• Provides emergency medical prearrival instructions to callers and patients.

• Maintains and updates call logs.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.

• Knowledge of NCIC policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures.

• Knowledge of radio and telecommunications equipment.

• Knowledge of CAD system functions and maintenance.

• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.

• Skill in public relations.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in critical thinking, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Communications Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include NCIC guidelines, relevant state and federal regulations, training guidelines, and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related emergency communications duties. The necessity of responding to unforeseen and emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to receive calls emergency and non-emergency calls and to dispatch emergency service personnel as appropriate. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective response to emergency and life-threatening situations.

CONTACTS                                                       

• Contacts are typically with department personnel, representatives of emergency services agencies, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate people.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.
• The work is typically performed in a communications center.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to a high school diploma.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain CJIS and NCIC certification.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain appropriate CPR certification.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain state 911 and emergency medical dispatch certification.