Job Description

Emergency Communications Dispatcher

$23.76–$30.07 Hourly Rates (40 hours per week with excellent benefits package)

Wallowa County is seeking a dependable, calm, and service-minded individual to join our 911 Emergency Communications team as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher.

This is a critical public safety position serving as the first point of contact for citizens needing immediate assistance from law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services. Dispatchers work in a fast-paced communications center where the ability to remain calm, gather accurate information, prioritize emergencies, and communicate clearly can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

If you are a strong communicator, work well under pressure, enjoy helping people, and are looking for a rewarding career in public safety, we encourage you to apply.

The 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher receives emergency and nonemergency calls for service, determines the nature and priority of each call, and dispatches the appropriate public safety resources.

The position provides continuous communications support to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety personnel in the field. Dispatchers operate complex telephone, radio, computer-aided dispatch, and information systems while simultaneously monitoring and documenting multiple incidents and unit activities.

Successful dispatchers must be able to quickly evaluate changing information, make sound decisions, maintain composure during stressful situations, and communicate effectively with callers and emergency responders.

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

• Receive and process emergency and nonemergency telephone calls and radio communications.
• Obtain accurate information from callers who may be frightened, injured, angry, confused, or experiencing a crisis.
• Evaluate incoming information, determine priorities, and dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical resources.
• Operate multifunction telephone and radio consoles and computerized dispatch systems.
• Enter, retrieve, update, and maintain information using computerized public safety networks and databases.
• Monitor and maintain the current status and activity of field units.
• Coordinate multiple sources of information and communicate information clearly, accurately, and concisely.
• Perform and prioritize multiple simultaneous tasks while managing frequent interruptions.
• Provide ongoing communications support to public safety personnel in the field.
• Monitor alarms, closed-circuit video systems, and other communications equipment and respond appropriately to information received.
• Apply department policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal requirements when making decisions.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and concise electronic and handwritten records.
• Learn and effectively utilize the geographic area served by the communications center.
• Troubleshoot telephone, radio, computer, and communications systems as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive law enforcement, medical, and personal information.
• Maintain reliable and regular attendance and report to work as scheduled.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

This position works under the direction and supervision of the 911 Director and/or designated 911 Supervisor and works closely with law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, County departments, partner agencies, and the public.

The 911 Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Employees must be available to work rotating schedules that may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift assignments and hours may change based on staffing and operational needs and may rotate periodically.

Following completion of training, employees must also be available to work overtime when required to maintain adequate emergency communications coverage.

Employees are considered essential public safety personnel and may be required to report to work during inclement weather, emergencies, natural disasters, and other extraordinary events.

This position is primarily performed in an emergency communications center and requires prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.

Employees may be required to remain at the same workstation for extended periods, potentially 8 to 15 hours, with limited breaks depending upon emergency activity and staffing.

The position requires:

• Continuous use of computers, radios, telephones, headsets, and other communications equipment.
• Ability to hear and understand communications through a headset, radio, and telephone while also recognizing sounds occurring within the communications center.
• Ability to read maps, computer screens, written information, and color-coded information.
• Sufficient upper-body mobility and manual and finger dexterity to operate communications and computer equipment.
• Ability to manage frequent interruptions and rapidly changing priorities.
• Regular exposure to stressful, emotionally difficult, and potentially traumatic emergency situations.

The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, dependable, detail-oriented, and able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in public safety and serving the community.
• Communicates clearly and professionally.
• Can remain composed when others are experiencing an emergency or crisis.
• Is comfortable making decisions in rapidly changing situations.
• Can listen, type, communicate, and process information simultaneously.
• Demonstrates excellent judgment and attention to detail.
• Is dependable and understands the importance of reporting to work as scheduled in a 24-hour operation.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Is flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing procedures, technology, and circumstances.
• Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates professionalism and integrity.

Previous dispatch or public safety experience is helpful, but candidates with strong communication, customer service, computer, and multitasking skills are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Possess reading, writing, and mathematical skills at approximately the 12th-grade level or higher.
• Possess computer and keyboarding skills sufficient to successfully perform the duties of the position.
• Successfully complete required pre-employment testing, which may include written, oral, psychological, typing, and multitasking assessments.
• Successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting, criminal history review, and drug screening.
• Meet applicable Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) requirements and medical standards.
• Be willing to enter into the County's required Pre-Employment Agreement.

A typing speed of 40 words per minute or greater is preferred.

The successful candidate should possess, or have the ability to quickly develop, knowledge of:

• Effective verbal and written communication techniques.
• Basic computer systems, data entry, and electronic records.
• Customer service and professional telephone practices.
• Confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information.
• Emergency communications procedures and terminology.
• Public safety radio procedures and communications systems.
• Geographic locations, roads, landmarks, and emergency response areas within Wallowa County.
• Department policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal requirements.

The successful candidate must have the ability to:

• Remain calm, professional, and productive during emergency and high-stress situations.
• Obtain critical information from callers who may be frightened, angry, emotional, injured, or otherwise distressed.
• Listen carefully and communicate information accurately and concisely.
• Prioritize and successfully manage multiple simultaneous tasks.
• Make sound decisions under demanding conditions.
• Quickly reassess priorities as new information becomes available.
• Operate computers, communications equipment, radios, telephones, and related technology.
• Learn new tasks, technology, procedures, and terminology.
• Maintain accurate electronic and written records.
• Follow detailed policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, emergency responders, partner agencies, and members of the public.
• Work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a public safety team.

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