Dispatch Telecommunications Specialist

Job Summary

Do you want to be a first responder while enjoying the benefits of an air‑conditioned office? Do you like a fast‑paced work environment where no two days are exactly the same? Are you good with a keyboard and have great multitasking skills? Are you a good listener? Are you able to be the calm voice in stressful or chaotic situations?

If you answered yes to these questions, a job as a Telecommunications Specialist – 9‑1‑1 dispatcher might be for you. This position is located at our Combined Transportation, Emergency, and Communication Center and focuses on supporting our community. 9‑1‑1 Specialists are the first point of contact on 9‑1‑1 and coordinate Law Enforcement, EMS, and Fire response.

This is a great position for those interested in developing their critical response skills in a rewarding and fast‑paced environment, and who desire a competitive Total Rewards Package. Travis County offers one of the highest‑rated retirement plans. We also offer vacation and sick leave, medical, dental, vision, short‑term disability, personal holidays, 12 company holidays, and longevity pay. Additionally, telecommunicators are eligible for licensing pay and shift differential for evening and night shifts.

This is the first in a series of three telecommunications‑related job classifications within the Public Safety/Emergency Management job family. This classification is distinguished from the Telecommunications 9‑1‑1 Senior in that incumbents typically specialize in a division/department function and also possess broader knowledge/skills about division/department operation to allow more independence in carrying out responsibilities. May be required to work on rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.

This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Answers incoming emergency (9‑1‑1) and non‑emergency calls.
• Operates emergency telecommunications networks equipment used in receiving and relaying information in response to emergency calls.
• Refers emergency fire and EMS calls by communicating with persons verbally over telephone and radio equipment. Ensures callers are transferred to appropriate agencies.
• Maintains telephone contact with callers during critical incidents and updates dispatch card with information pertaining to the call. Keeps caller calm and focused. Controls the call to quickly and accurately obtain necessary information.
• Operates telephone device for the hearing impaired (TDD) to ensure emergency services are provided.
• Accesses Language Line to ensure appropriate emergency response.
• Operates a radio system in accordance with FCC rules and regulations.
• Dispatches units to various calls for services.
• Coordinates, performs and controls multiple 9‑1‑1 communication multiple‑simultaneous tasks on demand.
• Obtains and relays information to patrol officers and staff through telecommunications networks using a Computer‑Aided Dispatch Terminal (CAD), NCIC, TCIC, and TLETS. Uses log, runs inquiries, researches and enters information, assigns case numbers and maintains databases.
• Uses laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for ensuring proper response to the public calls for assistance and inquiry.
• May interpret maps and other legal location description documents.
• Obtains appropriate information from calls via 9‑1‑1 telephone system.
• Processes information and data in accordance with TCSO policies and legal requirements.
• May operate a County vehicle for business purposes and under non‑emergency conditions.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or G.E.D. and one (1) year of telecommunications experience or equivalent, including one (1) year of computer experience.

OR, any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Incumbents are required to pass…