Telecommunicator

SALARY RANGE

WORK ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

As part of the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 Telecommunicator is involved in all aspects of public safety in Waupaca County. The Waupaca County Communication Centers’ mission is to make an effective difference in the community by providing high-quality professional and effective communications, and to ensure responder safety while striving to save lives and protect property. Through cooperation, continued education, and our commitment to excellence. Telecommunicators are the first link between the community and all emergency responders and a vital link to emergency services.

This position is full-time and works a 2 week rotation on a 2-2-3 schedule with every other weekend off. Shifts are either 6a-6p or 6p-6a with one 8 hour shift every 2 weeks. The Communication Center is staffed 24/7 and Telecommunicators will regularly work weekends and holidays. Waupaca County cannot guarantee any particular shift for an employee.

The 911 Telecommunicator is a civilian position and works under the direct supervision of the Communications Captain and Communications Sergeant(s).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties/responsibilities listed below are not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties/responsibilities may be required and/or assigned.

• Answer 911 emergency phone calls and non-emergency phone calls. Identify the nature of calls or reports and dispatch the appropriate police, fire, medical, or other emergency units.
• Evaluate and prioritize calls based on urgency then accurately and efficiently provide information to public safety personnel.
• Provide Emergency Medical Dispatch service to callers until emergency units arrive.
• Operate enhanced 911 (E911) system, computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, and other computerized equipment.
• Enter required information into the CAD system accurately and according to policy.
• Accurately track and maintain status and safety updates for all resources in the CAD system.
• Utilize critical thinking, good judgement skills while working independently or as part of a team.
• Maintain radio contact with public safety personnel within Waupaca County and surrounding communities as needed.
• Operate and monitor two-way radio channels in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and department policy.
• Periodically perform equipment testing to ensure functionality and report any issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Monitor weather watches and warnings and notify appropriate personnel as necessary.
• Provide general information to ancillary services such as utility companies, wrecker services, railroads, and various other agencies as required.
• Provide administrative public safety information, such as how to file accident reports, report a crime, find a towed car etc.
• Operate the TIME System for driver’s license checks, registration checks, criminal histories, wanted persons, protection orders, and additional information. Make entries into the TIME system as required.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational seminars, training and workshops as necessary or required.
• Maintain absolute confidentially regarding all department operations, members of the public and Waupaca County employees.  
• May be required to testify and present reports, documents or other evidence at legal proceedings. 

PERIPHERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fill vacant shifts as necessary.
• Assist in public education concerning matters relevant to the E911 Communication Center.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must have never been convicted of a federal felony or any offense, which if committed in Wisconsin could be punished as a felony, unless applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon.
• Must hold a valid Wisconsin driver’s license with good driving record.
• Will be subject to a complete criminal history background check, physical, and drug test prior to employment.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in any public safety role such as police, fire or EMS is preferred but not essential.
• Experience working in a call center environment preferred but not essential.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:   

Must be available and willing to work weekends, holidays and all shifts as needed to provide adequate staffing for 24-hour operation.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• undefined
• CPR Certification.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.
• Basic and Advanced TIME System certifications.
• FEMA IS-100 and FEMA IS-200.  

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, area geography including major roadways, common landmarks, city and county jurisdictions and an awareness of community events.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.
• Ability to communicate effectively and precisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently operate a keyboard and telephone equipment.
• Ability to accurately obtain information over the telephone from callers.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability in stressful situations.
• Ability to comprehend and carry out departmental rules, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to maintain security and confidentiality.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to deal courteously and firmly with the public.
• Ability to keep track of multiple incidents that are occurring at the same time.
• Ability to read maps, quickly identify locations, and give directions as needed.
• Ability to record computer data rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
• Ability to familiarize oneself with incidents relating to critical public safety activities.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work the required hours of the position.

• Ability to follow the Chain of Command and its application within the Waupaca County Sheriff's Office and Waupaca County Communications Center.
• Ability to adapt and learn new technology as and when it is updated and implemented.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job or that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·         Sitting is required for extended periods at a workstation wearing communications equipment, which limits mobility, with the exception of scheduled work breaks.

·         Work is performed in a secured 9-1-1 emergency call center.

·         Work requires visual and muscular dexterity to operate communications equipment (computer-aided dispatch equipment, telephones and radios).

CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION

Waupaca County's group insurance plan and other benefit policies comprise a package that is competitive and satisfies the needs of its employees. This summary is intended to give only a brief overview or definitive source of information.

Positions that have a schedule of sixty or more hours in a two week pay period qualify for the following benefits: