Emergency Services Dispatcher

City of Bullhead City; Bullhead City (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Vision/Dental

Wellness Program

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

Flexible Scheduling

Job summary

City of Bullhead City seeks a Public Safety Dispatcher to receive and dispatch routine and emergency radio and telephone communications for Police, EMS, and other units. The role maintains field communications during incidents and ensures back-up for police personnel.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid Arizona driver's license, and be able to pass critical exams and screenings (typing, reading, polygraph, drug screen, etc.).

Qualifications

• Minimum typing speed of 45 WPM required.
• Strong reading and comprehension skills.
• Proficient in using radio, telephone, and computer systems.
• Ability to maintain logs and records accurately.

Responsibilities

• Answer calls and classify priority for dispatch to police, EMS and public safety units.
• Maintain field communications during incidents and emergencies.
• Provide 911 Public Safety Answering Point support and coordinate interagency dispatch.
• Monitor radio channels and coordinate dispatch efforts.
• Enter data into recording systems and logs; maintain custody of records.

Skills

Typing 45 WPM

Customer service

Calm under pressure

Data entry

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid State Driver's License

Job description

STATEMENT OF THE JOB

Receives and dispatches routine and emergency radio and telephone communications. Dispatches law enforcement, emergency medical, and other public safety personnel and equipment. Maintains field communications during incidents.

NOTE: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the following tests:

• Typing (Required minimum typing speed of 45 WPM)
• Reading
• Comprehension/communications test (CritiCall)
• Oral exam
• Polygraph
• Psychological exam
• Hearing examination
• Drug screen

Special Requirements

• No felony convictions.
• The employee will be required to work flexible shifts that include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Education & Experience / Licensing & Training

High school diploma or GED, and any combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform essential functions of the position.

Licensing & Training

• Valid State Driver's License
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) training based on assignment.

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certifications being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

• Answers the telephone, receiving and classifying calls to determine priority of response and uses radio equipment to dispatch Police, emergency medical and other Public Safety units, according to availability, assigned geographic area, and location, to routine and emergency calls.
• Maintains field communications for public safety checks, and during emergencies and incidents.
• Ensureadequate back-up for Police personnel.
• Serves as the Public Safety Answering Point for 911 Telephone System.
• Transfers emergency calls to other agencies as warranted.
• Monitors various public safety radio channels, coordinating efforts in dispatching personnel and equipment
• Uses a computer to maintain records/logs of calls for services, radio transmissions, and telephone messages.
• Records and maintains master audio tape recording equipment for all radio transmissions/telephone calls.
• Establishes chain of custody/evidence for communications and dispatching records.
• Coordinates interagency law enforcement communications with emergency and other public safety agencies, using telephone, radio, and computer equipment.
• Updates daily dispatching logs; enters data, such as stolen/repossessed property, missing persons, and abandoned vehicles information into the computerized information and/or Tele- type systems.
• May search master recordings for information.
• Operates dispatching equipment, office equipment, and computers
• Provides information regarding the Police Department to staff, civic groups and the public.
• Performs other duties as assigned in case of an emergency.
• Provides exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge Of

• Record keeping practices and procedures.
• Computer skills.
• Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.

Skill In

• Operation of the listed tools/equipment.
• A minimum typing speed of 45 WPM.

Ability To

• Effectively meet and deal with the public.
• Communicate orally effectively with customers, clients or the public using a telephone and/or in writing.
• Handle stressful situations.
• Act quickly in an emergency.
• Speak clearly.
• Read and record information accurately.
• Read and apply moderately difficult materials.
• Carry out oral and written instructions.
• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC or other keyboard device.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and sit for extended periods of time. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must have the agility to occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The employee must meet specific hearing abilities including the ability to hold conversation with others by telephone, in person, and over radio equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus; ability to read printed materials and computer screens.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to quiet.

• Medical/Rx (EPO or HDHP)
• Dental/Vision
• Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending/Health Savings Account
• Group Life Insurance
• Optional Additional Life Insurance
• Optional Additional Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• 12 Paid Holidays Annually
• Paid Vacation (Accrual rate is dependent upon full time years of service)
• Paid Personal Leave (96 Hours/Year)
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Retirement Plan - 401A Defined Contribution Plan
• Sworn Police Officers participate in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). Contribution rates are determined by State Legislature
• Optional Deferred Compensation
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards