Communications Specialist

Role Overview

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in the operation of the emergency services systems and various communication devices to receive, route, relay and dispatch calls for emergency and non-emergency law enforcement and other services; and performs related work as required.

• Certification on the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) is required within four months of appointment and must be maintained thereafter for continued employment.
• FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, 800 certification is required within four months of appointment.
• Certifications in Emergency Medical Dispatch (MPDS), Emergency Fire Dispatch (FPDS), Emergency Police Dispatch (PPDS) through the International Academy of Emergency Dispatching, and CPR certification at Healthcare provider level are required within four months of appointment; these certifications require the completion of continuing education units plus recertification every two years for continued employment.

• Demonstrate commitment to public service, and value exceptional customer service.
• Assimilate quickly into the organizational climate; establish critical relationships to ensure success and contribution to the organization.
• Have outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to take ownership of problems to find solutions; share resources, information, and knowledge; and will encourage commitment to the County’s mission and organizational goals.
• Be collaborative, hard-working and detail oriented while still being able to see the big picture.

• Be willing to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to remain calm in emergency situations.
• Be able to work in a noisy environment and be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Be able to pass a data entry test with 2,580 KPH (keystrokes per hour) with 95% accuracy.

• Submission of a complete set of fingerprints.
• Completion and submission of a personal history statement.
• Passing a Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) examination.
• Passing an audio/hearing test.

• Veteran Point:
  Eligible veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces shall receive one (1) bonus point upon passing Open Competitive examinations only. Proof of Honorable Discharge (DD-214 with Classification of Discharge) must be attached to the application.

Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.

Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.