Communications Officer

Pueblo County Government; Pueblo (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential pay

Tuition reimbursement

Take-home vehicle (Patrol)

Retirement program

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

Pueblo County Government seeks a Public Safety Dispatcher to receive and prioritize 911 and non-emergency calls, dispatch police, fire, and EMS units, and relay critical information to field personnel.

The role requires handling confidential information, adherence to procedures, and the ability to perform under pressure. Shift work including weekends and holidays is required, with strong teamwork and communication expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18; high school diploma or GED.
• A valid driver's license at time of application; Colorado license at time of hire is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receives and prioritizes 911 and non-emergency calls and dispatches units for police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency services.
• Provides pre-arrival medical or fire safety instructions and guides callers through CPR, childbirth, or bleeding control as needed.
• Operates public-safety communications equipment (radios, 911 systems, text-to-911, CAD, paging) and maintains logs and reports.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

Receives and relays emergency and non-emergency public safety calls via radio and phone, and dispatches public safety law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services for an emergency communications center (ECC). Duties include taking emergency and non-emergency calls, including referrals to outside agencies; entering call records, maintaining call logs, and compiling call-related statistics; and operating computer-aided dispatch systems for public safety law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical dispatch. This position is safety-sensitive and involves handling confidential information. Performs specialized, complex telecommunications and dispatch duties requiring independent judgment, critical thinking, decision-making, and thorough knowledge of communications equipment, policies, and procedures.

What You Will Do

Receives and prioritizes 911 and non-emergency calls and digital requests for help from the public for police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency services; gathers, analyzes, and reports critical information during life-or-death situations, including crimes in progress, medical emergencies, and fire/rescue incidents; and dispatches units in accordance with policy.

Administers care by providing pre-arrival medical or fire safety instructions, guiding callers through procedures such as CPR, childbirth, or bleeding control, or providing safety instructions for fire calls while emergency medical services and/or fire departments are en route.

Operates a range of public-safety communications equipment, including multi-channel radios, 911 emergency telephone systems, text-to-911 systems, advanced location systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, instant-recall recorders, and paging and intercom systems.

Transmits, receives, records, and disseminates teletype information from state and national computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registrations, stolen vehicles, and related matters; relays information to field deputies; and maintains certification in the National Crime Information Center/Colorado Crime Information Center (NCIC/CCIC).

Enter automated activity records into the computer system, maintains various logs related to public safety dispatch operations, and communicates via email.

Coordinates and relays information and requests for assistance involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies; coordinates and assigns resources as necessary in emergency and non-emergency situations; and maintains communication with all units to monitor the status and locations of law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service units.

Interprets maps for members of the public, field personnel, and other agencies to assist in locating specific geographic areas. Applies local geographic knowledge to identify callers' locations on maps and provide appropriate, timely assistance.

Provides assistance, information, and guidance to callers from outside the agency; refers or transfers calls to external agencies, as appropriate.

Communicates effectively with the public and internal team members, both orally and in writing, and collaborates as an integral member of the team.

Provides life-safety information to first responders during emergencies, including officer-down and MAYDAY calls, to support appropriate protective actions.

What You Have

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. A valid driver's license at the time of application is required. A valid Colorado driver's license at time of hire is required.

Testing includes, but is not limited to, a computerized multi-task test, interview, and mandatory observation session. Prior to employment, candidates will complete a background investigation, polygraph examination, physical examination to include a drug screen, and psychological evaluation. The expected duration of the selection process will normally not exceed two months. Candidates not selected may reapply in the future. This position requires shift work, including weekends and holidays. This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Compensation

$4,700.80-$5,947.07 Monthly

(Although the entire salary range is posted, the position starts at $4,700.80 per month.)

What Pueblo County Offers

• Shift differential pay
• Referral/Recruitment incentives
• Trainer pay
• Tuition reimbursement
• Take-home vehicle (Patrol)
• Opportunity to work in many diverse areas
• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) (full-time employees)
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
• County Retirement Program
• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership
• Truly inclusive and diverse environment
• Fitness Center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building)
• May be eligible for up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave Benefits (full-time employees)