911 Communications Officer

Madison County, MT; Virginia City (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Madison County, MT seeks a 911 Communications Officer to receive and triage emergency requests, enter data into CAD, and dispatch police and other responders. You will monitor radio and teletype systems while maintaining contact with field units and ensuring responder safety. Strong communication, accuracy, and confidentiality are essential.

A background check and access certifications are required. Applicants should be familiar with Madison County geography, law enforcement terminology, and FCC

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required and ability to pass background checks.
• Knowledge of Madison County geography and public safety terminology is essential.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills under pressure; maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and non-emergency requests via radio, telephone, and teletype.
• Enter information into CAD system and determine call priorities for dispatch.
• Dispatch law enforcement and first responder units as needed; coordinate with field units.
• Maintain contact with responders and monitor progress and safety of personnel.
• Use databases and mapping applications to input and retrieve information.
• Maintain accurate records of public safety communications activities.
• Adhere to confidentiality standards and FCC rules for radio operations.

Skills

Communication under stress

Attention to detail

Record-keeping

Geography knowledge of Madison County

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CAD system

Public safety communication equipment

Criminal justice information databases

Job description

1111.2.1 Work Unit Overview

MCCC is a consolidated office serving multiple jurisdictions and disciplines and operates as a 24-hour, 7 day a week environment that provides support for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, disaster and emergency services, as well as various other State and Federal agencies. MCCC is the primary Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) for Madison County, Montana.

1111.2.2 Job Summary

The 911 Communications Officer receives emergency and non-emergency requests for response via radio, telephone, and teletype systems while entering all information into a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, determines the priorities of each call, dispatches law enforcement and/or other first responder units depending on the needs of the call while maintaining close contact with field units and monitoring response and progress, and also assists responders with needed support requirements from the incident or Incident Command (IC).These duties are the essential functions and are not all-inclusive of all duties required of a 911 Communications Officer:

1. Conduct standardized rapid caller interview to obtain relevant and complete information in order to prioritize and dispatch a call for service, and continue instructing callers on managing emergency situations until responders arrive;
2. Create and maintain complete and accurate records to document public safety communications activities using various computer systems, databases and mapping applications for data entry and retrieval;
3. Dispatch calls for service to the appropriate agency and unit and update responding unites while in progress;
4. Maintain status and location of all public safety personnel involved in field activities to ensure their ongoing safety;
5. Monitor multiple emergency and general support radio frequencies, telephone and teletype messaging devices to ensure public safety and determine dispatch requirements and priorities;
6. Use federal and state databases and networks to input and retrieve information regarding various criminal justice records;
7. Employ logic and critical thinking skills in evaluating alternative solutions to determine the most suitable approach to problems;
8. Maintain a working knowledge of Madison County and surrounding jurisdiction mapping and geography;
9. Adhere to strict standards of confidentiality;

1. Possess or be able to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license; and
2. All other duties as assigned.

This position requires education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate. Upon hire, requires attaining and maintaining access certifications for criminal justice information databases and associated communications systems. Requires freedom from illegal use of drugs and freedom from use and effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace. The candidate must also pass a thorough criminal background investigation.

This position requires knowledge of public service activities; the organization, policies and methods of county government; law enforcement and emergency response terminology and procedures; geography of Madison County including locations of towns and communities, major and minor roadways, and like information; comprehension of the English language, spelling and grammar; basic mathematics; rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering the operation of radio receivers and transmitters; and the proper use and care of radio and telephone equipment.

This position requires the ability to effectively communicate verbally with other parties under stress; react quickly and calmly in emergencies; communicate clearly and concisely and relay details accurately; handle stressful situations firmly, confidentially, courteously, tactfully and impartially; recall numerous specific details and essential information; and determine proper priority of all situations presented.

This position requires skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and making a clear and complete record; operating radio, telephone and teletype with keyboard and other related communications equipment; creating and maintaining manual and automated logs and other records of public safety communications activities; reading and interpreting maps to determine locations, jurisdictional boundaries, etc.; and in the use of basic and specialized computer hardware and software.