Communications Officer

City of Riverside; Riverside (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

FSA & HSA plans

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

LAGERS retirement

457b & IRA plans

Holidays

Vacation

Sick leave

12 weeks parental leave

Comp time

Job summary

City of Riverside in Missouri seeks a Communications Officer to answer emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch police and fire personnel, and relay information to citizens and responders during critical events.

The role requires handling a two-way radio, computer and telephony systems, maintaining logs, and ensuring confidentiality while remaining calm under pressure. Training is provided; the schedule is a set 12-hour shift with alternating weekends.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Dispatching experience is preferred but not required.
• Typing speed of 30 wpm is preferred.
• Must have a clean criminal record.
• Able to sit for extended periods and work in adverse weather.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls promptly.
• Dispatch appropriate personnel, equipment and services.
• Maintain manual and automated logs on communication systems.
• Input data to department and law enforcement databases.
• Monitor weather warnings and city alarms.
• Operate two-way radio, computer, and telephony systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional demeanor.

Skills

18 years old

Driver's license

U.S. citizen

Typing 30 wpm

Professional demeanor

Ability to work rotating shifts

Calm under pressure

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

The Communications Officer responds to telephone and radio dispatch communication for both the police and fire departments, while providing citizens and emergency response teams with valuable information during critical and emergency situations.

The Communications Officer responds to telephone and radio dispatch communication for both the police and fire departments, while providing citizens and emergency response teams with valuable information during critical and emergency situations.

Examples of Duties

Primary responsibilities include answering all emergency & non-emergency calls in a timely and professional manner while gathering necessary information to transmit or relay; dispatching appropriate personnel, equipment & services; maintaining manual and automated logs on communication; input data to various department and law enforcement agency databases and forms; monitor weather and broadcast warnings; and monitor City alarms and security cameras.

Communications Officers have the opportunity to be involved in our Property Room, CSI, and Records specialized units. They may also participate in outreach assignments with Special Olympics, Fire/Police Athletic League, and Shop with a Cop/Firefighter.

Typical Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must possess a valid driver's license
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• A High School Diploma or GED is required
• Previous dispatching experience is preferred, but not required
• The ability to type 30 wpm is preferred
• Must have a clean criminal record
• Must be able to sit for extended period of time and able to work in adverse weather conditions
• Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, which include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime assignments

Disqualifying Factors

• The commission of a crime classified as a felony under Missouri Statute regardless of conviction status
• Non-felony crimes and incidents involving moral turpitude may be a disqualifying factor but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Excessive traffic tickets
• Conviction of a Domestic Violence related crime or the respondent of an active full order of protection
• Sale, distribution, supplying of narcotics (to include prescription drugs)
• Deceit or otherwise lying in an official police investigation or administrative inquiry
• Use or possession of any controlled substance within the last five years (Where the use or possession of that controlled substance in itself would be classified a felony under Missouri Statute)
• Any illegal use of a controlled substance in the past two years (to include prescription drugs)
• Any misleading or false information on the employment application

Supplemental Information

The ideal candidate will be able to effectively respond to telephone and radio communication in a clear and intelligible voice. They will also be able to operate a virtual telephone, computer, and two way radio console using a keyboard & mouse, trackball, or foot pedal. Must be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously such as receiving, documenting, and disseminating information. Must be able to quickly elicit information, accurately analyze & evaluate situations and choose a course of action. The candidate must be able to maintain a professional demeanor on sensitive calls, deal with a diverse range of individuals who may be emotionally upset or uncooperative, and maintain confidentiality.

The schedule for this position is a set 12 hour schedule, with every other Friday through Sunday off. May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and some overtime. On-the-job training is provided.

Applications must be fully completed to be considered. Wage placements are based on prior experience in the same role reported on the application.

Benefits

We are pleased to offer an attractive benefits package designed to protect the well-being and financial health of our employees. Our goal is to support the health and wellness of our employees while offering affordable and comprehensive care. We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including

• health
• dental
• vision
• life
• FSA & HSA plans
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• a variety of voluntary insurance plans
• LAGERS retirement
• 457b & IRA plans
• holidays
• vacation
• sick leave
• 12 weeks parental leave
• comp time

We also provide longevity pay, college degree incentives, tuition reimbursements, police academy sponsorships, moving expenses, and wellness reimbursements.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.