EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST 1, 2 OR 3

Los Alamos County; New Mexico; On-site; USD 34,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos County is seeking an Emergency Communications Specialist 1, 2 or 3 to protect citizens and responders by receiving and evaluating emergency and non-emergency requests. The role includes triaging calls, coordinating responses, and guiding the public in life-threatening situations.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, background/FBI checks, and the ability to obtain NM certifications within set timeframes. Flexible scheduling and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Background check and FBI fingerprint clearance required.
• Must pass pre-employment physical and psychological exams.
• Candidate must be able to obtain NM Class D driver’s license within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Receive and evaluate incoming requests for emergency and non-emergency services.
• Triage requests for service and coordinate appropriate responses.
• Provide guidance to the public in life-safety situations and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ensure 24/7 coverage via rotating work schedule.

Skills

Emergency dispatch

Shift work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree (preferred)

Tools

NCIC certification

NMLEA PST certification

EMD certification

Emergency Fire Dispatcher certification

CPR certification

Job description

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST 1, 2 OR 3

JOB TITLE: Emergency Communications Specialist 1, 2 or 3
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Police/Dispatcher
SUPERVISOR: Dispatch Shift Supervisor

Pay Ranges: Emergency Communications Specialist 1 - $25.30 - $41.19/hr.
Emergency Communications Specialist 2 - $27.89 - $45.41/hr.
Emergency Communications Specialist 3 - $30.75 - $50.07/hr.

Position Summary: Under general supervision of the Emergency Communications Shift Supervisor the primary responsibility of this position is to protect citizens and emergency responders while receiving and evaluating incoming requests for emergency and non-emergency services including but not limited to law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services (EMS), triaging those requests for service, providing guidance and assistance to the public in life-safety situations and coordinating appropriate responses with the objective of keeping all participants safe. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

Minimum Qualifications Emergency Communications Specialist 1:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must pass a background investigation that meets all local, state, and federal requirements as well as an FBI fingerprint check.
• Must have never committed, been involved in, or been convicted of, a felony or crime of moral turpitude.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical and psychological exam prior to commencing work.
• Must successfully complete pre-employment drug screening and subsequent random drug and alcohol screening while employed.
• Must be able to work on a rotating schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage.
• Must possess, or obtain within first thirty days of employment, and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D driver’s license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the following licenses and certifications within the given time frame:
  • o NCIC certification within six months of date of hire.
  • o New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy (NMLEA) Public Safety Telecommunicator certification within one year of employment.
  • o Emergency Medical Dispatch certification within one year of employment.
  • o Emergency Fire Dispatch certification within one year of employment.
  • o CPR for the Healthcare Provider within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Emergency Communications Specialist 1:

• Relevant dispatch experience.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch, Health Provider CPR, and NCIC certifications.

Additional Minimum Qualifications for Emergency Communications Specialist 2:

• Two years of experience as an emergency dispatcher in Los Alamos County or other comparable emergency services dispatch or police department.
• Must currently possess and maintain certification with the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy as a PST OR must have ability to obtain certification by waiver within six months of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain certification as an Emergency Medical and Emergency Fire Dispatcher with the county’s equipment/software vendor.
• Must successfully complete a knowledge-based test prior to commencing work.

Preferred Qualifications for Emergency Communications Specialist 2:

• Intermediate Advanced Certification from New Mexico Department of Public Safety (10.29.4.14 NMAC).

Additional Minimum Qualifications for Emergency Communications Specialist 3:

• Must have a total of four years of comparable dispatch experience, of which two years’ experience must be with the County of Los Alamos Consolidated Dispatch Center.
• Must currently possess and maintain a license from the State of New Mexico Department of Health EMS Bureau as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher.
• Must successfully complete Communications Training Officer certification within one year of employment.
• Must successfully complete a knowledge-based test prior to commencing work.
• Successful completion of background investigation course within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Emergency Communications Specialist 3:

• An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice or other closely related field.
• Communications Training Officer Certification.
• Background Investigation certificate of completion.