Dispatcher 1

Pottawatomie County; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Pottawatomie County is seeking an entry‑level Dispatcher to support the Communication Supervisor. The role directs officers to locations in need, informs personnel of potentially dangerous situations, and assists the public in crises.

Strong interpersonal skills and calm performance under stress are essential. Responsibilities include radio traffic management, call routing, NCIC operation, weather and alert monitoring, and precise record keeping.

Qualifications

• Entry-level position; no prior experience required.
• High school diploma or GED required; NCIC, CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification required.

Responsibilities

• Responds to radio traffic and records transmissions.
• Answers incoming telephone inquiries and routes calls.
• Dispatches officers or appropriate assistance as needed.
• Operates National Crime Information Clearinghouse computer system.
• Monitors weather bulletins, vehicle and missing person alerts via databases.
• Maintains accurate records and logs.
• Greets public as they arrive.
• Maintains knowledge of warrants, civil papers and computer capabilities.
• Answers emergency 911 calls and dispatches emergency services.
• Activates tornado and emergency warning systems and alerts for the County.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Stress management

Decision making

Typing

Record keeping

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

NCIC system

Two-way radio

Computer

Fax machine

Typewriter

Photocopier

Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Pottawatomie County Communication Supervisor, the Dispatcher is a non

exempt position under FLSA. This employee is responsible for directing officers to locations in need of

assistance, advising officers of potentially dangerous situations, and helping the general public in times of

crisis. Excellent interpersonal communications skills are required. Employee must be able to function

calmly and effectively under severe stress.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to radio traffic and records transmissions;
• Answers incoming telephone inquiries and routes calls;
• Dispatches officers or appropriate assistance as needed;
• Operates National Crime Information Clearinghouse computer system;
• Monitors teletypes on weather, stolen vehicles, runaways, attempts to locate using databases;
• Provides accurate record keeping techniques;
• Greets public as they arrive;
• Maintains knowledge of warrants, civil papers and computer capabilities;
• Maintains location of officers at all times;
• Answers emergency 91 1 telephone calls;
• Dispatches ambulance, fire, rescue, and any other necessary emergency service;
• Activates tornado and emergency warning systems and alerts for the County.
• Performs Data Entry
• Additional duties as assigned by the Communication Supervisor

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists officers with case numbers;
• Assists Detention Officers as needed;
• Prepares shift logs daily;
• Performs data entry;
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary or assigned

Requirements

Experience: This is an entry-level position. No previous experience is required. Employee is expected to

have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within six months of

employment.

Education: A high school diploma or GED is required. National Crime Information Clearinghouse, CPR

and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The ability and willingness to learn about computers, county layout,

typing, filing, record keeping, telephone etiquette and the ability to maintain confidentiality is required.

The ability to operate a computer, typewriter, fax machine, two-way radio, recorder and photocopier is also

required. Employee must possess a working knowledge of mathematics, federal, state, and local laws and

ordinances and excellent communication skills. Employees must successfully complete a 6 month

probationary training and assessment period from the date of promotion.

Problem Solving: Problem solving is involved in this position. Problems this employee may encounter

include dealing with computer malfunctions and inadequate coverage to respond to emergency calls.

Decision Making: Employee must be able to make split second decisions to protect the life and safety of

police officers as well as citizens ofthe community. Deciding what units to send to different locations and

prioritizing calls is encountered regularly.

Supervision: This position acts with Nequent supervision from the Pottawatomie County Communication

Sergeant and performs no supervisory duties.

Financial Accountability: Employee does not participate in the annual departmental budget process.

Personal Relations: Daily contact with the general public, co-workers, supervisory personnel and the

organization's governing body is expected.

Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an

employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations

may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in

the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met

by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations

may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions