Manatee County, FL – Telecommunicator I

Manatee County Government; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatee County Government is seeking a Telecommunicator for the 911 Emergency Communications Center in Bradenton, FL. The role involves handling emergency calls, determining appropriate agency responses, and using the VESTA system and CAD to dispatch Fire, EMS and Police services.

Work is shift-based in a 24/7 operation with mandatory certifications and ongoing training, including HIPAA and IAED updates. Applicants must pass pre-employment screenings and meet vision/hearing requirements.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Psychological examination and a medical examination are required to determine fitness for duty.
• Note: Through pre-employment training and exercises, candidates must successfully complete HIPAA certification.

Responsibilities

• Answers emergency 911 calls using the VESTA computer system.
• Determines correct response for Fire, EMA, Police, or other agency, following SOPs.
• Uses Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for call processing and location verification.
• Builds CAD screens for Fire, EMS and Police Dispatch and notes critical information in remarks.
• Maintains compliance with standards and updates protocols as required.
• Maintains IAED certifications and updates on all protocols as needed.

Education

High school graduate or equivalent

Job description

Work Location:2101 47th Terrace East, Bradenton, Florida 34203

Work Hours:The Emergency Communications Center is operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you will be required to work shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. On a two-week rotating basis, the schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Friday Saturday Sunday. Then Wednesday and Thursday of the following week and shifts are two (2) twelve (12) hour shifts 7:00-19:00 (days) and 19:00-7:00 (nights).

Expected Starting Hourly Range:$24.48 – $27.10

This classification performs communications work in the operation of telephone, radio, and other related equipment in the 911 Emergency Communications Center. Work is performed in a high-stress environment under direct supervision and involves primary responsibility for answering emergency calls and taking appropriate action.

Working Conditions
Indoor call center environment. Sit for long periods, work on a computer, and answer emergency telephone calls using a headset. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires vision at or superior to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) minimum requirements for vision, and hearing at or superior to the NENA minimum standards for hearing. Frequent high-stress situations that may involve angry, frightened, or frustrated citizens. Regularly required to work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, because the Emergency Communications Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and continued employment with Manatee County Government is contingent upon passing pre-employment and employment screenings identified in Section XX of the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.

Job Description

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Quickly learns and applies knowledge of major County Landmarks, common areas (malls, shopping centers, etc.), housing developments, mobile home parks, schools, churches, major employers, fire and EMS station locations, shelters, all major highways and arteries, street-grid number/naming conventions, and major anomalies to these; creates County maps outlining emergency service zones for Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement as training aids.
• Quickly learns and applies applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
• Use of a headset while continually sitting at a computer terminal for long periods of time. Maintains concentration; operates keyboard and communications equipment in a rapid, accurate, and efficient manner. All of which may involve different tones and pitch levels.
• Answers emergency 911 calls using the VESTA computer system.
• Takes appropriate action to obtain and verify callers address, identity, and the need of the caller.
• Determines correct response for Fire, EMA, Police, or any other agency response. Follow agencies SOP and protocols for all call types.
• Uses Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for 911 call processing, verification of caller location and agency response determination.
• Build computer screens on CAD system for Fire, EMS and Police Dispatch. Provides critical information in “remarks” fields of CAD screen to assist responders.
• Must also prepare and use manual paper “cards” for use when CAD is inoperable.
• Uses emergency medical, police and fire protocol software and/or flip cards to determine level and priority of medical, police and fire response.
• Keep compliance level up to standards set by the agency.
• Maintain biannual IAED certification along with updates on all protocols.
• Comprehends and follows oral and written instructions; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others; and accepts constructive directions from co-workers and supervisors when dealing in emergency and/or non-emergency situations.
• Thinks and acts quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations; communicates clearly and effectively in a concise and non-offensive manner, orally and in writing.
• Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Position requires a psychological examination and a medical examination to determine fitness for duty.

Note: Through pre-employment training and exercises, candidates must successfully complete H.I.P.A.A. certification.

Telecommunicator must successfully complete the following department-provided training/certification programs within specified time frames as required:

• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification within three months of hire
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification within three months of hire
• Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification within three months of hire
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications within one year of hire
• Introduction to Hazardous Materials certification within three months of hire
• C.P.R certification within three months of hire
• Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC) or equivalent within three months of hire
• Complete Mandatory State Telecommunicator license within one year of hire
• Must pass NCIC/FCIC criminal background check
• Must complete F.B.I CJIS Security Awareness Training within six months of hire

Note: all required certifications must remain current and active.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.