Communications Officer

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for performing emergency and non-emergency communications functions. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Lead Communications Officer.”

Essential Functions:

• Will be required to have a physical presence and regular and reliable attendance with the ability to work all rotating shifts.
• Receives and records incoming enforcement and emergency-related calls from the public, both in person and on the telephone; refers the callers and/or transmits or relays orders to the appropriate police patrol, fire, ambulance, public works radio, county authorities, or other related agencies.
• Asks questions to determine nature of call, to determine and prioritize appropriate response, and to provide information and assistance to callers.
• Performs emergency medical dispatch functions as needed; asks vital information and provides prearrival instructions for emergency medical calls.
• Monitors and maintains contact with officers and other personnel in the field.
• Coordinates the efforts of emergency and enforcement personnel to deal with multi-faceted emergencies as needed (such as fire, police, and medical at the same site), or several emergencies occurring simultaneously at diverse locations.
• Monitor and responds to a variety of technical systems and alarms; monitors and activates sirens, pagers, radio-controlled back-up systems equipment, and video cameras.
• Enters and modifies information into local, state, and national databases.

Requirements:

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain NCIC certification.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain emergency medical dispatch certification.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain South Dakota Law Enforcement Telecommunicator certification.