911 Dispatcher Trainees - $2,000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS

911 Dispatcher Trainee - Public Safety Telecommunicator

The Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainees (those with prior experience are encouraged to apply) will be trained to perform highly responsible, specialized work in receiving and prioritizing incoming calls for service and then dispatching emergency and non-emergency personnel and resources through the Police Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The position is responsible for obtaining and entering information from these calls and assign appropriate priorities, signals, and codes to dispatch police units to locations where assistance is required, while also monitoring multiple frequencies and viewing multiple computer/camera screens.  Responsibilities also include acting as a liaison with other Law Enforcement agencies through the use of radio, teletype and telephone equipment.  The position works within the scope of established laws, rules, and regulations of the work, however, is expected to exercise considerable judgment and initiative in performing work under the established policies and procedures.

PAY RANGE:  $17.1407 - $27.9078 DOQ to commensurate with applicable experience and skills.

• 911 Dispatchers – Full-Time – 12-hour shifts (may include weekends, varying shifts, holidays, and extended hours). Full-Time New hires are eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus!

BENEFITS:  The City of Winter Garden offers a generous benefit package that includes a Retirement Pension Plan, Medical insurance (the City pays 100% of employee coverage & contributes toward dependent coverage), Dental, Vision, Vacation and Sick Leave, 10 paid Holidays annually, and City-paid Life and Disability.  The City also offers EDUCATION/ TUITION REIMBURSEMENT (no annual maximum) when taking classes toward an Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree and for some advanced degrees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include, but are not limited to answering emergency and non-emergency calls, determining the caller’s needs, operating teletype and radio equipment, alerting/dispatching police units to locations where assistance is required, keeping track of the status and location of on-duty police units, and providing callers with lifesaving instructions in life-threatening situations.  Other essential functions include operating a base station radio network using various assigned frequencies, maintaining accurate status records of all department units, receiving and assigning complaints to appropriate mobile units for Police service, relaying requests from mobile units to appropriate individuals, monitoring other Public Safety Radio channels for information pertinent to this agency, and operating teletype as a part of the FCIC and NCIC Network. 

The Communications Unit works 24 hours, 365 days a year including holidays. Applicants must be available to work 12-hour shifts that may include weekends, late night and/or holidays as well as the possibility to work extended hours with short notice and the potential for mandatory overtime.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least eighteen (18) years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent GED
• Citizen of the United States
• Ability to type proficiently at a minimum speed of THIRTY (30) words per minute.
• Ability to pass CritiCall Public Safety Communications testing (http://www.criticall911.com).
• Pass/obtain the Public Safety Telecommunicator certification within 180 days of employment.
• Be tobacco and drug free and remain tobacco and drug free throughout employment.  Subject to random drug screens throughout employment.
• Bilingual skills (verbal and written) and prior Public Safety communications/dispatcher experience is highly desirable, but not required.
• Exceptions to the minimum qualifications must be reviewed by the Human Resources Director and approved by the City Manager prior to job offer.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to operate/use radio and telephone transmitting and receiving equipment, fax, copier, computer, and various types of computer software.
• Ability to react calmly, quickly, and promptly when handling emergency situations for sustained periods of time.
• Must maintain a professional demeanor; demonstrate courtesy, diplomacy, tact and discretion; and provide excellent customer service.
• Must be detail-oriented with multitasking skills, initiative, a desire to help others, and the ability to function as a team member.
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing; engage in active listening and critical thinking; and make sound decisions during stressful situations.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on policy and procedures when handling escalated, sensitive and unique situations.
• Ability to maintain flexibility and adaptability when performing tasks and duties in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to learn the City’s geography including key buildings and landmarks.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary in nature and requires sitting for prolonged periods of time wearing a headset, which restricts movement in the work area. Work may include periodic standing and walking and lifting or moving light items associated with clerical office operations.  Requires the sustained ability to use close and peripheral vision; talk; hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and type; and hands and arms to reach and handle.  Work is performed in an enclosed area with moderate background noise from radios, telephones, teletype machines and other equipment.

Applicants who qualify will be required to pass applicable testing and a complete background investigation that includes computer based testing; interviews; polygraph examination, prior employment, fingerprint and background check (includes complete driving record and criminal history), medical examination, and a drug screen.