911 Dispatcher

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Emergency Communications Operator assist citizens by receiving emergency calls in a calm and quick manner, gathering information from the call and relaying that information to the proper agency.  This is a highly technical position that provides an electronic and spoken communications link between the citizens and public safety personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Essential duties/functions, under the supervision of the Communications Director or designee, may include but are not limited to the following:

• Answer multi-line telephones including E9-1-1 lines.
• Communicate with hearing/speech-impaired citizens by operating the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD).
• Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly both verbally and in writing. This includes speaking distinctly, responding promptly and hearing in the normal range, to protect the safety of law enforcement, firefighters, and E.M.S. personnel including volunteers as well as the public.
• Simultaneously listen to and comprehend both telephone and radio traffic.
• Comprehend and apply Center policies, procedures, rules and regulations as well as City and County ordinances.
• Documenting and quickly disseminating information on all calls for service, activity, location and status in the computer aided dispatch system for public safety personnel.
• Simultaneously input, retrieve, and maintain information, reading from both computer screens and printouts, and operating up to two keyboards at once.
• Operate the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System in accordance with TCIC/NCIC policies and procedures.
• Operate multi-channel public safety radio system.
• Dispatch appropriate public safety personnel for routine and emergency calls for service.
• Concentrate on assigned tasks through many distractions.
• Read and interpret maps.
• Read written materials prepared in handwritten and multi-font print formats.
• Remain calm under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
• Maintain all required certifications and attend on-going training/conferences.
• Notify Public Works and Utilities personnel after hours and on weekends of calls for service, and dispatches such personnel to service calls.
• Must be able to perform a variety of tasks, often changing quickly from one task to another without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Ability to carry out duties independently and as a team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.