Communications Officer

As a communications officer you will be working as part of a team operating the Central South Dakota Communications Center, the 911-Emergency Dispatch Center for central South Dakota. You will be receiving calls for assistance from the public, documenting and dispatching appropriate public safety personnel for those calls. You will also be receiving, processing and sending radio communications for various Law Enforcement Agencies, Emergency Medical Services, and local Fire Departments.HOURS: 40 hours per week - Shift workCOMMUNICATIONS OFFICERDESCRIPTION: As a communications officer you will be working as part of a team operating the Central South Dakota Communication Center. You will be receiving calls for assistance from the public, documenting and dispatching appropriate public safety personnel for those calls. You will also be receiving, processing and sending radio communications for various Law Enforcement Agencies, Emergency Medical Services, and local Fire Departments.HOURS: 40 hours per week - Shift workJOB TITLE: Communications OfficerDEPARTMENT: Police, City of PierreDUTIES:* Operations of the 911 Emergency Dispatch Center* Receives, processes, dispatches, & records all telephone & radio calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other governmental agencies. All maintenance of records & logs is done on a computerized system* Receives calls for assistance from the public* Document and dispatch appropriate public safety personnel as needed* Monitors and routes incoming messages from national and state computer networks; enters and removes information as requested into NCIC network* Assists officers by using the NCIC computer system to run criminal, vehicle and driver's license information* Type incident and other reports, as well as data entry* Performs other related duties as assignedKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:* Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local statues and department policies and procedures.* Knowledge of the regulations and procedures of state and national crime information centers.* Knowledge of mapping practices.* Knowledge of public roadways in South Dakota.* Knowledge of radio codes used in public safety work.* Knowledge of dispatching procedures for Law, Fire, and EMS-agencies.* The ability to effectively communicate with the public.* The ability to operate radio/communications equipment.* The ability to make decisions in a timely and accurate manner.* The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks that are happening at the same time.* Skill in the operation of computers and internet.* Skill in the operation of computer aided dispatching computer programs.* Skill in maintaining records and preparing reports.SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Communications Manager assigns work in terms of general instructions. Completed work is reviewed for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.GUIDELINES: Guidelines include federal and state laws, city ordinances, state and national crime information center procedures, and department standard operating procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation.COMPLEXITY: This position consists of technical dispatching duties. The need to respond quickly to emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to receive incoming calls and dispatch the appropriate emergency or non-emergency personnel. Successful performance helps ensure the protection of life and property.PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city and state employees, representatives of other public safety agencies, representatives of service and support agencies, and the general public.PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to exchange information, provide services, and resolve problems.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting, walking, bending, crouching, stooping and the employee lifts light objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office environment.SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.CERTIFICATIONS: The following is a list of certifications needed within the first 12 months of obtaining employment.* Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification* CPR Certification* Complete Basic 911 Operator School* NCIC CertificationQUALIFICATIONS: Must have a high school diploma or GED, good typing skills, ability to remain calm in stressful situations, ability to multi-task & must have good communication & public relations skills. Knowledge of public safety preferred, but not required. Computer knowledge is helpful. Applicants must pass a written exam and a hearing test, pre-employment drug screening & background check. Successful applicants must meet the following rule:2:05:01:02. Felons to be rejected -- Misdemeanants to be reviewed. No person may be employed or certified if that person has pled guilty or no contest to, or been convicted of, any offense which could have resulted in incarceration for more than one year. Any person who has pled guilty or no contest to, or been convicted of, an offense with a maximum penalty that could have resulted in incarceration of one year or less remains eligible for employment or certification unless the plea or conviction when considered along with the seriousness of the offense, time elapsed since the offense was committed, the person's conduct since the offense was committed, or other pertinent information indicates that the person should not be hired or certified.Source: 25 SDR 124, effective April 8, 1999; 27 SDR 63, effective January 2, 2001.General Authority: SDCL 34-45-26, 34-45-29.Law Implemented: SDCL 34-45-24, 34-45-29.

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