911 Dispatcher / Communications Officer

City-of-Osage-Beach; Osage Beach (MO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Osage Beach seeks a 911 Dispatcher to provide vital information to the public and coordinate emergency responses. You will operate multi-system communications equipment, manage enhanced 911 calls, document unit activity, monitor building security, and oversee the prisoner holding area as needed.

Applicants must complete testing at the Osage Beach Police Department, pass a 40 wpm typing test, and interview when scheduled.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Typing speed of at least 40 wpm.
• Must complete state computer training programs as well as departmental training.
• One year of telecommunications experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate radio base station for public safety communications.
• Answer and manage multiple lines, dispatching appropriate responses.
• Use inter-agency computer systems to obtain and relay information.
• Monitor a variety of alarm, security, and warning systems.
• Prepare and maintain required logs, records, and reports with accuracy.
• Participate in training as assigned by the Dispatch Supervisor.

Skills

Typing 40 wpm

Public safety coordination

Calm under pressure

Confidentiality

Shift work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

General

The 911 Dispatcher assists the public by providing information and coordinating emergency response services. Responsibilities include operating multi-system communications equipment, managing enhanced 911 calls, maintaining records, databases, and monitoring network interfaces. The role requires rapid assessment of situations to initiate appropriate emergency actions, documenting all unit activity, overseeing the prisoner holding area, providing public information, and monitoring building security.

All applicants must participate in written testing conducted at the Osage Beach Police Department, complete a typing test, and participate in an interview when scheduled.

Supervision Received

The 911 Dispatcher is responsible to and performs under the direct supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised

Not Applicable.

The following examples are meant to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Operate radio base station (console) transmitting and receiving messages to and from public safety agencies in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and Police Department policies and procedures.
• Answer and manage multiple emergency and non-emergency phone lines, addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and dispatching appropriate responses.
• Use inter-agency computer systems to obtain and relay information from criminal justice and law enforcement databases.
• Monitor a variety of alarm, security, and warning systems.
• Prepare and maintain required logs, records, and reports with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Perform other duties and participate in training as assigned by the Dispatch Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of computers and computer operating systems.
• Knowledge of names and locations of principal streets and buildings in Osage Beach, as well as the surrounding area.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and professional during high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other agencies and the general public.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to comprehend and follow verbal and written instructions with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must type a minimum of 40 wpm.
• Must complete state computer training programs as well as departmental training.
• One (1) year of experience preferred in the field of telecommunications for Police Department/Public Safety activities.

or

• Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which would qualify for the position as determined by the Dispatch Supervisor and approved by the Administrative Lieutenant.