911 Dispatcher – Public Safety Telecommunicator

Winter Garden, FL
City of Winter Garden

Sign-on Bonus of up to $5,000.00 for experienced Dispatchers. Bonus amount calculated based on total years of experience. $2,000.00 Sign-on Bonus for entry level candidates.

Pay is $20.43 per hour.

Experienced Dispatchers qualifications will be considered when determining starting rate.

This position requires the ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts, holidays, weekends, and emergencies, including overtime, if deemed necessary.

This position requires an online three minute typing assessment.

 

BENEFITS

The City of Winter Garden offers a generous benefit package that includes a Retirement Pension Plan, Medical insurance (the City pays 100% of employee coverage & contributes toward dependent coverage), Dental, Vision, Vacation and Sick Leave, 10 paid Holidays annually, and City-paid Life and Disability. The City also offers EDUCATION/ TUITION REIMBURSEMENT (no annual maximum) when taking classes toward an Associates and Bachelors Degree and for some advanced degrees.

 

WORK OBJECTIVE

Performs highly responsible, specialized work in receiving and prioritizing incoming calls for service and then dispatching emergency and non-emergency personnel and resources through the Police Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Responsible for obtaining and entering information from these calls and assigning appropriate priorities, signals, and codes to dispatch police units to locations where assistance is required, while also monitoring multiple frequencies and viewing multiple computer/camera screens. Responsibilities also include acting as a liaison with other Law Enforcement agencies through the use of radio, teletype and telephone equipment. The position works within the scope of established laws, rules, and regulations of the work, however, is expected to exercise considerable judgment and initiative in performing work under the established policies and procedures.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assists Public Safety Call Takers, when needed, with answering emergency and non-emergency phone calls, gathering information to determine the callers needs and entering information into the Computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.
  • Receives and assigns complaints to appropriate mobile units for Police Service to resolve calls while also relaying requests from mobile units to appropriate individuals.
  • Alerts/dispatches police units to locations where assistance is required, keeping track of the status and location of on-duty police units.
  • Monitors other Public Safety Radio channels for information pertinent to this agency.
  • Maintains accurate status records of all Department units through various logs.
  • Provides callers with lifesaving instructions in life-threatening situations.
  • Operates base station radio network using the various assigned frequencies.
  • Operates the CAD system, radio equipment, and teletype as part of the F.C.I.C. and N.C.I.C. Network.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Communications management or a command officer.
  • The Communications Unit works 24 hours, 365 days a year including holidays. Applicants must be available to work 12-hour shifts that may include weekends, late night and/or holidays as well as the possibility to work extended hours with short notice and the potential for mandatory overtime.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least eighteen (18) years of age, with a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Citizen of the United States
  • Ability to type proficiently at a minimum speed of THIRTY (30) words per minute. An online assessment is required.
  • Ability to pass/obtain a Public Safety Telecommunicator certification within 12 months from date of hire.
  • Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts, holidays, weekends, and emergencies, including overtime, if deemed necessary.
  • Be tobacco free and remain tobacco free throughout employment.
  • Be drug free and subject to random drug screens throughout employment.
  • Previous experience with another law enforcement agency, current/prior certification as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, prior experience transmitting and receiving messages over a radio, and/or bilingual in both English and Spanish are highly desirable, but not required.

Applicants who qualify are required to pass applicable testing and a complete background investigation including computer based testing; interviews; polygraph examination, prior employment, fingerprint and background check (includes complete driving record and criminal history), medical examination, and a drug screen.

Exceptions to the minimum qualifications must be reviewed by the Human Resources Director and approved by the City Manager prior to job offer.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to operate/use radio and telephone transmitting and receiving equipment, fax, copier, computer, and various types of computer software.
  • Ability to react calmly, quickly, and promptly when handling emergency situations for sustained periods of time.
  • Must maintain a professional demeanor; demonstrate courtesy, diplomacy, tact and discretion; and provide excellent customer service.
  • Must be detail-oriented with multitasking skills, initiative, a desire to help others, and the ability to function as a team member.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing; engage in active listening and critical thinking; and make sound decisions during stressful situations.
  • Ability to make sound decisions based on policy and procedures when handling escalated, sensitive and unique situations.
  • Ability to maintain flexibility and adaptability when performing tasks and duties in a dynamic environment.
  • Ability to learn the Citys geography including key buildings and landmarks.

 

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary in nature and requires sitting for prolonged periods of time wearing a headset, which restricts movement in the work area. May include periodic standing and walking and lifting or moving light items associated with clerical office operations.

Requires the sustained ability to use close and peripheral vision; talk; hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and type; and hands and arms to reach and handle.

Work is performed in an enclosed area with moderate background noise from radios, telephones, teletype machines and other equipment.

 

The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Winter Garden provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.