Public Safety Telecommunicator

County of Otero; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 24,796 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

County of Otero is seeking a Public Safety Telecommunicator to answer 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, coordinate with police, fire, and EMS, and dispatch personnel using CAD and radio systems. The role requires independent judgment and adherence to standards, with supervision as needed.

The position, based in New Mexico, demands a high school diploma, a background check, a valid driver’s license, and at least one year of experience. Apply through the County administration for consideration.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age per NM DPS.
• Background investigation including fingerprints.
• Valid driver license with access to a vehicle.
• One year of work experience.

Responsibilities

• Operates a two‑way radio and dispatches appropriate units.
• Receives and evaluates calls and directs to staff or agencies.
• Provides emergency procedures to 9‑1‑1 callers.
• Notifies agencies to assist during emergencies.
• Uses CAD, radio, and other systems to dispatch personnel.
• Maintains logs and incident reports.
• Provides Emergency Medical Dispatch instructions.
• Completes necessary forms and reports.
• Assists citizens in the lobby and may train new staff.

Skills

Strong communication

Team coordination

Independent work

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD software

NMLETS/NCIC

Job description

Job Title

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Department

Tularosa Basin Reginal Dispatch Authority

Reports To

Shift Supervisor

Employment Status

Full‑Time

Salary

$21.38 per hour

Summary

The Public Safety Telecommunicator is a highly technical position that answers 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, interdepartmental calls from police, fire and ambulance services, and calls from other public safety agencies. The role monitors computer screens while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment and interpretation under general supervision with periodic review for accuracy and adherence to standards. The telecommunicator provides callers with appropriate advice or referral or initiates police, fire, and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller, dispatches law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel using Operating Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), two‑way radio, and other sophisticated communications equipment systems.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be 18 years of age per NMDPS
• Must successfully pass an extensive background investigation including national fingerprint records check
• Must possess a valid driver license and have access to a motor vehicle (personal or agency) on an as needed daily basis
• One (1) year of work experience

Essential Functions

• Operates a two‑way radio to receive and transmit messages, dispatching appropriate patrol units or emergency response personnel as needed, coordinating with city departments after hours and during natural or man‑made disasters, relaying information pertinent to field operations
• Receives and evaluates calls, responding to complaints and service requests via wireless, wireline, or 9‑1‑1, directing calls to appropriate staff, officers, or agencies
• Provides emergency procedures to 9‑1‑1 callers
• Notifies other agencies as needed to assist Police, Fire/EMS, and Rescue during emergencies, including animal control, public works, public utilities, child protection services, bomb squad, and other emergency personnel
• Operates a computer terminal connected to the New Mexico and National Crime Information Center (NMLETS/NCIC), retrieving information such as vehicle registration, driver‑license status, stolen property, and wanted persons
• Enters, modifies, locates, and clears information on missing persons, runaways, stolen property/vehicles in NMLETS/NCIC, coordinating with other state and national agencies
• Performs computer‑assisted and manual records checks for officers on individuals, locations, vehicles, and other property, and verifies warrants or stolen property with originating agencies
• Monitors and utilizes other critical emergency communication software
• Maintains and updates logs and computer data files for officers, including incident reports, stolen or repossessed property logs, maps, and more
• Provides Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) instructions over the phone until emergency personnel arrive
• Completes necessary forms and reports
• Monitors the parking lot, building entrances, and exits, and operates door control systems
• Receives and dispatches calls for commercial and residential alarms
• Assigns escorts when required
• Maintains current technical and medical knowledge relevant to telecommunications through continuous learning, including newsletters and publications

Other Important Duties

• Assists citizens and visitors in the Department lobby by providing direction to appropriate personnel
• May assist with training new employees
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge

• Procedures for operating E‑911 systems within a public organization
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to work independently
• Understanding of community service agencies and their responsibilities
• Proper use of English language, including spelling, punctuation, and grammar

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow and relay complex oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures
• Proficiency in operating office equipment such as computers, relevant software programs, printers, calculators, fax machines, and copiers

Abilities

• Ability to observe, analyze, and assess outcomes against established goals
• Collaborate effectively with PSAP personnel and operations team members
• Facilitate meetings in an efficient and productive manner
• Interpret and apply county policies and procedures accurately
• Process and apply both verbal and written instructions as required by the job
• Accurately organize and maintain both paper and electronic files
• Ability to work flexible hours to handle emergencies
• Ability to travel for work when necessary

Physical Demands

• The work is typically performed in an office environment and may require occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds
• Frequent talking and hearing are required
• Regular use of hands for tasks such as handling, typing, or reaching with arms
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, and bend
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

How To Apply

TBRDA Application – Complete application and return it to the Otero County Administration Office at 1101 New York Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310.