Job Description

General Purpose

The City of Idaho Falls is currently accepting applications for the position of Emergency Communications Officer, Trainee. This is an entry level trainee position. Upon completion of the training program, this position performs a variety of entry level technical duties involving the use of radio and communication equipment to dispatch police, fire, and emergency personnel in response to a variety of community emergency and assistance calls.

This is a civilian position within the Police Department and candidates are subject to the same standards as all law enforcement personnel as set by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.

Please review this to gain a better understanding of the job.

Essential Functions

Receives and coordinates all 911, police, fire, ambulance, search and rescue, and other emergency requests; receives and coordinates all non-emergency requests; relays instructions to radio units concerned; logs and types all citizen complaints.

Dispatches patrol cars and emergency vehicles and equipment as necessary; informs involved officers of the nature of call and provides follow up service to officers requesting additional service or information; provides ongoing communication to assure the safety of officers and emergency personnel.

Handles requests from officers on call for special or specific information, i.e., NCIC reports (criminal histories); follows up with appropriate department units for necessary information and relays same back to officer.

Keeps informed of whereabouts of officers and emergency personnel at all times; maintains records of location of each officer and time spent on call scene.

Broadcasts pick-up notices for wanted persons and stolen and suspect cars to officers; receives and checks inquiries for criminal record checks by using a video terminal; receives and transmits information over Teletype.

Conducts preliminary investigations and searches via NCIC, in-house files, FBI files, etc. and supplies requesting officer or official with results; follows up on inquires for criminal history reports and current criminal status.

Operates computer to maintain continuous record of communications activity, actions and disposition of emergency requests; keeps necessary logs, records and reports including incoming and outgoing calls; initiates "AlertSense" emergency calls to warn citizens and activate emergency personnel.

Maintains radio communications logs, and NCIC/NLETS/ILETS/ISTARS Teletype system; operates computer as needed to access and retrieve records and information; performs technical maintenance on equipment; coordinates complex repairs with system vendors and contract maintenance agency.

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or GED; AND B. One (1) year experience in a responsible work environment sufficient to demonstrate an aptitude or ability to perform above duties; OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Some knowledge of communication equipment; legal and liability issues common to emergency dispatch; local geography; radio dispatch procedures and radio codes; proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation; standard office practices and procedures related to records filing and office maintenance; interpersonal communication skills; modern filing systems related to alphabetical and numeric files; telephone systems; telephone etiquette; operation of a variety of types of standard office machines including computer, fax machine, copy machine, etc.

Skill in Word Processing, proficient typing with an emphasis on accuracy over speed. Must have proof of ability to type at least 45 words per minute.

Ability to effectively multi-task, understand and operate a variety of radio communication equipment; think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations; deliver understandable and complex verbal instructions; perform work requiring good hearing, good diction and a clear voice; exercise initiative, independent judgment and to act resourcefully under varying conditions; maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive administrative and legal information; develop effective working relationships with department heads, senior officers, fellow employees, and the public; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; work under time pressures and work deadlines; work in an environment requiring continuous setting; ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions; learn and comprehend state criminal codes and penalties associated with various offenses; police records management requirements; UCR codes.

3. Special Qualifications:

Must be able to pass a Law Enforcement Background check.
Must be eligible to be POST certified with a Basic Certification within 18 months of hire date.
Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho Driver\'s License.
Must be 18 years of age.
Upon completion of required training, must be certified as an Emergency Dispatcher (EMD, EFD) and ILETS certified.
Must work varying shifts.

Work Environment

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, generally involving minor muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, and reaching. Talking, hearing and seeing are necessary to performance of essential functions. Rapid work speed required to perform keyboard operations. Common eye, hand, finger, dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and some creative problem solving in a high stress, potentially, fast pace communications, critical incident management environment.

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