Communications Operator

OPEN COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT

The City of Burbank is currently hiring for Communications Operator.

Open to all qualified candidates.

Effective the beginning of the pay period immediately following Council adoption, Communications Operators in the Police Department are eligible to receive POST pay as follows:
Intermediate POST Certificate: 3%, Advanced POST Certificate: 4%, Supervisory POST Certificate: 5%, Up to 5% total (percentage do not add together as employees obtain additional POST certificates).

• Under general supervision, answer emergency (911) and non‑emergency phone lines, maintain contact with law enforcement personnel and other City units in the field, dispatch appropriate units or equipment in response to emergency and other calls received through the BPD Communications Center; and perform related work as required.
• Serve as an Operator on a shift basis; receive calls, dispatch and record appropriate law enforcement and other equipment to respond to reported emergencies; maintain contact with units at all times during shift assignment; maintain a continuous record of the status of mobile units indicating the disposition of each unit; operate 911 telephone system; send and receive computer messages and route to appropriate destination;
  
  operate a computer terminal to enter, modify or retrieve data; maintain a current log of all information received and transmitted; prepare required reports and summaries of Communications Center activities; perform miscellaneous clerical work; compose and type log sheets as required; drive on City business.

• Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures involved in public safety communications work; effective customer service techniques; spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Skill in operating modern computers and related software; exercising independent judgment and making decisions based on standard policy and procedures.
• Ability to learn the rules and regulations of the FCC covering operation of radio receivers and transmitters, the policies and procedures of the Communications Center, BPD General Orders, City Administrative Procedures, California Penal and Vehicle Codes, the City’s Municipal Code, and BPD CAD system; learn the proper use and care of radio communications equipment; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  
  think clearly and act quickly in emergencies; maintain accurate records; simultaneously receive, dispatch and record information utilizing a database system; work rotating shifts; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees and the public.

• High school graduation or equivalent, and one year of recent full‑time experience in customer service, clerical work or emergency services dispatch/radio communications work; ability to type 40 net words per minute.

• Peace Officer Standards and Training‑certified (POST‑certified) Public Safety Dispatch Basic Course Certificate within one year of appointment.
• All required licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.

A valid California Class C driver’s license or equivalent may be required at the time of appointment.