Public Safety Communicator

Andover Public Schools; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Andover is seeking a capable Public Safety Dispatcher to join the Public Safety Communications Center, under supervision of the Communications Supervisor and Executive Officer. You will respond to E911 and business calls, dispatch police, fire and EMT personnel, monitor radios, and maintain essential records.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, 2-3 years of related experience, and familiarity with emergency dispatch systems.

Qualifications

• Duties require a high school diploma and knowledge of automated emergency dispatch systems.
• 2-3 years of related experience in dispatch or public safety fields.
• Experience in police, fire, EMS dispatch or related roles is welcomed.
• Candidates will undergo background checks and credit/history review.

Responsibilities

• Answer multiple telephone lines and acquire information from callers in stress.
• Analyze alarm system information to prepare for response.
• Dispatch police, fire and EMT personnel 24/7.
• Monitor and coordinate radio communications across multiple channels.
• Maintain dispatch records and data in computer systems.
• Assist officers with searches and information retrieval as needed.
• Coordinate mutual aid and mobilization plans with MEMA and other agencies.

Skills

Public safety dispatch

EMD procedures

Radio monitoring

NCIC searches

Data entry

Information gathering

Shift work

Stress management

Education

High school diploma

Experience in public safety dispatch

Tools

Automated dispatch systems

DCJIS searches

Job description

Under the general supervision of the Communications Supervisor and the Executive Officer of the Police Department, respond to E911 and business calls to the combined Police/Fire Public Safety Communications Center; dispatch police, fire and EMT personnel; respond to burglar and fire alarms in accordance with established procedures; perform work as a fire and police signal operator, monitor police and fire radios, and other radios and communications devices, holding cell monitor, and outside perimeter cameras; maintain appropriate computerized and manual records; assist Fire and Police department personnel, as needed.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Answer multiple telephone lines at the Public Safety Communications Center; acquire information from citizens and other individuals requesting public safety services or assistance, including management of callers in stress; prioritize all calls for proper responses; respond to requests for information from citizens.
• Analyze information from multiple alarm systems, given signals, messages, codes and data, so that the information is properly interpreted in preparation for response.
• Process all medical calls using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) procedures to obtain the chief complaint; dispatch the appropriate apparatus; and provide critical pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions.
• Maintain central control and coordination of two-way radio communications for an FCC licensed base station consisting of multiple mobile and portable radio units.
• Maintain juvenile lock up logs and perform monthly reports of juveniles that were securely held.
• Add, modify, cancel, or locate National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) records including felony warrants, stolen vehicles, missing persons, as needed.
• Monitor and respond to multiple public safety radio channels; relay information and data as required for resolution, referral, or response to an incident or service request. Assess the priority of service requests.
• Prepare and enter data for dispatch or referral by evaluating, categorizing, formatting and documenting the incident or service-related information.
• Dispatch public safety personnel and apparatus twenty-four hours per day; dispatch selected town service personnel, such as DPW employees, after normal business hours; serve as dispatch for Fire and Police mutual aid requests.
• Generate correct, complete and concise records of public safety service requests in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Maintain communication records; record information and enter data into computer information system.
• Assist police officers and shift supervisor with arrests and bookings by conducting Department of Criminal Justice Information Systems (DCJIS) computer searches for outstanding warrants, suicide search, probation, out-of-state searches, license and registration searches and other related information; retrieve and print information for officers.
• Assist citizens at the station with a variety of issues, such as motor vehicle accident reports, fire arms applications, and giving out directions.
• Monitor county-wide fire radio system and coordinate mutual aid requests as needed.
• Assist other towns in Fire District with obtaining specialized apparatus and resources as needed.
• Work closely with other Fire Control Points and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to activate Fire and EMS Task Forces or Strike Teams.
• Coordinate the reception of incoming resources to the Fire District under the Mobilization Plan.
• Perform related duties as required.
• Ability to work a rotating shift position with a 4 and 2 base schedule and additional shifts available for bid throughout the year.

Education and Experience

Duties require high school diploma; knowledge of automated emergency dispatch systems and procedures; 2-3 years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates are encouraged, but not required, to have experience in one of the following job areas: police, fire, or EMS dispatcher; police officer, firefighter or EMT/paramedic; police/fire alarm or telecommunications system installer; call center operator or dispatcher in non-public safety agency or private agency. Applicants credit, background and criminal history will be thoroughly reviewed.

Required Licenses or Certificates

• Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) course
• Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) course
• State 911 Department's - 911 Operator course
• Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Incident Command System (ICS) 100 and 700 courses
• American Heart Association (AHA) CPR Certification

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Physical Elements

• Console/communications desk environment, subject to prolonged periods of sitting, continuous telephone and radio calls, interruptions, and high noise level.
• Close eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity required to operate equipment.
• Confined to console/desk area for most of the work day.
• Adequate hearing and visual acuity required to operate equipment.
• Urgent, emergency calls, emotional callers and short response deadlines produce recurring intervals of high stress.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Grade: D-1

Standard Work Week: 38.5 hours

Job Class Code: 5292

Risk Code: 7720

The Town of Andover is an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Town is committed to advancing its workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.