Public Safety Telecommunicator

Eaton County; Charlotte (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton County is seeking a Public Safety Telecommunicator who will relay information from emergency callers to Police, Fire and EMS, monitor primary and secondary radio channels and dispatch the appropriate units.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, APCO 40-hour training preferred, and the ability to multitask, take accurate notes, and maintain CAD records while supporting multiple agencies in a high‑stress environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; APCO 40-hour course preferred.
• Experience in admin support or emergency communications is desirable.
• Ability to multitask, follow procedures and speak English clearly.

Responsibilities

• Receive all incoming calls requesting Police, Fire, or EMS.
• Provide Emergency Medical Dispatching when appropriate.
• Determine which response agency is responsible for responding to the call and dispatches the appropriate unit(s).
• Refer citizens to appropriate agencies or departments when call is not police, fire or EMS related.
• Provide emergency assistance to callers until responding emergency units arrive and assume control of the situation.
• Monitor primary and secondary radio channels.
• Maintain, update and apply accurate records by utilizing related information databases.
• Gather, classify and supplement pertinent information obtained from the caller and enter it into the CAD system.
• Operate a CAD console equipped with multiple computer terminals, including mapping and aerial photography.
• Operate a radio console with multiple radio channels to dispatch police, fire and EMS agencies.
• Monitor and control a large number of public safety resources throughout Eaton County.
• Query and enter information through LEIN and NCIC data files.
• May perform the duties of a Public Safety Telecommunications Supervisor in the absence of this person.
• Perform such other related duties as directed by higher authority.
• Train new Public Safety Telecommunicators and assist Telecommunication Supervisors in evaluating the progress and/or performance of employees.

Skills

Keyboarding skills

Team player

Good judgment

Multitasking

Attention to detail

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

APCO 40 hour Basic Telecommunicator Course

Tools

CAD system

LEIN

NCIC data files

Job description

Under the direct supervision of the Central Dispatch Public Safety Telecommunication Supervisor, the Deputy Director, or the Director. The Public Safety Telecommunicator will relay information from emergency callers to the proper resources (Police, Fire, and EMS). Telecommunicators answer business, emergency, enhanced 9-1-1 and cellular 9-1-1 telephone lines. They are responsible for monitoring and dispatching 29 police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies within Eaton County. They collect, store, retrieve and disseminate information vital to emergency service operations.

1. Receive all incoming calls from the public requesting Police, Fire, and/or EMS.
2. Provide Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD)when appropriate.
3. Determine which response agency is responsible for responding to the call for assistance and dispatches the appropriate unit(s).
4. Refer citizens to appropriate agencies or departments when call is not police, fire or EMS related.
5. Provide emergency assistance to callers until responding emergency units arrive and assume control of the situation.
6. Mitigate multiple situations simultaneously.
7. Monitor primary and secondary radio channels.
8. Conserve the knowledge of location and availability of all field units.
9. Maintain, update and apply accurate records by utilizing related information databases.
10. Gather, classify and supplement pertinent information obtained from the caller and enter it into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.
11. Operate a CAD console equipped with multiple computer terminals, including mapping and aerial photography.
12. Operate a radio console with multiple radio channels to dispatch police, fire andEMS agencies.
13. Monitor and control a large number of public safety resources throughout Eaton County.
14. Query and enter information (e.g. stolen articles, wanted persons, missing persons, criminal history checks, etc.) through Michigan's Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) data files.
15. May perform the duties of a Public Safety Telecommunications Supervisor in the absence of this person.
16. Perform such other related duties as directed by higher authority.

Other Functions

1. Train newPublic Safety Telecommunicators and assistTelecommunication Supervisors in evaluating the progress and/or performance of employees.

High school diploma or G.E.D. required. APCO 40 hour Basic Telecommunicator Course or equivalent preferred.

The ideal candidate will have 1+ years of experience in administrative support, customer service, emergency communications, or in a fast paced multi-discipline environment.

Must pass Critical applicant screening process. Must be a team player, possess strong keyboarding skills and follow procedures. The ideal candidate will be able to multitask, spell accurately and to speak English clearly and concisely. Will possess the ability to exercise good judgment, think quickly, and take notes accurately and legibly. Will have good public relations skills, the ability to file alphabetically and chronologically, work independently and/or in cooperation with other emergency communications personnel, and possess the ability to remember details after the fact.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

Physical Requirements:

• Eyesight corrected to 20/20 and ability to distinguish colors.
• Hearing in both ears not less than 40 db.Ability to listen and speak by telephone and two-way radio.
• Finger and wrist dexterity suitable for typing, keying data into computers, filingreportsand handwriting.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to view and make selections using electronic keypads, switches andbuttons.
• Reaching and use of reference books, and manuals.
• Changing paper and ink ribbons/cartridges on typewriters, printers and FAX machines.
• Make and distribute photocopies and facsimile copies.
• Distribution, filing and shredding of reports and documents.
• Movement from one work station to another quickly.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously

Working Conditions:

• Office environment -- shares work areas.
• 12 Hour Shifts.
• Above average level of noise due to printers, telephones, computers, radios and alarm systems.
• Dusty Environment.
• High Stress.
• Close proximity to other workers.
• Sudden changes in activity levels (from one extreme to another).
• Prolonged intense activity.
• Seriousness of work ranges from mundane to life threatening.

IsExpired