Communications Officer - Sheriff's Department

Stillwater County, MT; Montana; On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Stillwater County is seeking a Communications Officer for the Sheriff’s Office to handle emergency and non-emergency requests via telephone, radio, and computer-aided dispatch systems. The role dispatches law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other responders while monitoring unit status and maintaining records.

The position requires calm decision-making under stress, multi-tasking, and adherence to procedures. Certifications (POST, CJIN, EMD, CPR) must be obtained within one year of hire; a Montana

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year+ of public contact/customer service experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills; county geography helpful.
• Remain calm under stress, multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Must obtain Montana POST, CJIN, EMD, and CPR certifications within 1 year of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Montana driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Receive and evaluate emergency and non-emergency calls; determine priority and dispatch personnel/resources.
• Operate communications systems (radios, telephones, terminals, paging, teletype).
• Monitor unit location/status for responder safety and timeliness.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation of calls and responses.
• Provide clear, professional communication with responders, other agencies, and the public.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion.
• May act as Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) or Alternate TAC.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Calm under stress

Clear communication

Multi-tasking

Public/customer contact

Discretion with sensitive information

Education

High school diploma or GED

Montana POST Basic Communications Officer Certification

CJIN Certification

Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification

CPR Certification

Valid Montana driver’s license

Job description

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CLASS TITLE: Communications Officer

DEPARTMENT: Sheriff’s Office

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Communications Officer/Undersheriff

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision, the Communications Officer receives and processes emergency and non-emergency requests for service through telephone, radio, and computer-aided dispatch systems. The position is responsible for dispatching law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency responders; monitoring unit status and safety; maintaining accurate records; and providing the first point of contact for the public during urgent and often stressful situations. Work requires the ability to make rapid decisions, multi-task under pressure, and follow established procedures while exercising sound judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive and evaluate emergency and non-emergency calls for service; determine priority and dispatch appropriate personnel and resources.
• Operate communications systems, including radios, telephones, computer terminals, paging, and teletype equipment, following established protocols.
• Monitor unit location and status to ensure responder safety and timely support.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation of calls, responses, and activities.
• Provide clear, concise, and professional communication with responders, other agencies, and the public.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Perform control room housekeeping and other duties as assigned.
• May serve as Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) or Alternate TAC.
• May assist in training new employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:

This position does not regularly supervise others but may provide training or guidance to new employees or trainees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• One (1) year of work experience involving public contact, clerical/office work, or customer service requiring multi-tasking preferred.
• Basic computer skills required; familiarity with county geography helpful.
• Ability to remain calm under stress, communicate clearly, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Must obtain and maintain the following certifications within one (1) year of hire:
  • Montana POST Basic Communications Officer Certification
  • CJIN Certification
  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification
  • CPR Certification
• Must possess and maintain a valid Montana driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed primarily in a dispatch center under moderate to high stress conditions.
• Requires extended periods of sitting, with frequent bending, stooping, and turning of the head.
• Must have sufficient vision, hearing, and speech clarity (with or without correction) to perform duties effectively.
• Requires ability to multi-task, concentrate, and make rapid decisions under pressure.
• Requires frequent contact with the public and multiple agencies, requiring tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• May be subject to long or irregular hours, rotating shifts, holidays, and call-outs.
• Must occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds (greater with assistance).
• Work may involve mental and physical stress due to exposure to life-threatening emergencies and critical incidents.