Public Safety Telecommunicator I

City-of-Norwalk,-C; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Norwalk in Connecticut seeks a Telecommunicator to receive emergency and non-emergency reports by radio or phone, prioritize messages, and dispatch police, fire, or EMS as needed. You will operate radios and computer terminals, coordinate with units, and maintain logs in a fast-paced public safety setting.

The role requires calmness under stress, proficiency with Windows-based systems, and knowledge of dispatch procedures.

Qualifications

• Must obtain Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certifications within one year.
• COLLECT and NCIC certifications required within one year.
• Successful completion of CritiCall dispatcher examination.
• Background check including criminal history.

Responsibilities

• Receives emergency and non-emergency reports by radio or telephone.
• Sets priorities and transmits messages to units or departments.
• Dispatches equipment and personnel to incidents as needed.
• Monitors radio frequencies, terminals, or other systems for requests.
• Maintains logs and files, both manually and on computer.

Skills

Strong communication

Calm under pressure

Typing 30 wpm

Education

High School graduate or equivalent

Tools

Radio equipment

Windows-based systems

Dispatch software

Job description

Position Definition

Through the use of radio, computer terminal or telephone: receives reports of emergencies, non-emergency complaints or messages; transmits reports and messages to mobile units, persons or departments; and dispatches equipment and personnel to locations where fire, police, or emergency medical service is needed.

Example of Duties:

Receives emergency and non-emergency complaints, messages and information by radio or telephone. Sets priorities among incoming messages to determine which should be transmitted first. Determines appropriate course of action based on procedures and information from the computer-aided dispatch system. Transmit messages by radio, telephone or intercom to appropriate person, department or agency. Dispatches proper equipment and personnel to locations where service, assistance, or coverage is needed. Monitors various radio frequencies, computer terminals or other systems for information or requests for assistance. Obtains information from reference books and manuals or computer files. Maintains various logs and files manually or on computer.

Additional Duties:

Operates recording equipment. Checks equipment, requesting repair service as needed. Assists in on-the-job training of new personnel.

Supervised By:

Receives general supervision from Director of Combined Dispatch and Emergency Preparedness Planning

Note

The description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge

Knowledge of the operation of radio and communication equipment. Knowledge of dispatching terminology, procedure and equipment. Ability to effectively utilize windows-based computer systems. Knowledge of City of Norwalk geography. Ability to find information in directories and manuals. Ability to maintain logs and files. Ability to receive, clarify, record and input oral and written communications accurately. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions. Ability to remain calm under stressful circumstances. Ability to deal effectively with others. Ability to type thirty (30) words per minute.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Dispatch experience preferred

Must obtain certification as a Telecommunicator and an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) within one year of appointment. Must be COLLECT and NCIC certified within one (1) year of appointment.

Certifications upon hiring preferred.

Note: Applicants must meet the following to be eligible for appointment to this position:

• a) Successfully pass CritiCall - Dispatcher simulator examination.
• b) Successfully pass a background check sufficient for NCIC Certification.

Applicants must complete a comprehensive background examination, including a criminal background check.

This job is Local 2405 grade 06.