Job Details

Job Summary

A Communications Officer I is responsible for fast, efficient, and accurate receiving, dispatching, and processing of calls and messages using a multi-line telephone and 911 systems. Employees in this class have successfully completed all training and can function proficiently with the Law Enforcement or EMS radio system. The work is performed under the supervision of a Communications Officer II.

Key Responsibilities

• Emergency Dispatch:

• Receives, evaluates, and prioritizes requests for emergency and non-emergency service from the public, police and fire agencies, county offices, contract agencies, and other callers
• Interviews callers to determine the nature of the emergency, location, and related information to determine the need for dispatching of emergency assistance
• Uses computer aided dispatch to enter requests for service, establish priority and track officer-initiated incidents
• Maintains telephone contact with callers in evolving situations until the arrival of personnel who take command of the incident
• Retrieves and provides information from DMV, NCIC and ILETS to requesting field units
• Enters and maintains clear and concise records in ILETS and NCIC
• Monitors radio transmissions from field units, law enforcement, emergency and non-emergency agencies to track availability and location and monitor for safety
• Retrieves and provides information to requesting agencies on outstanding warrants, protection orders, and related information

• Other Duties:

• Testifies in court as needed

• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with county and office policies, procedures and safety practices
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities:

• Federal (FCC), county, office, contract agency, and other applicable policies, rules, and regulations
• Specialized and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) operating system and multi-line telephone system

• County streets and surrounding areas, including geographical layout of contracting cities within the county and other operating districts served by the office
• Police and Fire/EMS dispatch procedures

• Work cooperatively and constructively with fellow workers and members of the public to provide public service of the highest quality
• Enter and retrieve data and information with accuracy and speed
• Exercise good judgment in the handling and prioritizing of calls
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports
• Respond to citizen requests in a courteous and effective manner
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under stress and the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks

Special Qualifications

• Idaho driver's license
• Idaho POST certification within one year of hire
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred
• Must successfully complete a background investigation including a polygraph examination

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalency and
• Some experience and/or training in emergency dispatch, communications, or related field is preferred
• Equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, to listen and respond to radio transmissions and voice instructions; to communicate effectively in person, on the telephone, and over a two-way radio; ability to hear sounds within the normal range of hearing (phone conversations, co-workers, supervisors, radio traffic) and to hear in the presence of noise
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review a wide variety of written and electronic materials, distinguish letters and numbers, and to see in detail objects or printed material at greater than arms length
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate control mechanisms such as radio knobs and other mechanisms requiring fine adjustments to position, to handle a variety of records and files, to type with speed and accuracy, to operate a motor vehicle, and to operate standard office equipment and a personal computer
• Sufficient personal mobility, agility, and flexibility, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to stand or sit for long periods of time, move between work stations, lift up to 25 pounds, and work in an office environment

Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.