Communications Specialist

The purpose of the class is to receive in‑coming emergency and non‑emergency calls; to dispatch calls for law enforcement, fire, EMS and other personnel and services in an accurate, timely and professional manner; to maintain accurate and complete dispatch records, and to perform related work as required. This class works according to set procedures under close supervision.

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Performs dispatch duties including receiving and dispatching emergency and non‑emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, EMS, rescue and haz‑mat response; monitoring radio communications and alarm panels; providing directions and other information to officers in the field; calling wrecker companies, etc.
• Provides routine assistance and information to callers, such as taking messages, providing directions, routing calls, etc.; initiates calls to persons at the request of officers.
• Monitors nuclear plant computer / alarm system.
• Prepares and maintains dispatch records and documentation.
• Validates and corrects NCIC entries; enters and retrieves law enforcement information; coordinates NCIC information exchange with SLED.
• Testifies in court, as necessary.
• Prepares and submits various reports required by the department and county.
• Receives, reviews and responds to inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility.
• Remains available for emergency response.
• Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, etc.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, meetings, etc., to maintain or enhance job knowledge and skills.

Performs other related duties as required.

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on‑the‑job injury or illnesses.

Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining, or evaluating data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information.

Requires giving information, guidance, or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants.

Requires leading, operating or repairing complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as emergency telecommunications equipment or the application of complex software or systems.

Requires performing semi‑routine work following procedures with occasional problems.

Requires using basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring.

Requires reading routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures or work orders; writing routine sentences and completing routine job forms and incident reports; speaking routine sentences using proper grammar.

Requires doing clerical, manual or technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit…