Communications Officer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Take-home vehicle (Patrol)

Tuition reimbursement

Medical insurance benefits

Job summary

Pueblo County in Colorado is seeking a professional Public Safety Dispatcher to handle 911 and non-emergency calls, providing critical pre-arrival instructions and dispatching police, fire, and EMS units. The role requires strong multitasking, calm under pressure, and teamwork with responders to ensure rapid and safe outcomes.

Responsibilities include operating CAD systems, maintaining logs, reporting statistics, and coordinating with external agencies.

Qualifications

• Takes 911 and non-emergency calls and prioritizes requests.
• Provides pre-arrival medical or fire safety instructions.
• Operates public-safety communications equipment and dispatch systems.
• Enters call data, maintains logs, and compiles statistics.

Responsibilities

• Take 911 and non-emergency calls and prioritize requests.
• Provide pre-arrival medical instructions and safety guidance.
• Operate CAD and other dispatch systems for police, fire, and EMS.
• Maintain logs, enter records, and generate call-related statistics.
• Coordinate with other agencies and monitor unit status.

Skills

Emergency dispatch

Public safety communications

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CAD systems

NCIC/CCIC cert

Job description

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.

• 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).
• Enters 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.

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.)

• 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)