Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee

Payson, AZ
Town of Payson

Salary: $22.00-$29.84/hr.

Position Summary:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform the full scope of duties of a Public Safety Telecommunicator through a structured on the job training program tailored to each individual’s experience or lack of in the areas of answering 911 calls, dispatching fire and emergency medical services, or dispatching police services. Incumbents are trained according to Payson Police or Fire Department policies and operating procedures. Duties
include: receiving calls from the public; evaluating the calls for proper action; and initiating Police or Fire response by obtaining information required for dispatching field units. An employee in this class learns to dispatch messages and calls by voice and computer to police or fire units and to maintain radio contact with mobile units.

Essential Functions:

  • Receive emergency and non-emergency service calls from the public requesting law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency service.
  • Determines nature and location of the emergency; determines priority and dispatches emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures.
  • Read and interpret maps using computer aided dispatching, maps, GIS and atlas’s to assist the public and police/fire personnel. Interprets telephone or radio call locations to provide timely assistance.
  • Assist irate or upset citizens involved in crisis situations.
  • Maintain contact with all units in assignment; maintain status and location of law enforcement and fire field units via the computer; maintain daily bulletin on field calls and units dispatched.
  • Enter, update, and retrieve information form teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, and other information.
  • Use telecommunications system to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving law enforcement, fire/EMS, and public service agencies.
  • Receive, respond to, and document requests for warrants and motor vehicle printouts; verify and file warrants; and document vehicle impound information.
  • Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work.
  • Input and retrieve a variety of public safety information using a computer terminal.
  • Maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety activities including arrest files, master case records, and tow company requests.
  • Answer telephone and provide information to the public in person or by telephone.
  • Test and inspect equipment as required; arrange for repairs.
  • Perform detention duties as required; assist sworn officers in searching and transporting of prisoners
  • Maintain warrant and order of protection files; complete monthly reviews.
  • Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Requirements:

  • Arizona Criminal Justice Information Network.
  • Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation.
  • Must pass a hearing and physical examination.
  • Ability to type 40 wpm with an accuracy rate of at least 90%.
  • Successful applicants must live within a thirty (30) minute response time, or be willing to relocate within a period of one (1) year from date of employment.
  • Graduation from high school or GED equivalent, supplemented by training in modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
  • Experience with word processing software such as Microsoft Word, multi-line telephone systems, and transcription skills.
  • Experience in general clerical/office duties such as filing, copying, telephone, typing or keyboard.
  • Experience working with the public.
  • Some experience operating a radio, computer equipment, or other communication equipment is highly desirable.
  • Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Possession of, or must be able to obtain within six (6) months, a Terminal Operator’s Certification issued by ACJIS.
  • Must maintain certifications throughout the course of employment.
  • Must obtain future certifications as required by governing authorities including the Town of Payson.