Communications Officer (Dispatcher)

(Internal/External)

Job Title: Communications Officer (Dispatcher)

Department: Police Dept.

Shift: Rotating

Pay Grade: PS Grade 3

Announcement Number: 23-16

Announcement Date: October 17, 2023

Closing Date: When Position is Filled

Nature of Work

This is a semi-skilled position responsible for receiving and transmitting varied calls for Guntersville Police Department and dispatching emergency personnel and equipment as needed or directed. Employees in this position work with CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) systems, telephones, two-way radios, and recording equipment. Work is performed under the general supervision of the shift Lieutenant/Sergeant.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for receiving, processing, and documenting all calls for service for the Police Department by telephone or radio from the public and/or 911; relays information to the appropriate source for assistance; determines location and provides description of emergency to personnel responding.
• Works with CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch), telephones, radios, recording equipment, etc.
• Maintains outstanding warrant file.
• Maintains file of missing personnel, stolen vehicles, stolen weapons, and other stolen property.
• Monitors surveillance cameras throughout Police Department and City Hall.
• Assist Detention Officer as needed.
• Performs related work as assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the geography and the highway and street systems of the City.
• Some knowledge of local ordinances and laws.
• Some knowledge of police terminology.
• Skilled in the operation of computers, multi-line phones, and electronic data processing.
• Skilled in handling emergency calls calmly, detecting the scope and magnitude of an emergency; dealing sympathetically with callers and ability to make rapid decisions under emergency conditions.
• Ability to be helpful, courteous, and deal tactfully with the citizens of Guntersville.
• Ability to prioritize incoming messages and determine most urgent need.
• Ability to handle multi-tasks.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to achieve and maintain National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.
• Ability to attend off-site training when necessary.
• Ability to communicated clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, general public, and those in contact in course of work.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Possess a valid Alabama driver’s license with driving record suitable for insurability.
• Any combination of experience and training equivalent to some experience in office work and/or radio communications.
• Personal background record free of criminal convictions.
• Must be able to pass physical and drug screening.

Desirable Qualifications:

• One year of dispatching experience preferred.

Application Process:

Applications may be obtained from the City of Guntersville Personnel Office at 341 Gunter Ave., Guntersville, AL or visit our website at www.guntersvilleal.org. Completed applications for qualified applicants should be returned to the Personnel Department. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

THE CITY OF GUNTERSVILLE IS A DRUG/ALCOHOL FREE WORKPLACE

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WE PARTICIPATE IN E-VERIFY