Public Safety Telecommunicator

General Information

Pay Grade: T1

This classification performs communications work in the operation of telephone, radio, and other related equipment in the 911 Emergency Communications Center. Work is performed in a high stress environment under direct supervision and involves primary responsibility for answering emergency calls and taking appropriate action.

Working Conditions

Indoor call center environment. Sitting for long periods of time, working on a computer and answering emergency telephone calls using a headset.

Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires vision at or superior to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) minimum requirements for vision, and hearing at or superior to the NENA minimum standards for hearing. Frequent high stress situations that may involve angry, frightened, or frustrated citizens. Regularly required to work other than normal business hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, as the Emergency Communications Center is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and continued employment with Manatee County Government is contingent upon passing pre-employment and random substance screenings. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening, shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.

Job Description

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Quickly learns and applies knowledge of major County Landmarks, common areas (malls, shopping center, etc.) housing developments, mobile home parks, schools, churches, major employers, fire and EMS station locations, shelters, all major highways and arteries, street-grid number/naming conventions, and major anomalies to these; creates County maps outlining emergency service zones for Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement as training aids.

Quickly learns and applies applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Use of a headset while continually sitting at a computer terminal for long periods of time. Maintains concentration; operates keyboard and communications equipment in a rapid, accurate, and efficient manner. All of which may involve different tones and pitch levels.

Answers emergency 911 calls using the VESTA computer system. Takes appropriate action to obtain and verify callers address, identity, and the need of the caller.

Determines correct response for Fire, EMA, Police, or any other agency response. Follow agencies SOP and protocols for all call types.

Uses Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for 911 call processing, verification of caller location and agency response determination. Build computer screens on CAD system for Fire, EMS and Police Dispatch.

Provides critical information in "remarks" fields of CAD screen to assist responders. Must also prepare and use manual paper "cards" for use when CAD is inoperable.

Uses emergency medical, police and fire protocol software and/or flip cards to determine level and priority of medical, police and fire response. Keep compliance level up to standards set by the agency. Maintain bi- annual IAED certification along with updates on all protocols.

Comprehends and follows oral and written instructions; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others; and accepts constructive directions from co-workers and supervisors when dealing in emergency and/or non-emergency situations.

Thinks and acts quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations; communicates clearly and effectively in a concise and non-offensive manner, orally and in writing.

Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduate or equivalent. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Position requires a psychological examination and a medical examination to determine fitness for duty.

Note: Through pre-employment training and exercises, candidates must successfully complete H.I.P.A.A. certification.

Telecommunicator must successfully complete the following department-provided training/certification programs within specified time frames as required:

• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification within three months of hire

• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification within three months of hire

• Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification within three months of hire

• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications within one year of hire

• Introduction to Hazardous Materials certification within three months of hire

• C.P.R certification within three months of hire

• Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC) or equivalent within three months of hire

• Complete Mandatory State Telecommunicator license within one year of hire

• Must pass NCIC/FCIC criminal background check

• Must complete F.B.I CJIS Security Awareness Training within six months of hire

Note: all required certifications must remain current and active.

More

Manatee County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer promoting diversity and inclusion in its workforce and does not discriminate based on race, color, age, gender identification or expression, genetic information, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive benefits package to regular full-time and part-time employees. For more information about our employee benefits, which are governed by policy and subject to change, visit: