Communications Technician

Position: Entry Level Communications Technician I 911 Dispatch

On the job training provided.

Status: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Excellent Benefits Package.

Rate of Pay: $23.07 – $29.19 per hour

Shift: Variable shifts

Closing Date: Open until filled

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen, an extensive background check and obtain an Oregon State Police CJIS clearance
• Maintain certifications:
  Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS), APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch, and DPSST Telecommunications
• Work rotating shifts, normal shifts that may be extended, work weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned
• Compliance with confidentiality requirements and agency policies
• Knowledge of major roads, streets, industrial areas, public buildings and general geographic locations in Wallowa County
• Basic to intermediate computer knowledge and experience
• High level listening and communication skills; speaking clearly and distinctly in an appropriate tone
• Operate the tools and equipment listed below
• Net typing speed of at least 45 words per minute
• Independent decision-making and sound judgment in emergency situations
• Effective verbal communication with diverse contacts
• Follow and give verbal and written instructions
• Remain alert throughout assigned shift under varying levels of simultaneous tasking and urgency
• Flexibility and adaptability to change
• Remain calm, handle constant interruptions, and manage stressful situations; politically astute
• Simultaneously answer telephone calls and dispatch emergency units while listening to radio traffic
• Maintain professionalism and build positive relationships with City staff and others in the performance of duties
• Perform physical tasks: sit at a desk for extended periods, walk, stand or stoop occasionally, lift or move objects up to 25 pounds, use tools requiring dexterity; sustain attention to detail
• Meet all physical standards set by the State of Oregon DPSST, including visual acuity, hearing, speaking, and basic physical health for long periods
• Formal application process including rating of education and experience, written test, oral interview, reference check, background investigation, drug screen, and other job-related tests may be required

• Operate communications equipment to receive and process incoming emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for assistance
• Perform dispatch duties and keep accurate records of communications for police, fire, medical response and other agencies
• Work under close supervision of the Communications Supervisor
• Operate radio and multi-line phone control consoles handling both emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical emergency assistance and other public requests
• Effectively route other calls for service to appropriate agencies
• Dispatch medical calls in accordance with APCO procedures and give pre-arrival instructions to callers awaiting arrival of responding units
• Ask callers professional and controlling questions to determine the nature of the problem and gather required information
• Access computer terminals to obtain, transmit and record information such as vehicle license numbers, driver information, warrants and stolen vehicle information; enter and record information via terminal; maintain status of equipment and record activity of dispatched units
• Dispatch calls to appropriate units or departments; maintain information on units’ activities
• Maintain contact with emergency apparatus and personnel using two-way radio, telephone, mobile dispatch terminals and computer-aided dispatch system (CAD)
• Use cameras to monitor individuals in holding cells for proper conduct, safety, and medical or other needs; immediately alert on-duty officer of any concerns
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Communications Director, Communications Supervisor and Undersheriff
• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed

Applications may be obtained from the Human Resource Department in Room 302 in the Court House. Contact: bmickalowa.or.us or

Wallowa County is an EEOC with Veterans Preference.