Public Safety Telecommunicator

Rochester, MN
Rochester Police Department

Salary: $31.09 – $35.67 Hourly

Position Summary:

The Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) answers 911 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, performs law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and rescue telecommunications dispatch work in the Rochester/Olmsted County Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC). Responsibilities include operating computer aided dispatch system, multi-line telecommunications system, and 800 MHz radio communications equipment to receive requests for emergency public safety assistance. Individuals are also required to make independent decisions to determine priority type and level of response necessary, accomplish timely and effective dispatch of emergency personnel and equipment, monitor response and safety of responding units, and retrieve supplemental information from other local, state, and federal information systems. The PST will monitor four to six computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, condensing, and documenting caller and/or first responder information into clear, concise, and readable notes. Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules, regulations, and procedures under general direction of a Public Safety Communications Manager.

Essential Functions:

  • Answer incoming telephone lines and interpret information from callers on emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone lines, by text message or by online request.
  • Determine nature, location, priority and the correct course of action while following established procedures.
  • Direct or assign requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance to the appropriate law enforcement, fire or emergency medical service agency.
  • Maintain status updates and location of emergency personnel and monitor safety throughout incidents.
  • Dispatch appropriate equipment as required.
  • Operate telephones, radios, pagers, computer systems, recording equipment, intercoms, etc. to interact with and direct field personnel.
  • Provide essential communications support for Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS units in the field.
  • Input data into local, state, and federal computer systems and query data for wanted persons, vehicles, and property.
  • Make proper entries and deletions from local, state, and federal computer systems.
  • Conduct driver’s license and motor vehicle checks using computerized file information as requested.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must acquire State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification within six (6) months from date of hire
  • This position requires completion of a finger-printed background investigation as a condition of employment
  • This position requires successful completion of a multi-tasking skills test and a pre-employment screening evaluation
  • A degree in Communications, Criminal Justice, or a related field
  • One (1) year experience in communications operations, preferably as a call taker or dispatcher
  • One (1) year computer experience with PC keyboarding and multi-tasking skills
  • State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification
  • Experience speaking and understanding additional language(s)
  • Other relevant professional licenses and/or certifications