Communication Officer Job at Klickitat County, WA in Goldendale

Salary : $47,736.00 - $58,572.80 Annually

Location : Goldendale, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2024-00034

Department: Emergency Management

Opening Date: 09/17/2024

Basic Job Purpose/Function

Communications Officer - Emergency Management - Goldendale, WA - Full-Time- Non-Exempt - Salary set by the Union, Step 1-4, $22.95 - $28.16/ Hr. Open until filled.

Receives and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and dispatches appropriate police, fire or emergency units when needed and monitors units in the field. Operates multi-frequency radio equipment, computer terminal and associated data recording equipment to retrieve, enter, receive and/or transmit law enforcement and public safety information.

Essential Job Duties

1. Receives and evaluates incoming emergency calls from the public or agencies served and requests medical information, geographic locations or other pertinent information in order to dispatch appropriate police, fire or emergency units or provide agencies with information necessary for such assistance.
2. Receives inquiries and provides information and assistance to the public; refers complaints, reports of incidents and other matters as appropriate to patrol deputies or command personnel. Responsible for completing numerous out going calls on own initiative and at the direction of others.
3. Assure that thorough and accurate information is taken so that proper action can be taken. Have basic knowledge of criminal and civil law.
4. Operates computer, radio, telephone, paging systems, tape recorders and other related communications equipment. Responsible for radio procedures as prescribed by F.C.C.
5. Ability within six months to become certified on ACCESS/WACIC computer consoles to make inquiries or entries of relevant law enforcement data such as vehicle registration, identifications, criminal records, warrants, outstanding and stolen property. Capability and speed to retrieve information from terminal when requested by field officers.
6. Maintains log of all radio transmissions, phone calls and action taken. Must accurately reflect all business performed while on duty. Ability to spell and compose comprehensive statements.
7. Responsible for a complaint form that reflects nature of complaint and all relevant information available which will aid the officer and/or agency in resolving the complaint.
8. Monitors the activities and location of police, fire and emergency units in the field and maintains radio contact if necessary. Know the whereabouts of all officers in the field and anticipate potential dangers to those officers; ability to calmly and efficiently pursue the prescribed course of action when the situation dictates.
9. Responsible for relaying and receiving critical information to units working for/with the Klickitat County Emergency Management Department (KCSO, Washington State Patrol, Game and Fisheries patrols, etc.). Also, to cooperate and coordinate efforts for other agencies operating on the common radio frequency (Wasco County, Sherman County, Oregon State Patrol, Hood River County, etc.)
10. Responsible for assisting walk-in traffic from various social and economical backgrounds at counter by taking complaint information and/or directing persons to proper agencies.
11. Performs a variety of clerical duties, including typing forms and reports and filing records.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of local public agencies in general and of the law enforcement, fire and emergency departments served. Basic law enforcement principles and techniques in crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence and other relevant aspects of law enforcement. Medical and first aid to assess the nature of incoming calls and dispatch the appropriate units. Local geography, streets, buildings and landmarks in the County and the ability to read maps. Ability to learn and carry out explicit orders and to follow critical sequences of procedures. Operate the telephone, radio and related communications equipment in a clear, well-modulated voice using good diction. Exercise independent judgment in evaluating, prioritizing and acting upon routine and emergency requests and the ability to handle several situations simultaneously. Maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations. Communicate firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of citizens. Physically perform the essential functions of the job.

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• High School diploma or G.E.D., and one year of work experience in emergency or health services, law enforcement or a related field with experience receiving, evaluating, transmitting and monitoring emergency requests via telephone or radio preferred.

Klickitat County offers a generous benefit package which includes: Vacation, sick and paid holiday leave along with medical, dental, vision and life and LTD insurance and substantial County contributions towards premiums and a retirement package through the Washington State Department of Retirement System. Additionally, employees are offered a flexible spending account, two Deferred Compensation programs, voluntary life and LTD insurance, AFLAC coverage and a variety of on-going training programs.

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