Dispatcher I or II

Dispatcher I

A Dispatcher I utilizes the telephone, radio, and computer systems to receive calls for service in the emergency services dispatch center; dispatches appropriate emergency service providers including police officers, fire personnel, and equipment. Performs administrative and clerical duties, including typing, filing, and computer data entry.

This position requires a person capable of rapidly addressing multiple tasks in order of priority. The Dispatcher I is required to interact with departmental employees, communications employees, supervisors from other agencies, and the general public. Because of the vast amount and sensitivity of the information that is maintained in various computer systems, the dispatcher must acquire knowledge of laws, rules, and court decisions relating to criminal/victim rights, civil rights, criminal justice and law enforcement procedures;

knowledge of methods of crime detection, radio communications and communications systems; knowledge of laws and ordinances; thorough geography of the town and Matanuska Susitna Borough; be resourceful and exercise sound judgment in emergencies; demonstrate integrity; writing skills and tact; and master a high level of skills in oral communications. The dispatcher must be able to testify clearly and accurately in court;

have resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies; and be characterized by personal and professional integrity.

• Must successfully complete the fourteen-week communications training program.
• Answer and document all incoming telephone calls on business lines, multiple emergency/911 lines, direct agency hot-lines, TDD Telephone for the hearing impaired, Crimestoppers hotline and numerous in-house phone extensions.
• Initiate telephone contact with citizens and other agencies as requested by officers, fire units, and other services or as required by duties.
• Receive and process requests for emergency and non‑emergency calls for service and information. Requests include police and fire, including requests for wreckers, social service agencies, and family and youth services. Must be able to quickly determine the nature of the call, determine the responsible agency, and assign priority.
• Utilizing radios, pagers and telephones, dispatch combinations of police and fire services and their apparatus for the City of Palmer.
• Monitor and document all incoming and outgoing radio transmissions on several radio frequencies. Maintain control of frequencies during periods of high‑volume radio usage.
• Act as intermediary between units on calls that require multi‑agency response and ensure superiors are briefed and updated on events as necessary.
• Utilize multiple computer systems; APSIN, NCIC, NLETS, CAD, ARMS, or others that may evolve, to retrieve, enter, update, forward, and delete all information that is required by the Department.
• Answer public inquiries and refer the caller to the correct person/agency if needed.
• Maintain and keep confidential all information obtained during the course of work.

• High school diploma or equivalent with ability to type 45 wpm corrected.
• Mastery of English language, reading and comprehension.
• Required to take and pass a medical physical prior to employment.
• Required to submit to and pass an in‑depth background investigation.
• Must obtain CPR/BLS certification.
• General knowledge of filing and general office procedures.
• Effective communication in emergency situations.
• Must be able to acquire and maintain an APSIN security clearance.
• High degree of initiative and responsibility to make rapid decisions affecting lives and property. Decisions are made independently based on written operating procedures and often without supervision.
• Good eyesight in both eyes; good hearing in both ears; good voice and speaking quality without impediment.
• Ability to handle multiple simultaneous emergency calls.
• Ability to remain on telephone with callers during emergencies while callers may be injured, attacked, or distressed.
• Professional courtesy with emotional and injured callers.
• Team‑work orientation toward common goals.
• Multi‑tasking ability to manage multiple projects.
• Attendance reliability.
• Valid…