Dispatcher/Communications Officer

Salary: $18.39 Hourly

Location : Cocoa, FL

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 24-003

Department: Police / Communications

Opening Date: 10/06/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Support Services Supervisor, performs moderate difficulty work in providing police and fire dispatching services in the communications facility of the Cocoa Police Department. The Dispatcher/Communications Officer is responsible for answering incoming calls from the public, inquiring nature of calls for accurate and rapid screening for proper routing, dispatching police and fire assistance, and transmitting messages on the teletype network. Employee gathers intelligence and monitors transmissions, broadcasts public safety information to mobile and/or stationary units using an 800 MHz radio network, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, and Emergency 9-1-1 System.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Dispatches messages over a public safety communication system, dispatches police and fire department units, receives messages, receives telephone calls and channels to proper department, learns and recognizes zones of City in order to dispatch closest police or fire personnel and equipment to render services as needed, and sends and receives all messages on computer and teletype system.
• Maintains and gives out requested information to all public safety agencies, receives all complaints, assigns complaint numbers, dispatches patrol or fire units when needed, and dispatches all emergency type vehicles, ambulances, wreckers, and when directed, notifies all news media of any serious accidents or disasters.
• Prepares and maintains related reports and maintains and updates all files and logs stored in Communication Center.
• Maintains the security and confidentiality of all records and documents filed in the Communication Center.
• Monitors facilities through on-site audio and visual devices.
• Ensures all equipment is in working order by troubleshooting and seeing that necessary repairs are requested and provided.
• Assists in coordinating shift schedules for the coming weeks and insures adequate staff coverage for the oncoming shift.
• Responds to recall-to-duty at any time; work holidays, weekends, natural disasters, etc.
• Performs typing tasks on the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and performs filing duties during assigned shift.
• Disseminates necessary written material such as directives and bulletins.
• Assures necessary operational information is communicated to the oncoming shift.
• Insures good working relationships with member departments and courteous treatment of the general public by all shift members.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared or undeclared emergency.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local city ordinances related to public safety.
• Knowledge of PC operations and software (word processing, spreadsheet, and Computer Aided Dispatch System).
• Skill in the use of a variety of computer programs, including Microsoft Office, and various other office equipment.
• Skill in accurately typing a minimum of forty (40) WPM.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.
• Skill in giving and receiving comprehensive geographical directions.
• Ability to handle high priority, fast paced and stressful situations.
• Ability to make proper analytical decisions quickly, preferably in the public service environment.
• Ability to simultaneously observe and record events accurately and completely with attention to detail.
• Ability to rapidly define problems, gather pertinent facts, and draw valid strategic conclusions in order to provide the appropriate assistance.
• Ability to efficiently perform several functions at once.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under all situations.
• Ability to work rotating shifts around the clock including overtime for extended hours.
• Ability to communicate with the general public and fellow dispatchers and officers.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED certificate.
Special Qualifications:
For positions requiring the operation of City vehicles, must possess a valid current Florida driver's license, or be able to acquire one within 45 days of hire. Must be able to pass a typing exam with a minimum score of forty (40) wpm. Must be able to complete a multi-tasking computer-based exam with a passing score. Must be capable of passing a comprehensive background investigation, including but not limited to a polygraph/CVSA, physical and a drug screen. Must possess Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Certification or obtain within six (6) months of hire. Must possess FEMA Certifications and Public Safety Telecommunication certification, within twelve months of hire. Experience with radio dispatching equipment preferred.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is generally sedentary and may require exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Dexterity: Primarily with fingers, as in picking, pinching, or typing
• Hearing: Ability to hear and understand at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions.
• Reaching: Ability to extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Speaking / Talking: Ability to communicate clearly, accurately and concisely through speech.
• Visual Acuity: Ability to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading; including color, depth perception, and field vision.

No Benefits.

01

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED certificate?

• Yes
• No

02

REQUIREMENT: Must be able to pass a typing exam with a minimum score of forty (40) wpm. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a current Florida driver's license or are you able to acquire one within 45 days of hire?

• Yes
• No

Required Question