911 Dispatcher; Communications Officer

Hiring Incentive for Communications Officers

Effective October 1, 2023, eligible newly hired Communications Officers — including lateral entry positions (Communication Officer II, III, and IV) — may qualify for a hiring incentive based on their application and start dates.

Incentive

Schedule:

• Apply before November 1, 2025: $10,000
• Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start by April 30, 2026: $7,000
• Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start between May 1 and July 31, 2026: $5,000
• Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start on or after August 1, 2026: $3,000

Payment Structure:
Hiring incentives are paid in three installments following documented satisfactory job performance at:

• 3 months of service
• 6 months of service
• 12 months of service

Lateral Entry:
Rank and starting base salary are determined by prior POST-certified communications officer experience.

Continuation of this Recruitment and Hiring Incentive Program is subject to the continued availability of grant and departmental funding, as well as approval by the Manager.

Reports To:

Communications Supervisor

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Classification:
Personnel System, requires satisfactory completion of a twelve month probationary period.

Pay Grade: 115-117; depending on experience

Safety Sensitive:
Yes, subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.

Purpose of Job:
The purpose of this job is to perform specialized work duties involving receiving/processing requests for emergency assistance within the telecommunications section. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to; receiving, classifying and prioritizing incoming emergency calls; dispatching appropriate police and emergency personnel; operating telephones, communications equipment and law enforcement computers; acting as a liaison between callers and police/fire/emergency representatives;

and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Job Related Requirements

Work Schedule:

12 hour shifts/Rotating Shifts May be required to work on religious holidays. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Must work cooperatively with others. When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Emergency Position This position is designated as an emergency position that requires your attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or as determined by the Manager.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Phase I Requirements:
Communications Officer I:
High school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position. Must be a United States Citizen as required by P.O.S.T. Requires possession of or ability to obtain certification for NCIC and GCIC. One year of experience in radio and telecommunications or related experience preferred.

Phase II Requirements After meeting Phase I requirements, applicants will be invited to the Criti Call Communications Officer aptitude testing. Successful candidates will advance to Phase III. You can learn more about the test here if you wish.

Phase III Requirements Successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph exam is required for this position.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Answers the telephone; evaluates and processes calls; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary. Receives, monitors, and dispatches radio communications traffic for Police, Fire and Sheriff's Departments and all E-911 calls. Receives and screens all incoming telephone calls from the public and from other police/public safety agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls; receives calls and takes messages for police personnel.

Dispatche…