Communication Technician

City of Apopka; Apopka (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Apopka is seeking an Emergency Dispatcher to handle 911 emergency and non-emergency calls, operate dispatch systems, and ensure efficient communication within public safety departments. This role demands strong multitasking abilities and clear communication skills, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. The successful candidate will participate in ongoing training and could receive a salary commensurate with skills and experience, starting at the minimum of the established pay grade.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent certification required.
• Valid Florida driver's license or other acceptable identification.
• Basic FCIC/NCIC certification must be acquired within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Responds to 911 and emergency calls; dispatches public safety units.
• Operates computer systems for information related to public safety.
• Maintains logs and documents; provides backup support as needed.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Communication

Judgment

Attention to Detail

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

911 Telecommunication Consoles

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The following is intended only as an illustration of the various types of work performed, skills and expertise required, equipment used, and special requirements and conditions. The omission of specific duties, skills, etc., does not exclude them from the position if they are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Is able to work any post, assignment, or shift to support the 24- hour per day, 7- day a week operation. This includes nights, weekends, and holidays; and when the need arises, adjust their schedule to accomplish a mission or operational need.
• Receives and responds to 911, emergency, non-emergency, complaint, and service-related phone calls.
• Determines nature and priority of calls by asking questions of callers, and transfers information to appropriate units or person.
• Operates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system to dispatch public safety units to calls; monitors activities and location of public safety units to ensure situations are under control; provides immediate backup when needed and notifies appropriate supervisors.
• Operates teletype computer equipment to enter, retrieve, and transmit information regarding outstanding warrants, vehicle registrations, driver licenses, criminal histories, etc.; maintains appropriate logs and files in accordance with requirements of the Florida Crime Information Commission (NCIC and FCIC) and departmental procedures.
• Interacts in a professional manner via radio or telephone with the public and fellow employees and other public safety agencies.
• Responsible for being knowledgeable of all material contained within the Communications Center Standard Operating Guide, has a working knowledge of departmental rules/regulations and city rules/regulations.
• Maintains various files and logs to document information pertaining to public safety and established standards.
• Conducts tours and assists with public education presentations at events when needed.

• Performs general clerical work as required, including typing reports and records, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, and faxing.
• Directs public to appropriate community resources.
• Trains new employees by demonstrating procedures, instructing in the operation of equipment, and teaching the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for successful performance

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of operating procedures for handling emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Knowledge of FCIC/NCIC procedures and regulations.
• Knowledge of Police Information Management System.
• Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system operations.
• Considerable knowledge of the efficient operation of radios; receiving and transmitting equipment.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, stressful environment, exercise good judgment and responds to various calls simultaneously and take proper action.
• Ability to maintain a constant attention to details while using communication equipment in noisy and confined work area with radio traffic, ringing telephones and conversations occurring simultaneously.
• Thorough knowledge of the geographic boundaries of the City and surrounding district including location of streets, subdivisions, important buildings, and major landmarks.
• Ability to type at least 30 words per minute.
• Ability to speak clearly in a well-modulated voice, using good diction.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge in 911 operations.
• Perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules with constant problem-solving.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or equivalent certification required.
• Valid Florida driver's license or other acceptable official identification.
• Basic FCIC/NCIC certification or ability to become certified within 6 months of hire. State of Florida DOH Telecommunicator Certification preferred.
• Knowledge of emergency medical dispatch (EMD) and successfully pass the certification test within six months of starting position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

EQUIPMENT USED

• 911 telecommunication consoles, basic office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, facsimile machines; ability to operate Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer
• office equipment, telephone, etc.
• Physical demands are essentially those of sedentary work. Tasks may require extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
• Work requires sitting for an extended period of time. Occasional walking, standing, lifting (under 20 lbs.), bending, pushing, pulling, kneeling and reaching overhead.

JOB LOCATION

Apopka Police Department, all City owned buildings/property, parks, grounds and recreation facilities. Any off-site locations and facilities utilized as part of the City's participation or involvement in an event, activity or job assignment. Occasional travel to meetings, conferences, and seminars/training schools will be required as a part of the employee's development and training.

DISCLAIMER:

The City of Apopka reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date and also reserves the right to close the posting prior to the date indicated. Positions will be filled by competitive selection from among categories of qualified and available candidates. It is the policy of the City of Apopka to give first consideration to all employees and other internal applicants prior to considering external (outside) applicants. Applicants should expect a starting salary at the minimum of the pay grade range; applicants with exceptional qualifications and/or experience may be eligible for a rate of pay which is higher than the range minimum upon approval by Administration. Your social security number is requested for the purpose of payroll eligibility verification, processing employment benefits, applicant and employee background checks, and income reporting and will be used solely for those purposes. The City of Apopka participates in E-Verify. Employers are required by federal law to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. We utilize the E-Verify system to process our new hires. We provide information to the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with Information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.