Emergency Communications Specialist

The 911 Dispatcher answers basic emergency and non-emergency calls for service; takes information from callers, and enters information into Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center (PCREDC) database; monitors radio traffic, and provides assistance and information to law enforcement officers, emergency services agencies, and the general public in compliance with state and Federal laws and PCREDC guidelines.

• Perform a variety of dispatching duties in support of public safety and emergency services activities; receives and routes emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio calls; dispatches emergency services personnel as directed; duties may vary depending on job assignment and training.

• Answers, evaluates, and prioritizes incoming emergency and non-emergency telephone calls; determines the exact nature and location of the situation; acts in accordance with laws, policies and procedures, and jurisdictional boundaries; provides emergency medical dispatch instructions for all medical calls for service. Duties may vary according to job assignment.

• Prioritizes and dispatches calls to emergency responders; logs information in Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system; coordinates responses and resources on emergency incidents; processes radio traffic from the field; provides regular checkups on public safety personnel.

• Requests, reads, interprets, and acts on all Colorado Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (CCIC/NCIC) data related to wants and warrants, restraining orders, criminal histories, and domestic and international Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records; makes entries and maintains wants and warrants information in CCIC/NCIC; coordinates with other law enforcement agencies via CCIC/NCIC, International Police (INTERPOL) and National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS).

• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff;maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

This position follows a sequence:

• Level I:

  • Up to one year of customer service and computer experience.

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

  • Terminal Operator certification for access to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC) is required within six months of hire.

  • Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

• Level II (in addition to Level I):

  • 1-3 years of progressively responsible and applicable experience.

  • Attain and maintain proficiency in all dispatching disciplines.

• Level III (in addition to Level II):

  • 3 plus years progressively responsible and applicable experience.

  • Successfully complete the Dispatcher Level III Workbook.

Knowledge Of:

• General County and office policies and procedures.

• Records management principles and practices.

• Customer service techniques, including de-escalation.

• Basic accounting and budgeting principles and practices.

Skill In:

• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks.

• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.

• Microsoft Office Products and Google Suite.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

• Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing.

• Work is performed in a fast paced, high volume call center environment; incumbents must remain alert and responsive while coordinating stressful situations in a fluid and dynamic work environment.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.