Public Safety Telecommunicator

Salary $24.67 - $35.00/hour; $4,276.13 - $6,066.67/month; $51,313.60 - $72,800.00/year

This is beginning level communications work. Bargaining unit position.

This is the entry level class in the Public Safety Telecommunicator series, which is typically used as a training classification and requires proficiency in performing tasks of higher than average difficulty.

Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount ofprogram knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to Public Safety Telecommunications II and initially exercise less independent discretion and judgement in matters related to work procedures and methods. While in training,work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structureor pattern. After the training period is complete, employees may remain in this classification in a part-time capacity or may advance to the level of Public Safety Telecommunications II based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the full range of assigned duties.

Public Safety Telecommunicators are responsible for the efficient response to emergency and non-emergency calls to include but not limited to,receiving, processing, effectively prioritizing and documenting all calls for service for police, fire, and/or medical assistance from the public,relaying information to the appropriate source for assistance, and performing related administrative duties.

Under general supervision, employees must exercise some initiative and independent judgment in determining how to respond to requests for service.

An important aspect of work in this class is the ability to respond to emergencies in a controlled, expeditious manner. Employees must be capable of maintaining awareness of what is going on in an assigned area of the city toinclude knowing the locations of all in-service vehicles. Work is reviewed through observation of services rendered, records maintained, and periodic evaluation of work performance.

Public Safety Telecommunicators function in a stressful, fast paced environment and work shifts are specified by agency need and management direction. The shifts may include nights, weekends, holidays, as well as mandatory overtime as required. Work is performed in a secured public safety communications center in a controlled,closely supervised, and highly structured work environment. Work requires visual and muscular dexterity to operate communications equipment(computer-aided dispatch equipment, telephones, and radios).

Upon successful completion of the probationary phase, a full-time Public Safety Telecommunicator may be approved for promotion to a Public Safety Telecommunications II, pay grade 26.

Answer emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency telephone lines obtaining information, prioritizing and confirming the location of calls aswell as making independent determination of appropriate action for processing all incoming calls for service, to include relaying pertinent information tothe appropriate public safety response unit (police, fire, and/or emergency medical services/EMS) or providing callers with the appropriate advice or referral.

Operate and monitor two-way radio channels, computer aided display(CAD) monitors and other related sophisticated communications equipment systems,while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information.

Process complaints and make appropriate referrals on a broad variety of public safety matters, that often require referring to or memorizing detailed reference materials and standard operating procedures, including databases, maps, telephone listings, and other resources.

Summarize critical information for public safety first responders in the computer aided dispatch system using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and refer and classify calls for police/fire/EMS assistance according to the level of response required.

Receive requests by phone or electronic format from law enforcement, fire/medical personnel, and other public safety agencies toaccess, enter, retrieve, and disseminate data utilizing local, state and national database systems; prioritize and effectively relay information inproper format…