Communications Specialists Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duties Description DEC's 24/7 Central Dispatch, the Communications Specialist supports Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Forest Rangers by dispatching emergency and non-emergency Calls for Service from the general public as well as outside law enforcement or fire service agencies. Communications Specialists obtain necessary information from callers to initiate a response from ECOs and/or Forest Rangers; serve as radio dispatchers of police resources; relay calls to other DEC Divisions as appropriate; and perform clerical, administrative and other duties related to the dispatch center service. Candidates must be resourceful, able to multitask, effectively communicate, and work well with other dispatchers, ECOs, Forest Rangers, and the public.

Work conditions include: sitting or standing for extended periods of time with headset on while monitoring computer screens; entering information using a computer keyboard; coordinating eye/hand movements while handling calls for the efficient use of radios and computers; speaking calmly and clearly in order to elicit information and giving instructions to a continuous flow of callers under stress; listening carefully to clearly understand caller information; making responsible judgments where timing is critical; and working within hearing distance of other dispatchers working under similar conditions. Minimum Qualifications Communications Specialist Trainee 1, NS=Grade 8: High school graduation or possession of high school equivalency diploma. Communications Specialist Trainee 2, NS=Grade 10: Satisfactory completion of one year of service as a Communications Specialist Trainee 1; or high school graduation or possession of high school equivalency diploma and one year of experience as follows: police, emergency services, or public safety dispatcher; or member of a fire company or emergency medical services squad; or radio dispatcher of a mobile fleet; or traffic management center; or search and rescue position; or active-duty service and an honorable discharge under conditions in the NYS Restoration of Honor Act from the United States military, or active deployed service in the US Army Reserve or National Guard.

Communications Specialist 1, Grade 12: Satisfactory completion of one year of service as Communications Specialist Trainee 2; or high school graduation or possession of high school equivalency diploma and completion of all necessary trainings and certifications (40 hour telecommunicator or equivalent and Emergency Medical Dispatch through an accredited program) and two years of experience as follows: police, emergency services, or public safety dispatcher; or member of a fire company or emergency medical services squad; or radio dispatcher of a mobile fleet; or traffic management center; or search and rescue position; or active-duty service and an honorable discharge under conditions in the NYS Restoration of Honor Act from the United States military, or active deployed service in the US Army Reserve or National Guard. ***Candidates who believe they meet the minimum qualifications for the Communications Specialist Trainee 1, Communications Specialist Trainee 2, or Communications Specialist 1 level must provide on their resume the total number of hours spent performing the duties of the qualifying experience. Candidates with prior public safety dispatch experience must provide a comprehensive list of any trainings/certificiations received during their employment that would qualify them for Communications Specialist 1*** Additional Comments Central Dispatch is split into three shifts providing 24/7-365 coverage, with 3-4 Communications Specialists per shift, each with different days off.

The shifts are as follows: A Line - 11:00 pm - 7:00 am B Line - 7:00 am - 3:00 pm C Line - 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm Weekend and holiday work are required, overtime may be mandated if require coverage isn't obtained on a volunteer basis. Actual work hours and days off will not be known until after hiring as newly opened shifts are bid on and awared by seniority. Inconvenience pay (shift differential) is an additional $3,200 per year for those who work from 3:00 pm -11:00 pm and $4,000 per year for those who work from 11:00 pm - 7:00 am.

Candidates must undergo a background investigation and are required to pay fingerprint fee. Additional Comments Overtime may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required.

Per federal government requirements, if you are appointed to this position, you may be required to undergo fingerprinting and a state and federal criminal background check. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview. We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including: Holiday & Paid Time Off Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Pension from New York State Employees' Retirement System Shift & Geographic pay differentials Affordable Health Care options Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost NYS Deferred Compensation plan Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S

Savings Bonds And many more... For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State.

DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT)

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.