Communications Officer 1

State of Louisiana; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District is seeking a Communications Officer (Dispatcher) for the Harbor Police Department’s Security Center. The role involves monitoring CCTV, dispatching via radio and CAD, and serving as the public and interagency contact for emergencies, accidents, and complaints.

The position requires at least six months of radio transmission/receiving experience or equivalent training, and a minimum of six months of clerical or college-level preparation.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience transmitting and receiving messages by radio or in administrative services.
• Six months of training in a business or clerical-related curriculum.
• Fifteen semester hours of college training.

Responsibilities

• Reports to Police Sergeants on shift and the Police Major; serves as dispatcher in the Communications Unit.
• Provides constant communication services and operates multiple radios/computers and telecommunications equipment.
• Maintains proficiency through training from the Terminal Agency Coordinator.
• Receives, analyzes, prioritizes, and initiates response to incidents requiring immediate attention; maintains shift logs.
• Receives/transmits information on incidents and assists walk-ins during emergencies and directions.
• Assists with traffic control for special events and security checks; signs in/out TWIC escorts.

Skills

Radio dispatch

Public safety communications

Surveillance systems

Education

Six months of experience transmitting/receiving radio

Six months of business/clerical training

Fifteen semester hours of college training

Tools

CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch)

RMS/CAD system

Surveillance systems (Milestone/PortVision)

Job description

Overview of the Role

Serves as the Communications Officer (Dispatcher) for the Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District (Port of Lake Charles) and the Harbor Police Department. The communications officer operates the Security Center section that is equipped with the latest technology. All Communications Officers are trained in the operation of the CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch), police radio system, and the state computer system. Involves crucial responsibilities within emergency response operations. Operating in a 911 communications capacity, Communications Officers use radio systems to connect with Police Officers, Sergeants, and the Police Major. All communication traffic is meticulously recorded into the Computer-Aided Dispatch Software (CAD). Acts as the point of contact with the general public and other law enforcement agencies seeking assistance for emergencies, accidents, complaints, etc. Maintains security of facilities and grounds under local, state, and federal laws, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) regulations; Assists the District’s Harbor Police Department, an armed, uniformed, and commissioned police force.

About This Position

Duties include: Monitoring closed-circuit television in the Security Command Center; Documenting visitors; Checking credentials for entry; Dispatching calls using radio systems and computer-aided dispatch; Acting as point of contact in emergencies, accidents, and complaints; Maintaining security of facilities.

Six months of experience in transmitting and receiving messages by radio or in administrative services; OR

Six months of training in a business or clerical-related curriculum in a business school or technical institute; OR

Fifteen semester hours of college training.

Necessary Special Requirements

All persons appointed to this job will be required by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Louisiana State Police Terminal Operator Certification Program Guidelines to meet the terminal operator certification/re-certification requirement within six months of employment.

An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• 20% Reports directly to the Police Sergeants on shift and the Police Major or supervisor of a higher rank. Assigned to the Communications Unit of the Harbor Police Department. Serves primarily as a communications radio/computer dispatcher in constant communication with law enforcement officials, parking and traffic officials, and civilians.
• 20% Provides constant communication services, and accesses sensitive information for the department, other agencies, or authorized personnel. Operates/monitors multiple radios, computers, and telecommunications equipment specific to the Harbor Police Department. Uses surveillance camera system for specific, port-wide, and satellite locations to assist responding units. Monitor PortVision (vessel tracking system), Milestone (surveillance system), C-Cure 9000(secure facility door & gate system), and marine radio.
• 20% Maintains proficiency through training from the Terminal Agency Coordinator. Utilizes information from NCIC/local/state/federal agencies. Monitors fire/burglar alarms, status of field personnel by radio, dispatches personnel to related situations. Conducts confidential inquiries into highly sensitive computerized files.
• 20% Routinely accesses the Radio System and RMS/CAD. Receives, analyzes, prioritizes, and initiates response to complaints/incidents requiring immediate attention. Receives information by telephone/teletype/ 2-way radio, and transmits to appropriate personnel. Maintain and properly secure records and update shift logs
• 10% Receives/transmits information on motor vehicle accidents/fatalities/hazardous conditions. Processes driver’s license ID, motor vehicle title/registration ID, wanted/missing persons ID, Page 3 of 3 stolen property ID, criminal history info, and wrecker/ambulance services. Assists walk-ins on emergency medical/police situations, complaints, directions, lost/found, report requests, background, and other.
• 10% Assist with traffic control/direction for special events on port property. Monitor and assist contract security. Sign in/out TWIC Escorts. Performs other duties as needed or assigned (including but not limited to District grounds foot or vehicle patrols; security checks of buildings and grounds; securing minor disturbances and situations)

Position Specific Details

Appointment Type: Probational

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Communication Officer 1

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Jo Ellen Elliot

Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District

337-493-3522

[e-mail]