Telecommunicator I, (B272341-1), 205, 911 Communications

City of Laredo; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Laredo seeks a professional dispatcher to prioritize and dispatch police units, maintain radio contact, and handle emergency and non-emergency calls from the public. The role requires strong organizational skills, calmness under pressure, and clear English communication with bilingual capabilities in Spanish. Must be a U.S.

citizen with a high school diploma or GED. A thorough background check and pre-employment drug testing are part of the process.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or eligible to work in the U.S.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to obtain certifications post-employment as specified.
• Background check and drug testing may be required.

Responsibilities

• Sets priorities among incoming events and dispatches police accordingly.
• Maintains radio contact to track equipment and personnel locations.
• Receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency calls from the public.
• Performs related duties as needed.

Skills

Time management

Calm under pressure

Oral and written communication

Two-way radio operation

Prioritization of calls

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Radio equipment

Computers & software

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Sets priorities among incoming events and dispatches the police to necessary locations using both radios and computers.
• Maintains radio contact to ensure accurate status of the exact location of equipment and personnel.
• Receives and transmits telephone and radio emergency calls, as well as non-emergency calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of modern office procedures and methods including computers and applicable software.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures for emergency medical dispatch (EMD).

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in organization and time management.
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Skill in remaining calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to operate two-way radio.
• Ability to evaluate and prioritize calls.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations

Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site

Seldom

• Outdoor environment
• Vehicles
• Warehouse environment

Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Confined space

Exposures

Never

• Moving mechanical parts
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Seldom

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Frequently

• Individuals who are hostile or irate

Travel

Never

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom

• Local travel
• Regional travel

Required Education and Experience

• U.S. Citizen
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Foreign Education:

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Texas Identification card or Government Issued card is required at the time of job offer and hire. Must have reliable form of transportation to and from work site and is expected to arrive at work site on a timely basis.

Licenses and Certifications that must be obtained after employment

1. 40 Hour Basic Telecommunicator Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
2. 24-hour TCIC/TLETS full access with CCH certificate must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
3. 4 Hour TTY or TDD Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
4. First Aid Standard Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
5. Adult, Child, & Infant CPR Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
6. Cardiac Emergency Communications Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
7. TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) Telecommunicator License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at [phone] two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.