Emergency Communications Dispatcher II

Position Summary

The Emergency Communications Department (ECD), also referred to as "9‑1‑1", operates the Countywide consolidated emergency communications system. The department is the primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the County of Monterey and provides emergency and non‑emergency call answering and dispatch services for the County Sheriff, Probation Department, 12 city police departments, 12 city fire agencies, three county fire districts, the Monterey Regional Airport District, Salinas Valley State Prison, and California State University Monterey Bay Police Department.

Dispatchers answer 9‑1‑1 and non‑emergency calls using Central Square Enterprise CAD and a Harris Radio system. Communications Dispatcher II’s are under general supervision, to dispatch public safety personnel and equipment for law and fire agencies. This is the journey‑level class in the Emergency Communications Dispatcher series.

• Receive 9‑1‑1 and non‑emergency calls, evaluate and transmit traffic to appropriate responders.
• Enter call information into a computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) system while maintaining live conversation.
• Determine scene and responder safety, transfer calls to the proper emergency service provider, or provide information to field units and/or the public.
• Manage distressed or highly emotional callers.
• Initiate incident response and dispatch police or fire personnel and equipment for routine and emergency calls.
• Control radio traffic, monitor, and maintain status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment at all times.
• Analyze situations accurately and take effective action to assure officer and public safety.
• Utilize mapping and GIS software to identify incident locations and monitor units.
• Interpret and disseminate information from law‑enforcement computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and related matters.
• Provide instructional and on‑the‑job training to staff as assigned.
• Coordinate dispatching of emergency vehicles and public safety personnel.
• Provide backup to other dispatchers as necessary.
• Record the nature and source of all incoming and outgoing phone and radio messages.
• Relay critical information as quickly as possible.

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Techniques, procedures and methods used in the operation of a public safety communications center.
• The operation of a public safety computer‑aided dispatch system, video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, an enhanced 9‑1‑1 telephone system, and other associated public safety communications equipment.
• Two‑way radio, telephone, and other related equipment commonly used in public safety dispatching.
• Rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission regarding radio and telephone operations.

• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively.
• Effectively operate the public safety computer‑aided dispatch system, telephone system, computer terminals, radio dispatch consoles, and associated equipment.
• Monitor audible information from multiple sources (telephone, radio, and co‑workers) in an open space and noisy environment.
• Interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Document information in English in a clear, organized, concise, and understandable manner.
• Coordinate multiple events and emergency responses.
• Retain, recall, and evaluate facts and details solely from memory.
• Deal tactfully with the general public, law enforcement, and other officials.
• Empathize with members of the public in sensitive and/or distressful situations.
• Perform multiple tasks while monitoring background telephone and radio communications.
• Multi‑task requiring simultaneous typing, radio talking, answering multiple telephone calls, and switching between computer screens and applications.
• Work under pressure, exercising good judgment and common sense while making sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Read and interpret various mapping devices and relay pertinent information.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with co‑workers, management staff, public safety…