Communications Officer II

City of Portales; Portales (NM); On-site; USD 41,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Portales seeks a Communications Officer II responsible for dispatching emergency services and maintaining sensitive files. This role requires certifications and proficiency in communication skills, with a shift schedule of 40 hours a week, including nights and weekends.

The position is full-time, with a salary of $19.81 per hour. Candidates must pass a background check and drug screening.

Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a TAC Officer status and either a Communications Training Officer or Instructor Certification.
• Must possess a current New Mexico driver’s license or the ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory driving history.
• Must become proficient with law enforcement terminology.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch emergency personnel for the City of Portales and surrounding areas.
• Process, organize, and maintain criminally sensitive files.
• Become certified as a 9‑1‑1 operator within one year of employment.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Problem-solving under duress

Manual dexterity

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Certified Telecommunicator with DPS certification

Job description

THE CITY OF PORTALES, NEW MEXICO

Position posting # 2026-13; Position: Communications Officer II; Department: Communications; Status: Non-Exempt; Reports to: Dispatch Supervisor; Shift: Regular – 40 hours per week; Salary: $19.81 hourly / $41,204.80 annually.

This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

General Description

The position of Communications Officer reports to an immediate supervisor. The employee is responsible for the prompt, accurate, and courteous dispatch of incoming and outgoing messages by radio and telephone for all emergency personnel in the city and county. Communications Officers must answer requests for service from phone calls, first responders approved to use radios, 9‑1‑1 calls, and when properly licensed to operate on the amateur band frequencies. Additionally, they must be able to use multiple computer applications to document information received or requested. The position requires irregular hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and special assignments.

Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Become proficient operating radio equipment and procedures utilized in the Communications Center.
2. Become certified as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher.
3. Become certified as a National Crime Information Crime Terminal Operator.
4. Dispatch emergency personnel such as police, firefighters, and EMS for the City of Portales, Roosevelt County, ENMU Police and other Emergency Services.
5. Process, organize, and maintain criminally sensitive files, including warrants for arrest, domestic violence orders, and sex offender files.
6. Monitor and report information to the National Weather Services Office, State Emergency Operations Center, and agencies having joint powers agreements with local agencies.
7. Become certified as a 9‑1‑1 operator within one year of employment by completing a three‑week Communications Officer academy sanctioned by the State of New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
8. Applicants are subject to and must pass a pre‑employment background check.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

1. High School diploma or equivalent.
2. Minimum of two years certified Telecommunicator with DPS certification.
3. Have and maintain a TAC Officer status and either a Communications Training Officer or Instructor Certification.
4. Good verbal communication skills—ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
5. Applicants must possess a current New Mexico driver’s license or the ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory driving history.
6. Applicants must be able to listen, document, and forward requests for service under duress.
7. Applicants must be able to view and process sensitive/confidential information without divulging the content to non‑approved personnel.
8. Applicants must become proficient with terminology utilized by law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and support staff.
9. Applicants must have the ability to learn and perform problem solving under duress.
10. Applicants must be able to perform in a controlled environment and work with others while maintaining a professional demeanor.
11. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment. Noise level may be quiet to moderate. The majority of time is spent seated; dispatchers may stand and move in a limited area. The role entails extensive keyboarding, manual dexterity, regular reaching, stretching, and lifting of standard dispatch supplies and materials.

Physical Requirements

1. Must sit for extended periods of time, stand or walk as necessary.
2. Must stretch, reach, or lift objects or materials that may be up to 25 pounds.
3. Must perform multiple tasks requiring manual dexterity simultaneously.
4. Must write legibly.
5. Must hear, understand, and respond to verbal information in person, by phone and by radio, including difficult-to-understand callers.
6. Must speak clearly and concisely.
7. Must see, read, and understand written information and instructions.
8. Must think and apply judgment, discretion, and initiative in accomplishing work.
9. Must engage in frequent interpersonal interactions, complaints that are stressful or sensitive in nature.

Work Schedule

The work week consists of 10–12 straight hours a day. It is full‑time for four days a week. The schedule includes shift work, some weekends and holidays. The schedule will be established later and is subject to change by the Director.

Travel Requirements

1. Limited travel – ability to travel for meetings and training may be required.
2. Overnight travel may be required.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

1. Must pass a background investigation including work history, criminal records, driving records, and other records deemed necessary.
2. Must pass a post‑offer pre‑employment drug screen administered by a City‑designated facility.
3. Applicants must pass a hearing test before attending the Communications Officer Academy.

Conditions of Continued Employment

1. Candidates must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and insurability in accordance with the City’s insurance carrier.

Application Deadline and EEO Statement

Position to remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed bi‑weekly. The City of Portales is an Equal Opportunity Employer.