Communications Operator
Listed on 2026-09-20
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Customer Service/HelpDesk
Customer Service Rep, Call Center / Support, Bilingual, Emergency Crisis Mgmt / Disaster Relief
911 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR POSITION
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY:
Open Until Filled
- Must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state of Iowa or intend to become a resident upon employment.
- Must be a high school graduate with a diploma or possess a G.E.D. equivalency certificate.
- This position requires availability for night shift, holidays and weekends.
- See job description below for complete information.
- Completed City of Marion Application (cover letter and resume is required)
- Military Discharge Separation Papers - DD214 showing box 24:
Character of Service (if applicable) Honorable Discharge (required for Veteran's Preference Points) - Current phone number and email address
Communication regarding the hiring process will be sent to the email provided on your application. Please monitor your email closely throughout this process for confirmations and updates.
JOB INFORMATIONJob Title:
Communications Operator
Civil Service:
No
Department:
Marion Public Safety Communications
Bargaining Unit:
Yes
Reports to Position:
Communications Manager
Pay Grade:
Per MPPA Contract
Location:
Police Department
Overtime Status:
Paid Overtime
Effect. Date: 01/01/2020
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
This is a non-management position within the Public Safety Communications Center of the Marion Police Department. A Communications Operator serves the community by answering emergency and routine calls via phone, radio, or other devices and gathers essential information from callers; enters the call information into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and dispatches the appropriate first responders to the scene as needed.
The operator provides dispatch and communication support services for police, fire, EMS, and can require the coordination of other related service agencies during joint events. Work is performed in accordance with federal and state laws as well as departmental regulations, policies, and routines. This position has 3 shifts:
Day Shift - 6 am - 2 pm;
Evening Shift - 2 pm - 10 pm; and Overnight Shift 10 pm - 6 am. Shifts are bid on every 6 months by seniority with all new hires working evening and overnight shifts, including weekends and holidays.
- Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace or citizens encountered during work.
- Receive all 911 and routine line phone calls, as well as the police department administrative phone calls by operating a multi-line telephone console system including telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or hearing-impaired.
- Must always be ready to take a call and respond as necessary.
- Accurately interpret, condense, and prioritize information relevant to the call; select proper call type responses.
- Keep callers on the phone, if necessary, in order to provide responders with the most current information to handle the call safely and efficiently.
- Ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions for emergency personnel.
- Transfer or relay calls, individuals or information to officers or other members of the department or make secondary party calls to others as needed or requested. (i.e.: gas, electric, water, etc.)
- Operate the department’s multi-channel/multi-agency radio equipment; be clear in tone, enunciation and volume; be concise giving details in an accurate, brief and logical order over the radio.
- Monitor multiple radio channels and talk groups and understand their functions.
- Dispatch calls to correct law enforcement, fire or medical personnel via the radio equipment, monitoring all radio traffic, keeping units updated with accurate information.
- Rapidly and accurately type all call information or officer-initiated activity into the…
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