Communications Officer

*Announcement Closes: Friday, May 24, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Dept/Div: Multiple/N/A --- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Definition of Work

Performs intermediate technical work receiving calls for service, dispatching personnel and equipment, entering data, maintaining records, files and logs, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the assigned supervisor.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Operates emergency communication system; answers all emergency and non-emergency calls; receives complaints and requests for service; obtains necessary information and dispatches medical, fire and law enforcement personnel and/or advises callers of proper contact for assistance or information.

Monitors the activities of law officers on patrol, fire, rescue and EMS personnel; makes radio contact to ensure their safety.

Provides information from the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) and the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) systems to law enforcement.

Monitors the weather conditions and reports inclement conditions to field units as appropriate.

Monitors public and private fire and security alarms.

Communicates with other agencies to provide information relevant to public safety as well as public servant safety.

Enters data and maintains accurate communications logs and reports into a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) program.

Encourages and promotes a culture of excellent customer service.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of the methods of operating two-way communications systems; thorough knowledge of CAD system(s) and related computer functions; thorough knowledge of radio code system and teletype procedures; thorough knowledge of the geography of the County and location of important buildings; general knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and standards for emergency management operating systems; ability to accurately perform data entry at a reasonable rate of speed; ability to speak distinctly; ability to deal with the public under stressful conditions and remain calm; ability to operate standard office, data entry and computer equipment and communication consoles; ability to learn and apply new skills in the area of radio and telephone communications relative to emergency services; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and frequently reaching with hands and arms; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly;

hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Obtain APCO Emergency Medical Dispatcher, APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I, Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), GEM 911, Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) Basic Communication Officer, NIMS 100, 200, 700 & 800 and TDD/TTY certifications within six months. Annual continuing development education (CDE) and recertifications as required.

Favorable background history as determined by review of local, State and Federal records.

Last Revised: 05/26/2022