911 Dispatcher; Communications Officer

Purpose & Job Related Requirements

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

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

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

Communications Supervisor

Non‑Exempt

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

115‑117; depending on experience

Yes, subject to random drug testing per the Athens‑Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.

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.

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, the employee is 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 attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions, including inclement weather, utility failure, fire, or other forced evacuations as determined by the Manager.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that 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.

After meeting Phase I requirements, applicants will be invited to the Criti Call Communications Officer aptitude testing. Successful candidates will advance to Phase III.

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

• Answer the telephone; evaluate and process calls; provide information; take and relay messages and/or direct calls to appropriate personnel; return calls as necessary.
• Receive, monitor and dispatch radio communications traffic for Police, Fire and Sheriff’s Departments and all E‑911 calls.
• Receive and screen all incoming telephone calls from the public and from other police/public safety agencies; categorize and prioritize calls; receive calls and take messages for police personnel.
• Dispatch appropriate agency personnel to incident locations; dispatch backup units, ambulances, fire fighters and wreckers as appropriate.
• Provide field officers with necessary information upon request, including license, insurance, tag and warrant checks, background info or persons’ locations.
• Convey information to general public, public safety agencies, businesses, utilities and other police personnel within the department.
• Make…