ASSISTANT ENGINEER

City of Santa Fe Springs; Lawndale (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Eugene is seeking an entry-level Communications Specialist 1 for its centralized public safety dispatch center. You will be a calltaker and trainee at the initial dispatch position, with progression to Communications Specialist 2 after training.

Requires a high school diploma or GED, ability to type about 40 wpm, and clear, effective communication. Shifts include weekends, with overtime and rotation; training pathway is provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required at time of application.
• Candidates with psychology or social sciences degrees are encouraged to apply.
• CPR, First Aid, EMD, LEDS certifications encouraged or obtainable within three months.
• Basic Telecommunicator Certification obtainable within one year.

Responsibilities

• Operates computer terminal equipment and radio / telephone transmitting and receiving equipment.
• Answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for police, fire, ambulance, and others.
• Determines type of call, correct response, and responsible agency.
• Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction and dispatch needs.
• Transmits information to dispatcher or jurisdiction as required.
• Familiarizes with streets, buildings, and landmarks in the service area.
• Dispatches and monitors emergency public safety units.

Skills

Typing 40 wpm

Bilingual ability

Clear communication

Multitasking under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CPR

First Aid

EMD

LEDS

Basic Telecommunicator Certification

Job description

General Statement of Duties

Performs specialized duties in a large centralized public safety communications center. Communications Specialist 1 is generally the entry level classification.

• Communications Specialist 1’s function as calltakers and trainees at the initial dispatch position.
• Communications Specialist 2’s are proficient in handling the full scope of calltaking / dispatching functions (fire, police, and other emergency medical incidents). Incumbents in the Communications Specialist 1 classification are required to progress on to dispatch training, and usually advance to the second level within twelve months.

Generally a new employee will begin in a calltaking position as a Communications Specialist 1. If hired, as a condition of employment, employees will be expected to successfully train and become proficient in calltaking and trained in all dispatch positions as a Communications Specialist 2.

Hourly Rate

$17.85-$25.15

• Eligible for premium pay after three years.

In addition to the salary listed above, upon eligibility, the City will contribute the employee contribution of 6% and the employer contribution to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).

Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following

• Operates computer terminal equipment and radio / telephone transmitting and receiving equipment.
• Answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency telephone calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other requests.
• Makes decisions as to type of call, correct response, and responsible agency to respond to incident.
• Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched.
• Transmits appropriate information to dispatcher or responsible jurisdiction as required.
• Studies, and maintains, familiarity with major streets, roads, public buildings, industrial plants, and the general geographic location of cities and landmarks in Lane County.
• Dispatches and monitors appropriate emergency public safety units.

Qualifications

Ability to:

• Use complex computer-aided dispatch and multi-line PC-based telephone systems; accurately enter information into computerized systems.
• Speak clearly and distinctly; listen and paraphrase effectively.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously while listening, relaying, evaluating, and retaining critical information in fast-paced and routine situations.
• React quickly, efficiently, and calmly in an emergency situation(s); adopt effective course of action.
• Learn, and remember, geographical details of area covered: location of public buildings, industrial plants, patrol and fire district boundaries, and other landmark data.
• Deal tactfully with the public, coworkers, and others.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and all shifts (Day, Swing, and Graveyard).
• Employees will rotate shifts once every six months, more frequently while in training.
• Must be available to work mandatory overtime on regularly scheduled workdays. Currently the shifts are four 10-hour days / week.

Education

High school diploma or GED is required at time of application. Candidates with degrees in psychology or social sciences are encouraged to apply.

Experience

• Must have computer and telephone work experience.
• Must have one year of full-time (40 hours/week) or equivalent work experience in a customer service or public contact environment; experience in a high pressure, fast-paced, multi-task position is desirable (ex: waiter/waitress, bank teller, receptionist) OR one year of previous experience in a large public safety communications environment.

Certification

The possession of, or the ability to obtain within three months of hire date, CPR, First Aid, EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch), and LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System) certifications. The possession of, or the ability to obtain within one year of hire date, Basic Telecommunicator Certification. (The City of Eugene provides training for CPR, First Aid, EMD, LEDS, and Basic Telecommunicator Certification. Training for these certifications is provided during the probationary period.)

Skills

It is recommended that applicants be able to keyboard at least 40 words per minute. Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable. Preference for relevant bilingual ability may be given.

Selection Process

Those applicants who meet the stated minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the upcoming selection process.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at [phone].

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.

The City of Eugene is committed to a work environment which values the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally competent service to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, the City continues to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

If a job posting indicates this position is temporary (not limited duration) then the employee serves at will. Temporary employees do not receive benefits through the City of Eugene unless required by City, State or Federal code/statute.

Representation

Employees in this classification are represented by the Eugene Police Employees' Association (EPEA), and their salaries may be subject to a monthly payroll deduction after 31 days of employment.

Salary And Benefits

The normal starting salary is the first step shown on the posting. Other placement in the salary range may be considered depending on qualifications and experience. Periodic advancement through the salary range is dependent upon merit. The City provides a full range of benefits, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, retirement benefit, and life insurance. Health, dental, and vision benefits are available.