Public Safety Telecommunicator I

City of Norwalk; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Norwalk is seeking a skilled dispatcher to receive and relay emergency and non-emergency reports by radio or telephone, prioritizing and transmitting messages to mobile units and departments.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of radio and computer-aided dispatch systems, strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and readiness to obtain Telecommunicator and EMD certifications within one year.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of radio and communication equipment operation.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Education

High School graduate or equivalent

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 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.

• 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.