Emergency Dispatcher

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Middletown Township (PA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and prescription coverage

SERS retirement plan

Dental and vision coverage

Leave programs

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is seeking a Traffic Operations Center Technician 1 to monitor, coordinate and dispatch for real-time traffic conditions from our Turnpike Operations Center in Middletown, PA. You will work under supervision to ensure safety and rapid response to incidents using multiple communications channels.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, 1 year of emergency dispatch experience, and must obtain ETC and CLEAN/NCIC certifications within the required timelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of experience in an emergency dispatch center handling communications, emergency calls or radio dispatches.
• Must obtain ETC certification by end of trial or probationary period.
• Must acquire CLEAN/NCIC certification within ninety days.
• Typing speed of at least 30 wpm on a PTc test.
• Clean criminal history and security clearances required.

Responsibilities

• Communicates with customers, staff, 911 centers, media and external agencies by phone, radio or electronically to identify needs for assistance along the PTC highway and other locations that could impact PTC traffic.
• Provides customer service by telephone and electronic information systems; assists with traveler alerts and advisories by communicating needs of the PTC.
• Dispatches service and emergency resources for incidents including police, fire, medical services and more; notifies external agencies of resource needs.
• Documents and updates all activities and resources for each reported incident through the Traffic Management Tracking System.
• Receives updates from emergency and non-emergency units to ensure highway safety and security.
• Monitors traffic feeds, CCTV and other tech to identify incidents impacting PTC operations.
• Notifies key personnel of significant incidents and real-time system issues per emergency procedures.
• Processes emergency alarms from automated systems across PTC facilities.
• Performs license plate and driver record inquiries for Pennsylvania State Police via POLICE database.
• Obtains hazardous material information and relays to responders.
• Monitors weather conditions via weather alerts and road condition systems.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Active Listening

Attention to Detail

Communication Proficiency

Customer/Client Focused

Flexibility

Safety

Teamwork Orientation

Technical Innovation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Traffic Operations Center Technician 1

EMERGENCY DISPATCHER

Job Details

• Hourly Rate: $26.96
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Location: TIP Building (Operations Center), 2850 Turnpike Industrial Drive, Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057
• Pay Grade: PR60A

Job Purpose and Summary

This is skilled work involved with monitoring, evaluating and coordinating communications for real-time traffic conditions from the Traffic Operations Center for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Work includes maintaining communications to ensure the safety and security of customers and employees while traveling or working on the highway 24/7. Incumbents must follow all operating procedures, rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission and the PTC. Work is performed with close supervision and review by a shift supervisor or designee.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Communicates with customers, staff, 911 centers, media and external agencies by phone, radio or electronically to identify needs for assistance along the PTC highway and other locations that could impact PTC traffic.
• Provides customer service by telephone and various electronic information systems and programs. Assists with activating traveler alerts and advisories by communicating the needs of the PTC.
• Dispatches service and emergency resources for incidents and events including but not limited to police, fire and rescue, medical services, safety patrol, wrecker services, hazardous material response, various departments, etc. Notifies external agencies of PTC resource needs.
• Documents and updates all activities and resources for each reported incident through the Traffic Management Tracking System.
• Receives updates and communication from both emergency and non-emergency units to ensure the safety and security of the highway.
• Identifies incidents and issues impacting PTC operations by monitoring traffic flow feeds, crowdsourced information, closed-circuit television (CCTV) and other technology.
• Notifies key personnel of significant and unusual incidents, weather conditions and real-time system issues that could adversely impact the PTC’s operations in accordance with documented emergency procedures.
• Processes emergency alarms received from automated alarms and other computerized systems from various PTC facilities.
• Conducts inquiries for license plate registrations and driver’s licenses for Pennsylvania State Police through the Pennsylvania electronic communications database. Transmits information to law enforcement personnel for the apprehension of suspects.
• Obtains hazardous material information from incidents and communicates to responders and affiliated agencies.
• Monitors weather conditions through weather service alerts, national weather service reports, maintenance reports, roadway weather information systems and other various tools.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent certification.
• One (1) year of experience in an emergency dispatch center handling communications, emergency calls or radio dispatches.
• Must obtain an Emergency Telecommunication Course (ETC) certification by the end of their trial period (current employees) or probationary period (new hires).
• Must acquire and maintain a valid Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network/National Crime Information Center (CLEAN/NCIC) certification within ninety (90) days.
• Must demonstrate the ability to type a minimum of 30 wpm on a PTC administrated test.
• Must have and maintain a clean criminal history record and appropriate security clearances.

Competencies

• Active Listening
• Attention to Detail
• Communication Proficiency
• Customer/Client Focused
• Flexibility
• Safety
• Teamwork Orientation
• Technical Innovation

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing and reading reports. Position requires frequent work at a computer utilizing business programs and PTC specific operating systems. Frequently works extended hours and must be available for emergency response 24/7 when needed. Office environment with low levels of noise, adequate lighting and comfortable temperature.

Benefits

• Employees will be offered an exceptional benefits package which includes comprehensive medical and prescription coverage, with minimal employee contribution, for employee, spouse and/or eligible dependents.
• A range of retirement plan options are offered through the Pennsylvania State Retirement System (SERS).
• Dental and vision coverage are also offered through the Local Teamsters Union.
• In addition, leave programs, tuition reimbursement and employee assistance program are available to employees.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department by calling 717-831-7378.