Public Safety Telecommunicator

Dakota 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators answer all incoming emergency and non-emergency calls, obtaining information necessary to the dispatch process. Dakota 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators also dispatch appropriate public safety units to the incidents and provide follow-up communications and assistance to field personnel. Dakota 911 pays for 911 dispatch experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answer and respond to incoming calls received in the dispatch communications center and dispatch units including police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency personnel to emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Actively listen and ask appropriate questions of callers to effectively prioritize the call and determine the necessary response.
• Provide ongoing updates to responding field personnel as information is received.
• Monitor and record all emergency radio traffic, emphasizing officer and emergency personnel safety.
• Utilize Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) system to process EMS calls.
• Utilize Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) system to process fire calls.
• Enter and maintain accurate and timely data in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Retrieve information on driver's license, vehicle registration, warrants and other pertinent information from local, state, and federal computer information systems.
• Contact emergency service organizations, public works crews and utility companies as directed.
• Enter, process, and retrieve information from the computer system as needed or requested.
• Efficiently and effectively operate communication center equipment and technology. Document and report malfunctions of equipment and software applications on a timely basis to supervisor or technical staff.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as apparent or assigned.
• Work shifts as required including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Work overtime as required.
• Maintain reliable and consistent attendance to ensure required staffing levels and uninterrupted operations.
• Be physically present and on duty as scheduled and expected of this critical service position which requires continuous coverage to meet operational and service demands.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to sit or stand as to answer phones and use computer equipment on a continuous basis.
• Ability to type and hear as to quickly gather information from callers, enter information in the CAD system and assign appropriate emergency units simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize calls, make quick, reliable decisions and dispatch the appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with the public, co-workers, and other agencies.
• Ability to monitor and understand information being received from many sources simultaneously.
• Ability to learn and apply knowledge of geographic maps, resources, businesses, intersections, and other landmarks in Dakota County.
• Ability to handle stress and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to draw reasonable and logical conclusions from information which may be disjointed or incomplete.
• Working knowledge of dispatching equipment including computer software and databases used in an emergency communications center.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certifications including, but not limited to State of Minnesota Terminal Operations, CPR, Emergency Fire Dispatch and Emergency Medical Dispatch.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or

GED DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years of experience in a customer service position
• 1 year experience in dispatching, public safety, or call center
• Associate degree