JOB POSTING IS EXPIRED
Public Safety Dispatcher

Job Overview

IMPORTANT - Applicants must thoroughly and accurately complete the application and provide all relevant information pertaining to their qualifications as indicated in the job description. Incomplete applications will result in disqualification from consideration.

*This posting will be open until filled; and will be used to fill multiple full time and part time positions.

Performs technical and skilled work related to the operation of the Dubuque County Emergency Communications Center, which includes, but is not limited to, law enforcement, fire, and ambulance emergency communications systems; and performs other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input-oriented and values equity, problem solving and the development of partnerships; the ability to work effectively as a member of a team; and the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork;

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class involves responsibility for assisting police, sheriff and fire departments by directing and coordinating public safety communication efforts through established procedures. The employee in this class must exercise independent judgment in handling emergency calls and other requests for service and will provide assistance and guidance in handling complex and unusual situations. Supervision and assignments are received both orally and in writing, and work is reviewed by, the Emergency Communications Manager through conferences, observation, results achieved and evaluation of reports submitted.

JOB DUTIES:

• Uses standard operating procedures to send and receive radio and telephone assignments requiring routine and emergency actions.
• Dispatches personnel and equipment.
• Monitors radio talk groups on the Dubuque County Radio System and other mutual aid systems.
• Supplies information.
• Assists in the daily processing of a wide variety of reports and records; and in updating the computer-aided dispatch system.
• Provides general assistance to the public in preparing complaints and reports.
• Operates a computer terminal.
• Verifies the accuracy of the criminal justice files in the Emergency Communications Center.
• Diagnoses computer and equipment problems.
• Responds to questions and service requests.
• Participates in the city’s intercultural competency training and program.
• Assist in training of current and new staff when needed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Customer Service and Service Orientation - Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion; and principles and processes for providing customer and services which includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Ability to interact with the public courteously and to obtain and give information; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, employees, representatives of other departments and agencies and the general public. Looking for ways to help people.
• Public Safety and Security – Knowledge of the day to-day operation of the Emergency Communications Center; the safety requirements related to the activities of the department; and relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. Ability to handle confidential information.
• Telecommunications- Knowledge of Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations governing radio operation; and how the radio and telephone systems function; transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  • Social Perceptiveness and Critical Thinking - Understanding people's reactions. Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in emergency situations; and thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
• Clerical and Recordkeeping - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology. Ability to maintain detailed records and files relating to public safety dispatching. Ordering or arranging files. Skill in the use of applicable software.
• Communication and Language(s)- Knowledge of the structure and content of the language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Active Listening and Comprehension - Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions, and understanding what is being said.
  • Oral and Written Expression - Communicating by speaking. Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
• Geography - Knowledge of the geography of both the City and County; the location of major streets, county roads, buildings and facilities; and principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Multitasking- ability to do more than one thing at a time
• Selective Attention and Perceptual Speed - Paying attention to something without being distracted.
• Inductive and Deductive Reasoning - Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information. Using rules to solve problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent; and
• Experience in customer service; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• NOTE: Must be certified, or be able to obtain and maintain certification, in the following areas within one (1) year of hire:
  • 40-hour State Telecommunicator Training or equivalent,
  • Emergency Medical, Emergency Fire and Emergency Police Dispatcher Certifications, and
  • State Certification on the IOWA/NCIC System.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An Associates or higher degree in Public Safety, Telecommunications, Administration, Law, Government, English, Computers, Electronics, Geography, Psychology or related fields.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience working with a diverse workforce and population.
• Experience in the operation of emergency communication equipment.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:  Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within thirty (30) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

FLSA STATUS:  Non-exempt

Full time positions are eligible for benefits.

The City of Dubuque does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, differing ability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The City of Dubuque encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.