Telecommunications Operator

Under the direction of the Emergency Communications Supervisor, the Telecommunicator will perform the police dispatch duties as required by the Emergency Communications Supervisor. Telecommunications Operator's perform a full range of radio and telephone operational duties in the Kyle Police Departments 24/7 365-day facility and are required to process and prioritize incoming calls for police assistance.
Essential Functions

• Use a computer-aided dispatch system (CAD).
• Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police services.
• Determine the nature and location of emergencies; determine priorities, and dispatch police as necessary and in accordance with established procedures.
• Receive and process 911 emergency calls.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of Police Officers.
• Answer non-emergency calls for assistance.
• Enter and retrieve information quickly from a variety of local and automated public safety systems.
• Receive requests for information regarding vehicle registration, driving records and warrants and provide pertinent data.
• Monitor several complex radio frequencies.
• Provide the public with basic safeguard instructions in dangerous conditions prior to the arrival of emergency services.
• Maintain accurate call information.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch systems used to receive, enter, update, and retrieve emergency call information.
• Knowledge of a variety of communications equipment including radio consoles, telephones, and computer systems.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required; must be able to interpret information given from citizens and responders quickly and translate effectively in emergency situations.
• Simultaneously operate and manage multiple computer programs and emergency communications devices concurrently through multiple separate computers displayed across multi-tiered monitors.
• Ability to effectively relate to those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to perform in stressful situations and under pressure.
• Ability to work in a 24/7/365 emergency communication center; working during emergency events, holidays, nights, weekends, occasional overtime and must have flexibility in your schedule.
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional working relationship with peers, personnel from other City departments, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate and contribute effectively within a team setting.
• Ability to uphold and represent the City's core values of Visionary Leadership, Integrity, Accountability, Transparency, and Teamwork.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have, or be able to obtain within 90 days of hire, a valid Texas Driver’s License and eligible for coverage under the City of Kyle’s vehicle insurance provider.
• High School Diploma or GED
• Must hold Basic Telecommunicator license through TCOLE within one year of date of hire
• After hire, employees are required to successfully complete TLETS Full Access, TDD, and CPR certification training courses prior to obtaining TCOLE License
• Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in public safety communications, call center operations, or customer service

Physical Demands & Working Conditions
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to remain seated for extended periods; use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, radio, and other communications equipment; speak and hear clearly; and communicate effectively. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and occasionally stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to read multiple computer monitors simultaneously and accurately distinguish visual and audible signals.

The work is primarily performed in an indoor communications center with moderate noise levels. The employee may be exposed to stressful situations involving emergency and life-safety communications and must be able to maintain composure while working under pressure and responding to multiple priorities.

Shift Work Requirements
This position requires working rotating shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, mandatory overtime, and callback as needed to maintain emergency communications operations.

Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned. The City reserves the right to revise, modify, or change the duties and responsibilities of this position at any time to meet organizational needs.