Communications Officer (911 Dispatch)

Description

Position Overview:

Under direct supervision of a Communications Shift Supervisor, operates equipment and coordinates all emergency and non-emergency calls coming into the Police Department for Police/Fire/EMS services. Position requires constant contact with the public in stressful situations that require the ability to remain calm, think clearly, use good judgment, and have clear, understandable speaking skills

Hiring Range:$21.14 - $28.17 hourly

Full Pay Range:$21.14 - $31.71 hourly

Benefits at the City of Rowlett Include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• Life insurance (2x salary up to $150,000)

• Long-term and short-term disability

• Flexible spending account

• 20-year retirement plan with the Texas Municipal Retirement System, 5-year vesting and a 2:1 City match

• Vacation

• 2 weeks during the first year, 3 weeks after the first year

• Sick leave

• 2 weeks per year

• Employee Assistance Program

• Longevity pay

• Annual merit/step increases

FY2024 Step Pay Plan:

Entry $43,965.70 annually, $21.14 hourly

Step 1 $49,215.02 annually, $23.66 hourly

Step 2 $51,558.55 annually, $24.79 hourly

Step 3 $53,902.05 annually, $25.91 hourly

Step 4 $56,245.56 annually, $27.04 hourly

Step 5 $58,589.71 annually, $28.17 hourly

Range Maximum $65,949.14 annually, $31.71 hourly

Lateral pay up to Step 5 ($58,589.71) will be considered for those with qualifying experience.

Recruitment Process: Please note that positions in our Police Department can take longer to fill, due to the extensive background process. Thank you for your patience!

1.Online Application - deadline is 06/01/2024 at 11:59pm

• Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.

2.Criminal Database Check

• If your applications is selected to advance, candidates will be contacted for more information in order to perform a thorough criminal database check.

3.CritiCall Testing

• CritiCall testing will be scheduled following the criminal database check.

4.Communications Center Observation

• Upon passing the CritiCall testing, candidates will be contacted to schedule a 4-hour observation time of the Rowlett Communications Center.

5.Personal History Statement

• After observing, candidates will be given a Personal History Statement packet to be completed and returned by a specified date.

6.Interview

• Interview will be scheduled after the Communications Manager reviews the Personal History Packet

7.Final Personal History Statement Review

• Performed by hiring Lieutenant and Background Investigator

8.Psychological Evaluation and Polygraph Testing

9.Conditional Offer of Employment and Tentative Start Date

Essential Job Functions

Answers 911 emergency phones lines and non-emergency lines; obtains necessary information about emergencies or complaints; determines what Fire or Police equipment is needed on the scene; contacts police officers and fire personnel in the field via two-way radio and relays emergency information and pertinent data.

Monitors various Police, Fire and City radio frequencies; operates a Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to maintain accurate dispatch records; transmits relevant information to field officers as requested; notifies off-duty and on-call personnel when additional manpower is needed.

Monitors teletype for severe weather bulletins; broadcasts warnings over radio channels. Monitors city alarm systems; performs periodic tests on police and fire radio and warning equipment; files and maintains various communication logs and records; monitors closed circuit television equipment; updates and maintains various databases in the CAD system; responsible for regular attendance and arriving to work on time.

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required; related experience with computer aided dispatch systems in a public safety position preferred.

Knowledge of two-way radio, multi-line telephone system, Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) phones, 911 equipment, and CAD; ability to successfully pass a simulated dispatch test with an overall score of 80%, and a minimum score of 4004 keystrokes per hour (KPH); speak clearly and concisely; ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under stress; ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from distraught and irate citizens; ability to coordinate a number of activities at the same time under intense stress.

Other Requirements

Valid Texas "Class C" Driver's License. Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards as established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to his/her departmental Director or his/her designee within two working days of receipt.

Must obtain state dispatcher certification within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment. Must attend in-service training, which includes CPR, 40 hours of annual Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards & Education (TCOLE) training, and other mandated courses.

Must be able to work a variety of shifts as assigned, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.