City Of Athens New Government Jobs Communications Officer (Dispatcher)

JOB SUMMARY:  This position answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatches appropriate personnel.

MAJOR DUTIES:    Receives emergency calls; prioritizes and enters information into CAD system.  Dispatches appropriate personnel in response to emergency and non-emergency calls.  Maintains contact with field personnel.  Enters all officer-initiated traffic stops into CAD system. Uses CAD mapping system to track call locations.  Accesses NCIC database to enter and retrieve information and to provide information to field personnel.  Maintains warrants; enters and clears warrants from NCIC database; performs monthly validations.  Maintains and files logs of all calls and dispatches.   Receives and processes complaints and questions from the general public.  Provides information and assistance to callers.  Monitors prisoners in holding cells via closed-circuit cameras.  Enters all arrests into arrest log.  Runs criminal and driver histories.  Searches CAD system to location information relevant to criminal investigations.  Maintains logs and prepares reports.  Monitors radio traffic for a variety of agencies.  Performs related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   18 year or older.  High School Diploma, GED and/or equivalent work experience.   Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain appropriate NCIC certification.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:   Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.  Knowledge of NCIC policies and procedures.  Knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures.  Knowledge of radio and telecommunications equipment.  Knowledge of city streets, geography, and landmarks.  Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.  Skill in planning, organizing, analyzing, decision making, and problem solving.  Skill in making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.  Skill in multi-tasking.  Skill in public relations.  Skill in interpersonal relations.  Skill in oral and written communication.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK:    The work consists of related emergency communications duties. The necessity of responding to unforeseen and emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.  The purpose of this position is to perform emergency dispatch operations. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective response to emergency and life-threatening situations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.   The work is typically performed in an office. Physical strength, ability, and mobility to perform all essential job functions with or without accommodation.   Must be willing to work overtime, non-standard work hours, holidays, shifts, and weekends as necessary.  Must be willing to be on-call.

City Application Required.  Apply at City of Athens Human Resources, City Hall Municipal Offices, located at 200 W. Hobbs St., Athens.  Inquiries: 256-233-8737 or City website www.athensal.us.    The City of Athens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all facets of the Americans with Disabilities Act.   All reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified applicants.  The City is a drug-free workplace.  Pre-employment drug screen and physical required. The City of Athens does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services, programs, or activities.