EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Amarillo; Amarillo, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Amarillo seeks an Emergency Communications Specialist to provide 24/7 emergency dispatch services for police, fire, animal control and EMS. Responsibilities include handling 911 and administrative calls, triaging information, and dispatching responders while providing life-saving instructions where needed.

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma, ability to type 35 wpm, and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to type at least 35 words per minute.
• Experience with data entry and basic computer applications.
• Knowledge of and ability to use GIS or CAD is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Answer 911 and administrative calls and gather information for responder safety.
• Dispatch responders and provide life-saving instructions over the phone.
• Input and distribute call information to appropriate responders.
• Update responders via radio and computer and document activity in logs.
• Train new dispatch staff and participate in policy/procedure committees.

Skills

Typing 35 wpm

Verbal & written communication

Computer data entry

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

GIS

CAD

Job description

## EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTApplylocations: Simms Municipal Buildingtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 11 Days Agotime left to apply: End Date: May 21, 2026 (9 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR2633**STARTING PAY:** $23.00 per hour**SUMMARY**Under general supervision, this position is responsible for providing 24-hour emergency communications services. This entails receiving and evaluating incoming emergency and administrative phone calls for emergency services including but not limited to police, fire, animal management and emergency medical services (EMS), triaging and dispatching those requests for service to the appropriate responder.**ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES*** Answers 911 and Administrative calls, gathering important information for citizens and responder safety.* Answers emergent calls and inputs and distributes the information to appropriate responders.* Answers non-emergent calls and input and distribute the information to appropriate responders.* Provides life-saving instructions over the phone, giving people an increased chance of survival during medical and traumatic emergencies.* Dispatches police officers to both emergent and non-emergent calls as needed.* Dispatches Animal Control as needed.* Performs criminal history checks on subjects, per officers’ request, confirming and faxing warrants when needed.* Runs people, places and property through NCIC, per officers’ request.* Accurately enter people, property, and vehicles as missing/stolen in NCIC.* Updates responders via radio and computer.* Research previous calls and events to provide information, such as previous visits to specific locations and supplemental address/person data in order to assist current responders, maintaining their safety.* Contacts outside agencies and departments for follow-up or assistance as needed.* Enters and documents reported wrecker service in the tow log in a timely manner* Trains new employees on dispatching position.* Serve on committees and attend meetings for policy and procedures, working with the responding agencies, and the mentorship program for new employees.* Performs other job-related duties as assigned.**M****I****NIMUM REQUIREMENTS**Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of one year of experience in a public safety dispatching environment. Must be able to obtain and maintain the following licenses and certifications within a given time frame; TCIC/NCIC Full Access and TLETS training Priority Dispatch, Fire, Medical and Law Enforcement protocols. Basic TCLEOSE certification, required. Must pass a background investigation that includes fingerprinting. Clear hearing test and drug screening. Must have completed prior to full-time employment eligibility: FEMA IS-100.a, IS-700.b, IS-240.a TCLEOSE #1013 Basic Telecommunications CPR Health Care Provider ADA TDD/TTY Public Safety Telecommunications Best Practices for Missing and Abducted Children Stress Management Valid Texas Driver’s License required.**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES*** Basic knowledge of Priority Dispatch, Fire, Medical and Law Enforcement protocols.* Ability to operate computers for data entry and word processing.* Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute.* Ability to operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS or CAD.* Strong verbal and written communication skill.* Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.**ADA PROFILE**Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. The employee must also walk, stand, sit, hear, fingering, reach, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.**WORK ENVIRONMENT**The employee deals with crisis situations that require them to make major decisions involving people, resources, and property.The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.