Telecommunicator

Lockhart, TX
Lockhart Police Department

Position Summary:

The Telecommunicator takes emergency and non-emergency calls for the City, Fire, EMS, Police, Animal Control and Utility Departments; and dispatches appropriate emergency units. An incumbent in this position also greets and directs visitors; accepts walk-in payments for utility bills; and runs drivers’ license and license plate numbers.

Essential Functions:

  • Answers phone/radio calls including 9-1-1 calls regarding emergencies; determines if emergency or non-emergency; and ascertains type of assistance needed.
  • Maintains communication concentration in life threatening, crisis situations, or when callers are irate, verbally abusive, hysterical, or minimally communicative.
  • Handles multiple calls simultaneously; makes split second decisions based on analysis of information and knowledge of emergency procedures.
  • Dispatches appropriate units (such as police, EMS, fire, utilities, etc.) and tracks unit locations; refers calls to other agencies or departments as needed.
  • Looks up information in files or computer data base; handles non-emergency City calls after normal business hours; and notifies City agencies of non-emergency calls from previous day.
  • Assigns incident number to incident and accident reports; compiles call sheets.
  • Enters information such as call notes, locations, involved persons and vehicles; updates as needed; and generates reports as requested.
  • Greets and directs visitors.
  • Hands out/receives various permit applications or open records requests to/from citizens; accepts walk-in payments for utility bills.
  • Files incident and defendant reports and citations; maintains files for Class C warrants and TCIC/NCIC entries.
  • Runs license plates and driver license numbers as requested.
  • Issues Firing Range key to agency representatives as necessary.
  • Performs monthly equipment checks on a wide range of electronic equipment.
  • Attends training sessions and employee meetings; travels to other cities to attend required schools and training.

Requirements:

  • Requires a High School diploma or equivalent, one year of related work experience preferred.
  • Minimum: Obtain TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator License within one (1) year of employment.
  • Preferred: TCOLE Telecommunicator License.
  • Pass a thorough criminal background check.
  • Pass a drug screening exam prior to date of hire.
  • Pass a psychological exam prior to date of hire.
  • Possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to listen and hear clearly from multiple sources under stress
  • Complete the following training made available by the employer: FEMA certified for Incident Command Structure – IC 100, 200, 700, 800; TCIC/TLETS full access licensing; CPR/AED certified for adults and infants (yearly); First Aid for first responder certified (yearly); and TTY/TDD certified (every 6 months).
  • Ability to maintain predictable, regular, reliable in-person attendance.
  • Ability to work weekends, special occasions, holidays, overnights, and overtime as scheduled or assigned.
  • Ability to pass 2-hour CritiCall Pre-Employment Skill Test.