Communications Technician III - EMD

Full-Time Benefits: Health, vision, dental, and life insurance; annual and sick leave; paid holidays; pension and tax-deferred compensation (457) plans; and more.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing a variety of public safety communications tasks. Depending on assignment, employees might be receiving and screening incoming communications from citizens, dispatching units over a two-way radio, or participating in the training of lower level communications personnel. Under general supervision, employees’ work rotating shifts, which include nights, weekends, and holidays. Activities are of more than average difficulty and require that the employees be capable of responding quickly and rationally to emergency situations. Reasonable initiative and independent judgments are required in receiving and transmitting information some of which is highly confidential. An important aspect of this work is obtaining the most accurate and complete information possible from irate and distraught individuals who call for assistance. Work is reviewed through evaluations, observation, and records of actions taken.

Answers telephone complaints and requests pertaining to police, fire, or other emergency services; directs complaints to proper agencies when problems are not of an emergency nature.

Determines if a police unit should be dispatched to a scene for an investigation in order to facilitate prompt referral of a case; determines the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred.

Operates two-way radio dispatching equipment to assign calls to units; maintains records on complaints including type of service required, location and identification of persons, time of dispatch, time "out of service”, and subsequent “return to service” of vehicles.

Responds to requests for information from the general public and representatives of other agencies; responds to public inquiries and/or complaints in order to share information; calls wrecker per unit(s) requests to accidents, disabled vehicles, and impound.

Receives classified information over intrastate and national crime communications system; operates video data terminal to obtain vehicle registrations and local information requests; operates terminal to determine requested information on persons, articles, and vehicles.

Runs “Wanted” inquiries on vehicles and persons (wants and warrants checks) via computer for police officers; maintains records and prepares reports as required; operates computer aided dispatch systems.

Assists in the training of new communications personnel as required; assists in the use of equipment and computer and software.

Calls back 911 hang-up calls to verify presence/lack of emergency; notifies owners/ managers of businesses of burglaries, etc.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: the city and its geography.

Working knowledge of: zone boundaries; radio transmitting equipment operating procedures and regulations; the operation of computer equipment.

Some knowledge of: records keeping and reporting; municipal ordinances, state statutes, and civil and criminal law procedures.

Ability to: react quickly, calmly, and rationally in emergencies; speak clearly and communicate effectively with police officers, firefighters, and the general public; speak a second language might be required; keep accurate records and make reports; operate various computer applications and radio dispatching equipment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; explain operation to others, when required.

Skill in: the use and care of communications equipment; typing/keyboard.

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school and one (1) year of experience in computer aided dispatching work for law enforcement, fire, or other public safety agency of comparable size; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid State of Florida certification as a Public Safety Tele-communicator.

Positions in Fire require possession and maintenance of EMD certification and are eligible for EMD certification pay.

Possession of a valid drivers license may be required.

Evaluation of education and experience.

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