Job Title:

Communications Operator

Department:

Police Department / Fire Department

Reports to:

Communications Supervisor

FLSA Classification:

Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive Type:

Safety Sensitive

Effective Date:

05/01/2022

Job Summary:

The purpose of this position is to utilize the department's communication system to process emergency and non-emergency calls and requests for service, and coordinates the response for law enforcement and fire department via two-way radio. Other duties include communicating with emergency personnel, obtaining information, performing data entry, recording warrants, stolen vehicles and property, runaways and protective orders into a national database, utilizing computer systems, dispatching appropriate department personnel to various locations, and other duties as required.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Assess and prioritize calls and determine action to be taken.
2. Monitors multiple radio frequencies simultaneously and maintains unit status information.
3. Determines and dispatches field response units adequately.
4. Provides specific information via radio transmissions to insure effective and timely service.
5. Runs license plates and driver's licenses, as requested.
6. Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and contacts other departments for specific emergencies.
7. Performs transactions through telecommunication networks, requiring specific control and security.
8. Manages entries, confirmations, and clearances of information in Regional and various data bases requiring specific coding and criteria, critical accuracy standards, and incident dictated time mandates.
9. Routes calls, responds to inquiries from the general public, takes messages.
10. Performs related clerical duties.
11. May provide training and assistance to new hires and monitor their work product.
12. Performs related work and reports as assigned.

Conditions of Employment:

1. Applicant will be subject to a complete background investigation. Incomplete, inaccurate and/or failure to report information will cause the applicant rejection from consideration.
2. Applicant must take and pass a pre-employment drug test, physical and pre-placement screening administered by the City of Edinburg at the City's expense.
3. Must have a current valid class "C" driver's license from the Texas Department of Public Safety with a satisfactory driving record.
4. Must successfully pass the state required telecommunications course and obtain TCOLE License within first (1) year of employment.
5. Must be U.S. Citizen (license requirement).
6. Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred.

Required Education:

High school diploma, GED or equivalency.

Education Preference:

Associates Degree

Educational Substitute:

Not Applicable

Required Work Experience:

One (1) year of experience in work involving the receiving,

transmitting, and relaying of information over the phone and/or computer.

Experience Preference:

Not Applicable

Supervisory Experience Requirement:

Not Applicable

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

1. Requires a working knowledge of Police and Fire communication systems policies and procedures.
2. Communications and conflict management skills.
3. Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.
4. Intermediate computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment; Knowledge of department-related computer programs, Aegis CAD, MS Word, and radio communication.
5. Customer service and public relations skills.
6. Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality.
7. Ability to work with Police and Fire computer, Police and Fire communication procedures, and have good speaking skills.
8. Familiarity with the geography of Edinburg.
9. Requires flexible schedule to include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Must also be available to cover emergency schedules due to bad weather, critical incidents, and sick relief.

Equipment Materials:

General office and safety equipment/materials to include but not limited to the following:

• Personal computer
• Copier/Fax Machine
• Printer/Scanner
• 10-key Calculator
• 911 System/Communications equipment/CAD
• Radio Console

Work Conditions:

The employee will be preforming free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. Will be subject to indoor and an office environment.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform detailed work, multiple deadlines and concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with staff and the public.