Telecommunicator

Telecommunicator (Non-Exempt)

Department:
Public Safety - Police

Full Time:
Yes (Non-Exempt)

Under the general supervision of the Administrative Lieutenant, performs emergency dispatch for fire, police, and ambulance personnel; operates the communications center serving the City of Mineral Wells and surrounding areas; gathers and receives records and disseminates information.

• Receive emergency service calls, determine nature, location, and priority of emergency, and dispatch emergency units as necessary, maintaining compliance with established procedures for operating a computer‑aided dispatch system.
• Maintain contact with all units in assignment using a two‑way radio; maintain status and location of law enforcement and fire units; maintain daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.
• Monitor, receive, disseminate, and transmit information for the Police Department and other agencies via a teletype machine.
• Monitor all communications related to performance of police, fire, EMS, animal control and public works functions.
• Use TDD and other telecommunication systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and fire agencies.
• Oversee and maintain records on activity of burglary and fire alarms at businesses and residences; dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment to location.
• Receive and forward non‑emergency calls to proper personnel or departments; receive and dispatch water, sewer, and street department calls on holidays, weekends and after hours.
• Communicate with walk‑ins and provide general information or referrals as needed.
• Maintain appropriate uniform and acceptable personal hygiene.
• Maintain written records on a variety of log forms and timecards.
• Be available to work any shift, holiday and weekends as needed for scheduling purposes and perform other assigned duties as required.
• Answer multi‑line telephones, including 911 lines.
• Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing; speak distinctly, respond promptly, and hear in the normal range to protect the safety of officers and the public.
• Comprehend and apply city ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Document all activity, location, and status in the computer‑aided dispatch system for public safety personnel, quickly disseminating any additional information.
• Operate computer terminals for specialized access with various automated date banks.
• Work in a confined area for eight plus hours and remain seated for long periods of time entering data into various computer systems on a constant basis.
• Simultaneously input, retrieve, and maintain information, reading from both computer screens and printouts and operating up to four keyboards at once.
• Operate multi‑channel public safety radio system.
• Prepare incident reports and maintain various files.
• Operate all communications equipment in low‑light conditions.
• Concentrate on assigned tasks through many distractions.
• Appear in court as subpoenaed.
• Attend training schools, seminars and other city‑related events which may require travel (occasionally overnight).
• Must not currently pose a direct threat to the health/safety of self or others.

• Search female prisoners as necessary.
• Perform routine maintenance on communications equipment; maintain communications center supplies.
• Carry, drag, lift, pull/push supplies up to 30 lbs.
• Stoop, squat, kneel, climb, and stretch to reach areas of the work site for routine cleaning and inspection.

Graduation from High School or GED equivalent; licensed as a telecommunicator with the State of Texas or be able to obtain a basic telecommunications license.

One year of experience in receiving and processing public service calls in a law enforcement or fire agency preferred; two years of general clerical experience preferred; knowledge of basic regulations governing the operation of a communications radio transmittal and receiving system; basic radio broadcasting and communications procedures used in operating computer‑aided dispatch and…