Communication Officer I

City of Portales; Portales (NM); On-site; USD 34,332 - 41,961; Full time

Job summary

The City of Portales is looking for a Communications Officer I to manage emergency dispatch services. Responsibilities include receiving and dispatching calls for police, fire, and EMS services. The role requires certification as an E 9-1-1 Operator and proficiency in radio equipment.

Candidates must have excellent communication skills, a high school diploma, and the ability to work shifts, including weekends. The position is full-time, totaling 40 hours a week, with an hourly wage of $18.34.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Good verbal communication skills needed.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch emergency personnel using radio and telephone.
• Monitor and report information to various agencies.
• Complete pre-employment background checks.

Skills

Good verbal communication skills

Proficient in operating radio equipment

Ability to handle confidential information

Problem solving under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

THE CITY OF PORTALES, NEW MEXICO

POSITION POSTING # 2026-12

POSITION: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER I

DEPARTMENT: COMMUNICATIONS

STATUS: NON-EXEMPT

REPORTS TO: DISPATCH SUPERVISOR

SHIFT: REGULAR – 40 HOURS PER WEEK

SALARY: $18.34 HOURLY/$38,147.20 ANNUALLY

**This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to random drug and alcohol testing.**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The position of Communications Officer reports to an immediate supervisor. This employee is responsible for the prompt, accurate, and courteous dispatch of incoming and outgoing messages by radio and telephone for all emergency personnel in the city and county. Communications Officers are required to answer requests for service from phone calls, first responders approved to use radios, 9-1-1 calls, and when properly licensed to operate on the amateur band frequencies. Additionally, Communications Officers must be able to use multiple computer applications to document information received and/or requested. This position requires the Communications Officer to work irregular hours, evening or night shifts, weekends, holidays, and special assignments.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Although the following are typical of the tasks and responsibilities routinely performed, additional duties and/or responsibilities requiring comparable or lesser skills, knowledge, or dexterity may be assigned.

1. Become certified as an E 9-1-1 Operator within 1 year of employment by successfully completing a three-week Communications Officer Academy sanctioned by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
2. Become proficient in operating radio equipment and procedures utilized in the Communications Center.
3. Become certified as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher.
4. Become certified as a National Crime Information Crime Terminal Operator.
5. Dispatch emergency personnel such as police, firefighters, and EMS for the City of Portales, Roosevelt County, ENMU Police and other Emergency Services.
6. Process, organize, and maintain criminally sensitive files to include, warrants for arrest, domestic violence orders and sex offender files.
7. Monitor and report information to the National Weather Services Office, State Emergency Operations Center, and agencies having joint powers agreements with local agencies.
8. Must attend and successfully complete a three week Communications Officer course sanctioned by the State of New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
9. Applicants are subject to and must pass a pre-employment background check.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Good verbal communication skills – ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
3. Dispatch certification from DPS desired but not required.
4. Applicants must possess a current New Mexico Driver’s License or the ability to obtain and have a satisfactory driving history.
5. Applicants must be able to listen, document and forward requests for service under duress.
6. Applicants must be able to view and process sensitive/confidential information without divulging the content to non-approved personnel.
7. Applicants are required to become proficient with terminology utilized by law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and support staff.
8. Applicants must have the ability to learn and perform problem solving under pressure.
9. Applicants must be able to perform in a controlled environment and work with others while maintaining a professional demeanor.
10. Must be at least 18 years of age.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office environment. Noise level could be quiet to moderate in work environment. The majority of time is spent in a seated position; however, dispatchers have freedom to stand and move in a limited area, Work entails extensive keyboarding and manual dexterity, and also entails regular reaching, stretching, and lifting of standard dispatch supplies and materials.

COMMENTS ON PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENT

Incumbents must demonstrate a state of physical and mental health consistent with the ability to perform assigned duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Must sit for extended periods of time, stand or walk as necessary.
2. Must stretch, reach, or lift objects or materials that may be up to 25 pounds in weight.
3. Must perform multiple tasks requiring manual dexterity at the same time.
4. Must write legibly.
5. Must hear, understand and respond to verbal information in person, by phone and by radio, including difficult to understand callers.
6. Must speak clearly and concisely.
7. Must see, read and understand written information and instructions.
8. Must think and apply judgment, discretion, and initiative in accomplishing work.
9. Must engage in frequent interpersonal interactions and complaints that are stressful or sensitive in nature.

WORK SCHEDULE

The work week is 10-12 straight hours a day. Full-time is 4 days a week. Schedule includes shift work, some weekends and holidays. Schedule will be established at a later date and is subject to change by the Director.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

1. Limited travel – ability to travel for meetings and training may be required
2. Overnight travel may be required.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Must pass a background investigation including work history, criminal records, driving records and other records deemed necessary.
2. Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screen administered by a City-designated facility.
3. Applicants must pass a hearing test before attending the Communications Officer Academy.

CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

Candidates must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and insurability in accordance with the City’s insurance carrier.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUIRED APPLICATION

Position to remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis.

The City of Portales is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Application available at City Hall or on-line at www.portalesnm.gov.