City of Tampa

This is responsible supervisory work involving operation of a public safety communications section.

An employee in this class is responsible for assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of subordinate employees engaged in public safety call-taking and dispatching. Work is of more than average difficulty requiring employees to possess a comprehensive knowledge of pertinent ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Tasks include ensuring the accuracy of information being processed, overseeing the maintenance of logs of calls dispatched, and training of new Public Safety Telecommunicators. An important aspect of the work involves serving as liaison between police officers or firefighters on the job and the general public. Under direction, employees are required to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in providing advice and assistance to lower-level employees in emergency situations. Employees might be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating shift. Employees are required to complete necessary personnel administration tasks. Because of the nature of work performed, it is extremely important that employees react in a timely and controlled fashion. Work is reviewed through observation of services rendered and periodic inspection of work performance.

Supervises the training of new Public Safety Telecommunicators in operation of the communications equipment and in preparation and maintenance of reports; prepares weekly reviews on trainees; completes employee performance evaluations, approves leave requests, and serves as respondent in the grievance procedure; operates communications equipment when necessary.

Assures rapid and efficient flow of information; receives and evaluates calls for service from citizens; advises citizens when calls are not of an emergency nature; researches information for operations personnel.

Relays reported emergencies to operations personnel; expedites flow of information between various divisions/personnel as necessary.

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: radio transmitting equipment operating methods; geographic zone boundaries, city streets, and street conditions; pertinent ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures; the city and its geography; effective communications techniques; effective supervisory and training techniques; records keeping techniques.

Ability to: react quickly, calmly, and rationally in emergencies; speak clearly and communicate effectively; interpret ordinances, regulations, rules, and standard operating procedures in a clear, concise manner; plan, assign, supervise, and review the work of others; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public; train new dispatchers; operate various computer applications, teletype, and radio dispatching equipment, when required.

Skill in: the use and care of radio dispatching and related equipment, when required.

Graduation from an accredited high school and three (3) years of experience in public safety telecommunications, including six (6) months supervisory or lead experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

State of Florida certification as a Public Safety Telecommunicator.

Positions require possession and maintenance of applicable certifications: Law Enforcement: F/NCIC certification; Fire Rescue: EMD certification.

Possession of a valid driver’s license may be required.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.