Communications Officer (Certified)

City of Dothan; Dothan (AL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Communications Officer to handle emergency and non-emergency calls effectively. This role involves dispatching personnel, providing critical pre-arrival instructions, and ensuring compliance with emergency protocols. The ideal candidate will thrive in high-pressure situations, showcasing strong communication skills and a commitment to public safety. Join a team that values your expertise and offers a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact community safety. If you're ready to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED required.
• Two years of experience as a dispatcher or one year as a Public Safety Calltaker.
• Current certifications in relevant emergency communication courses preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch personnel.
• Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
• Monitor and retrieve data from ACJIC/NCIC databases.

Skills

Emergency communications principles

ACJIC/NCIC policies

Emergency dispatch procedures

Radio and telecommunications equipment

CAD system functions

Decision-making in emergencies

Public relations

Interpersonal relations

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certification in APCO PST1 course

CPR certification

NCIC/ACJIC certification

Tools

Telecommunications equipment

CAD software

Emergency medical dispatch software

Job description

Advertisement Closing Date - March 31, 2026

***Applications will be reviewed every 10 days.***

***Supporting Documents are required at the time of application submission.***

WORK SCHEDULE
6am - 6pm or 6pm - 6am
Work four days/Off three days.

This position is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls and for dispatching appropriate personnel.

• Receives and screens incoming calls from the public and other user agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls, including 911 calls.

• Determines and dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to incident locations; provides emergency medical instructions to callers prior to the arrival of responders as needed.

• Receives and processes non-emergency calls; forwards to appropriate department; receives and processes after-hours complaints from the public.

• Inquires, retrieves, and monitors data from ACJIC/NCIC database; ensures compliance with rules and regulations; retrieves information related to outstanding warrants, criminal histories, driver histories, vehicle histories, etc.; disseminates information related to criminal histories, driver histories, terrorist threats, felon registration, sex offender registration, lost or stolen items, missing persons, etc.

• Maintains contact with emergency personnel in the field; provides information to responding units regarding location, directions, changes to circumstances, etc.; responds to information requests from responding units.

• Provides pre-arrival instructions to callers in compliance with Emergency Medical Dispatch guidelines.

• Coordinates assistance from other agencies and/or departments as requested, including contacting other agencies for response to specific situations.

• Operates telecommunications equipment, including radios, telephones, CAD, mapping systems, telecommunications devices, weather monitoring equipment, etc.

• Monitors and utilizes non-emergency radios as needed.

• Monitors security cameras.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.
  
  
• Knowledge of ACJIC/NCIC policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures.

• Knowledge of radio and telecommunications equipment.

• Knowledge of CAD system functions and maintenance.

• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.

• Skill in public relations.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Communications Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include ACJIC/NCIC guidelines, state and federal regulations, HIPPA regulations, general orders, APCO policies training guidelines, medical controls, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related emergency communications duties. The necessity of responding to unforeseen and emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.

• The purpose of this position is to participate in the receiving of emergency and non-emergency calls and in dispatching emergency service personnel as appropriate. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective response to emergency and life-threatening situations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with department personnel, other city personnel, representatives of other emergency services agencies, hospital and other medical personnel, representatives of a variety of external agencies, and the public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.

• The work is typically performed in a Communications Center.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); and

• Must be at least 19 years of age; and

• Two (2) years work experience as a Police, Fire, EMS and E911 dispatcher; or

• One (1) year current continuous experience as a Public Safety Calltaker with the City of Dothan in the Communications Officer progression; and

• Possession of current certification in Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator I (PST1) course (40 hours initial course) or other state and/or agency equivalent certification; and

• Possession of current certification in American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course or American Red Cross equivalent; and

• Possession of current certification in National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) certification or other state equivalent certification in the use of the Criminal Justice Information Center and the FBI National Crime Information Center systems.

• Possession of current certification in Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Course (32 hours initial course, 12 hours annual recertification) preferred.

• Possession of current certification in Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Communications Training Officer (CTO) Course (32 hours initial course, 12 hours annual recertification) preferred.

• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Southern Software Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) preferred.

• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Southern Software Records Management System (RMS) preferred.

• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Southern Software Mapping Data System (MDS) preferred.

• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Motorola Emergency Communications System ECS-1000, Solacom 9-1-1 Equipment preferred.

• Completion of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training in Public Safety Radio Training/Experience in actual radio transmission environment preferred.

*Accredited through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER

The City of Dothan’s Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/promoted demoted/transferred into the Police Department. The examination will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to obtain certification and recertification the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) course per department standards and requirements and/or the Alabama Public Safety Telecommunication Program (Act 22-387, Rule 585-X-5).

• Ability to obtain certification as an Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Communications Training Officer (CTO).

• Must maintain information confidentiality throughout entire employment.

• An applicant must be able to continuously progress satisfactorily throughout the training program within the probationary period.

• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.

• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan police, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 8/13/12)

• Must meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards, which include drug/alcohol testing.

Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.

Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing [e-mail].

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer