Emergency Communications Specialist — Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Garland; Garland (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Garland is seeking a Communications Dispatcher to receive and route emergency and non-emergency calls. You will enter data, prioritize calls and liaise with Police, Fire and other agencies while maintaining detailed logs and NCIC/TCIC data.

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or GED and be US citizens. No prior experience is required, with training provided on two radio disciplines and essential protocols for safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Must be United States citizen at time of application.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent.
• No experience required.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prioritize and respond to emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and situations.
• Enter and process information received.
• Prioritize and route calls to dispatch.
• Apply policies, procedures, guidelines relating to emergency situations and crime intervention to ensure compliance, safety of citizens and emergency response personnel and prevent liabilities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and logs of all radio transmissions, telephone calls and other records and files.
• Correspond or communicate with other Cities, agencies, etc. to confirm or request information of a valid offense report or other law enforcement matters.
• Act as a liaison between the Garland Police and Fire Departments and other City departments and/or City or Government agencies as needed.
• Maintain and validate data in local, state and national computerized databases including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC).
• Monitor and control the movement of field units and provide appropriate and effective coverage in response to public safety emergencies.
• Perform administrative duties as needed or requested.

Skills

Typing 35 wpm

Multitasking

Emergency dispatch terminology

Communication via telephone

Situational awareness

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

6 months advanced training beyond high school

Tools

NCIC/TCIC systems

Job description

Summary

Responsible for receiving and responding to emergency and non-emergency calls in order to route calls to the appropriate services.

Summary

Responsible for receiving and responding to emergency and non-emergency calls in order to route calls to the appropriate services.

Salary: Depending on qualifications and experience

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Receive, prioritize and respond to emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and situations.
• Enter and process information received.
• Prioritize and route calls to dispatch.
• Apply policies, procedures, guidelines relating to emergency situations and crime intervention to ensure compliance, safety of citizens and emergency response personnel and prevent liabilities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and logs of all radio transmissions, telephone calls and other records and files.
• Correspond or communicate with other Cities, agencies, etc. to confirm or request information of a valid offense report or other law enforcement matters.
• Act as a liaison between the Garland Police and Fire Departments and other City departments and/or City or Government agencies as needed.
• Maintain and validate data in local, state and national computerized databases including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC).
• Monitor and control the movement of field units and provide appropriate and effective coverage in response to public safety emergencies
• Perform administrative duties as needed or requested.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be United States of America citizen at the time of application (State licensing requirement)
• High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent
• No experience required
  
  

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/ Experience:

• 6 months advanced training or coursework past the high school level
• Up to one year of experience as a Call Taker, Customer Service or similar position in a communication or dispatch center
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government
• Basic knowledge of computer technology and equipment
• Basic knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures
• Basic knowledge of geography for the City of Garland and surrounding areas
• Basic knowledge of English language for spelling and proper word usage
• Skill in coordinating mental, manual and visual activities simultaneously
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately
• Skill in communicating using telephone equipment
• Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries
• Ability to multitask and demonstrate appropriate judgment on the spot
• Ability to work under pressure and during emergency situations and react quickly to signals, unexpected situations and/or emergencies
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police Department personnel, other City employees, outside law enforcement agencies and the public
• Ability to type 35 words per minute while multitasking
• Ability to satisfactorily complete training on two (2) radio disciplines.
• Ability to process and evaluate information received and dispatch law enforcement and/or Fire/EMS, consider call priority, availability and the number and types of personnel needed
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid State of Texas Class C Driver’s License Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator License or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire
• Texas Department of Safety (DPS) National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/ Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire
• Medical Priority Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) license and certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire CPR Certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire