Telecommunicator

Alachua County Sheriff's Office

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Apr 2, 2024

Starting pay: $18.31/Hr

Bonus: Annual Education Incentive: Associate’s $996, Bachelor’s $2,004, Master’s $2,496

Overview

Accountable for receiving and processing both emergency and non-emergency calls by; providing appropriate pre-arrival instructions; entering data into a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system; evaluating situations and making decisions as to the assistance and needs of callers based on training, standard operating procedures, and agency guidelines; performing queries through the local public safety systems; operating assigned Communications Operations Bureau (COB) radio positions: the FCIC/NCIC computer and teletype radio, the law enforcement dispatch radio, and/or the fire-rescue dispatch radio; and perform their duties in accordance with ACSO operational policies.

Personnel assigned to this classification report to the Combined Communications Center (CCC) Shift Supervisor. Performance is evaluated through observation, quality assurance reports, and appropriate employee performance appraisals.

Responsibilities

Within one (1) year of hire, the Telecommunicator must train and demonstrate proficiency in at least one (1) of the following positions: call-taking, teletype, law enforcement (ASO and/or GPD) dispatch, or fire-rescue dispatch.

This position is required to train for duties on other positions based on staffing needs and as training opportunities become available. Personnel in this classification may be required to act as trainers for positions in which they are certified. Work requires independent judgment, initiative, and a calm presentation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Required to report for duty and shelter-in during emergency/disaster situations
  • Attend periodic training or meetings outside of scheduled work hours
  • Work rotating shifts that includes days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays
  • Attend all scheduled work periods including assigned and last minute overtime due to unexpected staffing shortages
  • Respond to work with little notice in the event of an emergency or disaster

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a secure/restricted environment with specialized equipment. Often exposed to stressful conditions when communicating with distraught callers, victims of crimes, and violent/hostile individuals. Noise level is often high with loud sounds (i.e., tones and alarms). Work is performed in an atmosphere where call taking and radio communications are recorded.

Work area can be confined for extended periods. Work hours and shifts vary with possible extended shifts.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING (Possess or obtain with six months of hire, the following certifications):

  • Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
  • Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD)
  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Emergency Telecommunicator Course (ETC)
  • Current, valid State and National law enforcement computerized information systems (FCIC/NCIC) certification or obtain within six (6) months of hire
  • Successful completion of the Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification exam within one (1) year of hire
  • Successfully complete all National Incident Management System’s (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) courses required by Department of Homeland Security
  • Completion of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Dynamics and First Responders Course within one (1) year of hire
  • Maintain all Telecommunicator certifications 

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Successfully complete the pre-employment CritiCall testing with an overall passing score
  • Successfully complete a pre-employment typing test with the ability to type 35 CWPM or better
  • Successfully complete the assigned training module and attain sufficient expertise to operate in a given position with minimal supervision after the assigned training period

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Sit for extended periods
  • Operate foot-controlled equipment effectively for long periods of time
  • View multiple computer monitor screens for extended periods
  • Normal vision range; see color differentiation as necessary to distinguish color variations on maps, computer screens and radio consoles
  • Normal hearing level; hear, understand and respond using radio transmitters and receivers, radio consoles, telephone/radio headsets, multi-line telephone systems, and complex communications equipment
  • Speak, annunciate, read, write and understand English fluently
  • Clear speech and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate and respond effectively and appropriately in the work environment
  • Use of headsets and foot pedals to precisely hear voices and other sounds
  • Ambulate independently
  • Reach, handle, and/or grasp documents and technology
  • Manual dexterity
  • Type on computer keyboards for extended periods

Keywords: Dispatch, Dispatcher, public safety, call taker, call center, sheriff department, sheriff office, communications, communicator, 9-1-1 operator.