EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCHER (PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS) / DOQ

Position will be open until filled.

Dispatch Trainee: $43,263/YR

Dispatch I: $48,061/YR (after certification and up to 3rd year)

Dispatch II: $50,656/YR (after 3rd year and up to 5th year)

Dispatch III: $53,392/YR (after 5th year)

Dispatchers will receive $300 Loyalty Pay every anniversary date of hire added to current salary.

Eligible Dispatchers will receive $100/month for bi-lingual pay.

Testing Date & Time: Selected candidates will be contacted concerning testing.

We will take starting salary of Experienced Telecommunicator applicants into consideration if:

• Applicant is currently employed in a Law Enforcement/Fire Call Center.
• Shows experience and knowledge to the comparable position listed above.
• Currently holds TCOLE Telecommunicator Operator License.
• Currently holds at least a TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Certification.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Communications Division is one of the most vital services for both our Police and Fire departments and also serves as the critical link between the citizens in need and responding personnel. Our Dispatchers receive and dispatch requests for Police, Fire, EMS, and other emergency and non-emergency services.

MINIMUM STANDARDS & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Answers multi-line telephones for both emergency and non-emergency calls. Identifies the problem(s), reassures the victim or caller, gathers required information (nature, severity, location and status of emergency), and dispatches units and information.
• Operates a multi-channel public safety radio system while simultaneously listening to and comprehends both telephone and radio traffic; receives and transmits pertinent information on all calls for services including those in progress and those involving other agencies; monitors activities of Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service personnel; maintains the location and call status of all emergency units during an assigned dispatch shift.
• Maintains records and data for items such as warrants, missing persons, stolen property and emergency protection orders by confirming information is correct, entering and modifying information in database, and clearing information as applicable.
• Operates computer terminals for specialized access with various automated data banks; simultaneously inputs, retrieves, and maintains information, reads from both computer screens and printouts; reads and interprets maps, charts, and other graphic material in print and computer format. Communicates with hearing/speech impaired citizens by operating a specialized T-D-D system.
• Provides assistance to residents and visitors by communicating and relaying messages, responding to requests for information, referring questions to the appropriate department or agency and interacting with citizens on a regular basis.
• Hours: Dispatchers-in-Training will start with 8-hour shifts, which will then increase to 12-hour shifts upon completion of training. These shifts can/will occur on nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Regular and timely attendance is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Be a United States citizen.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A valid Texas Driver License with a good driving record is required.
• Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure.
• Able to pass all necessary training to perform the functions of the job.
• Able to receive the TCOLE Basic Telecommunications Operator Certification prior to completing the one (1) year probationary period.
• Be available to work mandatory overtime as required due to manpower or other emergency situations.
• Be available to be called in with little or no notice due to unforeseen emergencies; ex: Acts of nature, terrorist actions, etc.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: Be able to sit for long periods of time. Be able to handle high call radio and phone volumes.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to listen and communicate effectively.
• Ability to evaluate a situation and determine the appropriate level of response needed.
• Ability to remain calm and function appropriately during stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to successfully work in a multi-tasking environment with constantly changing priorities.

SAN ANGELO PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS - HIRING PROCESS:

Thank you for your interest in San Angelo Public Safety Communications. We look forward to having you participate in our application process. We hope the information below will give you a better understanding of our hiring process. The Communications Division is a 24 hours per day/7 days per week operation. This requires our Dispatchers to be available to work regular and irregular shift rotations which may include nights, evenings, weekends and holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing challenges. This position works in a confined area and requires individuals to work in a seated position for eight or more hours per day. Applicants are required to complete an application and pass a required dispatch skills test to be able to advance in the hiring process. The application process usually takes several weeks. The most qualified applicants will advance through each phase of this process. Not every applicant will move forward. The application process is as follows:

• Submit an on-line application at cosatx.us.
• Preliminary Criminal History Check.
• Designated date for dispatch skills test.
• Interview with Oral Board.
• Fill out and complete a Personal History Statement.
• Successfully pass a thorough Background Investigation, which will include a polygraph.

Selected candidates will be offered employment, conditional on the following:

• Passing a physical exam.
• Passing a psychological exam.
• Passing a hearing test.
• Passing a drug test.
• Agree to commit to the position for 2yrs following training. Failure to do so will result in reimbursing the City of San Angelo $2000 (cost of on-the-job training) with these exceptions: Apply and become a Police Officer, Apply and become a Fire Fighter, Dependent of military personnel.

Due to the nature of this position, an extensive background investigation, polygraph, and psychological examination will be conducted on final applicants. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of these steps. Falsifying or omitting information during any stage of the selection process will make you ineligible for employment. All final applicants will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen as part of the pre-employment process. Job offers are contingent upon negative test results.

INELIGIBILITY AND DISQUALIFIERS LIST: Below is a list of occurrences that may disqualify an applicant either permanently or make the applicant ineligible for hire for a specified period of time. The causes for disqualification are in accordance with Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. These causes include, but are not limited to those listed below:

• HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF a Class A or Class B misdemeanor under the Penal Code or equivalent under federal law, to include the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), within ten (10) years, will result in a temporary rejection.
• HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF OR ADMITTED TO CONDUCT which constitutes a felony under state or federal law, to include the UCMJ. Conviction of or admission to conduct that constitutes a felony will result in a permanent disqualification.

An applicant will not be considered for employment while charges are pending for any criminal offense.

Job postings may be withdrawn at any time at direction of the City Manager.