Emergency Dispatch Trainee

Responsibilities

• Operate multi‑line phone system, answer 911 emergency telephone calls, and dispatch calls to responding field units.
• Gather information from callers and relay it to responding field units.
• Answer telephone for administrative personnel, take messages, and distribute for non‑emergency calls.
• Maintain a calm radio and telephone voice essential to callers and responding field units.
• Enter data on calls from both radio and telephone into the computer‑aided dispatch computer.
• Monitor and answer numerous radio frequencies.
• Operate GIS system; map on computer terminal to pinpoint exact addresses and determine the best route for emergency responders.
• Operate TDD machine, a communication access for the hearing impaired.
• Handle emergency medical dispatch or EMD instructions for pre‑arrival of the ambulance service.
• Comprehend radio traffic; know 10‑codes and signals.
• Dispatch emergency field units; standardize dispatch for every call.
• Communicate with surrounding agencies.
• Operate NCIC/LINK terminal; check vehicle tags, driver’s license, stolen vehicles, persons wanted and perform a second‑party check to ensure accuracy.
• Assist persons entering the building who request help.
• Serve as point of contact between county agencies.
• Perform office duties and operate general office equipment.
• Maintain daily cleaning of the department and personal workstations.
• Maintain security of the building.
• Assist with officer requests pertaining to information on telephone numbers, photocopies, etc.
• Maintain all information in a confidential manner.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent; 18 years of age or older.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a high‑stress environment.
• MUST be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Graduate of an accredited high school or GED.
• Must successfully pass a Critical Dispatching Simulation assessment that includes emergency prioritization, cross‑referencing, decision making, memory recall, and date entry.
• Applicants are subject to background investigation, suitability screening test, polygraph, drug test, and must complete a 4‑week training course at the Dept. of Criminal Justice Training/Eastern KY University in Richmond, KY.
• Prior public safety training/experience desired.
• Must complete required training for a certified Telecommunicator during the first year after appointment to the position and complete in‑service training annually.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and complete all Department of Criminal Justice Training Center required in‑service trainings to maintain certifications.
• Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and good physical condition to work in all conditions and environments.

• Successful completion of the employment process set forth by KLEC, City of Hopkinsville, and Hopkinsville Police Department.
• College‑level courses in management and business are considered highly beneficial.

Office environment is open‑spaced and accommodates several employees within the same room, using computer equipment, multitask techniques, and can be a highly stressful environment.

• Knowledge of FCC and other federal, state and local laws, administrative regulations, and ordinances governing the operations of radio‑telephone receiving and transmitting equipment.
• Knowledge of all public services within the county.
• Knowledge of general officer practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding NCIC/LINK.
• Skills in both written and oral communication.
• Skills in the operation of a computer and other general office equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, officials, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to act quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgment.

Excellent benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance. 12 paid vacation days, 12 paid sick days, and 11 paid holidays per year are offered. Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program available for eligible employees.

The City of Hopkinsville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.