COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER TESTING - APPLICANTS WHO PASS THE APPLICATION REVIEW WILL RECEIVE A LINK VIA EMAIL TO TAKE THE ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER TEST.

Incumbents work under the direction of the on-duty supervisor or designee, performing a variety of services or duties supporting law enforcement and fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in strict adherence to established policies, procedures, protocols, and regulations.

• Operate multiple automated systems (e.g. Computer-Aided Dispatch [CAD], multi-channel radio, emergency telephone, and local and other jurisdictional databases).
• Maintain appropriate information confidentiality and security.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service policies and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.
• Receive incoming emergency calls requesting law enforcement or fire/medical assistance, identifying the type, seriousness, and location of the emergency and determining the priority of the incident.
• Dispatch law enforcement, fire and/or EMS resources based upon the emergency type, number of needed units, and the location of the closest and most suitable units available.
• Retrieve information (e.g. wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, gang affiliation, parole status) from jurisdictional databases; and provide information to law enforcement officers.
• Display and demonstrate concern for officer safety, control field unit assignments, direct units to emergency scene, and maintain contact in accordance with operating procedures.
• Provide assistance to coworkers.
• Transfer calls to external agencies and relay information.
• Issue “All Point Bulletins,” stolen vehicle, and missing person’s information.
• Direct callers in basic life support efforts, initiate pre-arrival emergency medical treatment, and provide extensive first-aid instructions to callers prior to emergency unit arrival.
• Provide updates to emergency personnel on caller’s condition while en route.
• Coordinate field units, track status and location of fire/EMS apparatus, maintain contact while responding, ensure orderly fire/EMS resource usage, and communicate between fire/EMS units and local hospitals.
• Respond to requests for assistance or information from fire/EMS units.
• Provide responding field personnel with ongoing updates as received.
• Refer non-emergency calls to other agencies/companies.
• Use multi-channel radio system to open EMS facility doors or unlock station medical boxes.
• Activate community sirens in case of weather emergency.
• Alert supervisor when fire/EMS units fail to clear or respond.
• Perform duties of a 911 Operator.
• Attend training classes (e.g. on-the-job, classroom, seminar, workshop training).
• Maintain knowledge of department policies, procedures, protocols, and government regulations.
• Answer outside agency calls for Douglas County Sheriff and answer non-emergency calls (e.g. MUD, sprinkler systems, road conditions, etc.) or refer to appropriate agency.
• Complete assigned projects.
• Testify at court hearings.
• Provide constructive process and procedure improvement suggestions.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle when traveling on County business.
• Report to work with regular, consistent attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned and directed.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six (6) months of 911 Operator experience or experience which evidences familiarity with fire/EMS terminology preferred.
• Must be able to type 40 net wpm.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and own mode of transportation at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Completion of a pre-employment criminal records check and post-offer drug screen, auditory exam, and psychological evaluation required.
• Continued employment is conditional upon the successful completion of the following training within the first year of employment:
  • Certification as a Communications Operator, and
  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training course.
• Bilingual (Spanish) fluency preferred.

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is generally performed in a call center 24/7/365 setting. Noise level is moderate with occasional elevated levels. Work hours vary (e.g. days off, holidays, weekends, overtime, call-in) and assigned schedule is subject to change. Work is performed primarily in a confined space and requires the use of a headset. Work may be stressful when dealing with multiple priorities, time constraints, competing priorities, crisis situations, and emotionally distraught individuals.
• Work requires some physical activity including extended periods of sitting, reaching, and grasping occasional bending, stooping, squatting, walking, pushing, and pulling. Incumbents must have the ability to lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Incumbents must have the ability to transport themselves to and from locations throughout the metro area.
• Required sensory abilities include, vision, hearing, and speaking. Visual abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close, distance, and color vision with the ability to adjust focus. Hearing abilities, correctable to normal ranges, are necessary to accurately identify messages and specific details. Speaking abilities include a clear audible voice and unhampered speech. Incumbents must possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computers and other equipment used to perform the essential functions.

Douglas County is an EOE - Disability/Veterans