Communications Officer

Communications Officer

Location:

Washington County, West Bend, Wisconsin.

Washington County Sheriff’s Department operates a 24‑hour Communications Center that answers 911 emergency calls and dispatches for the Sheriff’s Office, five Police Departments, and fourteen Fire and Rescue agencies. Communications Officers receive, relay, and dispatch emergency calls for service; enter, update, and retrieve information from computer systems; utilize computer‑aided dispatch (CAD); and operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones, and teletype equipment.

Washington County offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance; short‑ and long‑term disability; medical and dependent flexible spending accounts;
Wisconsin Retirement System and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (IRS 457); holidays and paid time off (PTO); tuition and fitness center reimbursement.

Merit‑Based Salary reviewed annually. Starting annual salary is $64,480 (pay is hourly at $31.00/hour). Salary may be increased based on experience, including consideration for lateral pay transfers on a case‑by‑case basis.

• Citizen of the United States and 19 years of age at the time of application.
• Prior work experience preferred in public safety, communications, or customer service.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Clear and concise speech.
• React quickly and effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to work with the public, including people in crisis.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license with vision correctable to 20/20 upon appointment.
• No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions and successful completion of a physical examination, audiogram, drug screening, and security clearance performed by the Sheriff prior to hire.

• High School Diploma or GED.

Under the general direction of the Communications Supervisor, all communications equipment in the Sheriff’s Office or mobile command posts will be utilized, maintained, and operated as required.

• Receive and transmit messages to and from vehicles, other stations, and other terminals using radio, telephone, and teletype equipment.
• Comply with all Sheriff’s Office Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.), Official Orders, and Directives.
• Meet or exceed minimum standard or performance levels required for periodic testing or qualification.
• After training, efficiently operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Receive calls‑for‑service, assign law enforcement officers, fire/rescue personnel, highway department, wreckers, and other resources to incident sites, prioritizing calls‑for‑service.
• Obtain teletype operator certification and transmit messages on provided devices.
• Enter required notices and information to CIB and NCIC as directed by operation policies.
• Monitor and maintain building security and surveillance via provided devices and methods.
• Attend and satisfactorily complete all in‑service training, on‑the‑job training, and specialized schools and classes as required.
• Perform additional duties as needed, including responding to an emergency event.

Works under the general direction of the Communications Supervisor.

Decisions are made independently within the scope of responsibilities.

Significant interaction with other law enforcement agencies, county departments, the District Attorney’s Office, the court system, and the general public.

• Pass written and/or aptitude tests designated to determine suitability for the position.
• Speak clearly and be understood when using radio or telephone.
• Maintain current teletype operator certification prior to expiration of probation period.
• Successfully complete all required training classes, courses, or seminars by the State of Wisconsin or the Sheriff’s Office.
• Accept and carry out all orders.
• Remain calm and control emotions under stress.
• Develop practical proficiency in all communications equipment by end of probation period.
• Interact effectively with coworkers and the general public.
• Fulfill physical demands of job, sensory demands (seeing and hearing), and cognitive demands (concentration, conceptualization, memorization).

1 year.

• Must establish and maintain residency within Washington County or surrounding counties (Dodge, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Waukesha) by the end of the probationary period.

Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.