Communications Officer

The Communications Officer responds to telephone and radio dispatch communication for both the police and fire departments, while providing citizens and emergency response teams with valuable information during critical and emergency situations.  
 Primary responsibilities include answering all emergency & non-emergency calls in a timely and professional manner while gathering necessary information to transmit or relay; dispatching appropriate personnel, equipment & services; maintaining manual and automated logs on communication; input data to various department and law enforcement agency databases and forms; monitor weather and broadcast warnings; and monitor City alarms and security cameras.
 
Communications Officers have the opportunity to be involved in our Property Room, CSI, and Records specialized units.  They may also participate in outreach assignments with Special Olympics, Fire/Police Athletic League, and Shop with a Cop/Firefighter.
 Must be 18 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and be a U.S. citizen.  A High School Diploma or GED is required.  Previous dispatching experience is preferred, but not required.  The ability to type 30wpm is preferred.  Must have a clean criminal record.  Must be able to sit for extended period of time and able to work in adverse weather conditions.  Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, which include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime assignments.
 
Disqualifying Factors

• The commission of a crime classified as a felony under Missouri Statute regardless of conviction status
• Non-felony crimes and incidents involving moral turpitude may be a disqualifying factor but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Excessive traffic tickets
• Conviction of a Domestic Violence related crime or the respondent of an active full order of protection.
• Sale, distribution, supplying of narcotics (to include prescription drugs)
• Deceit or otherwise lying in an official police investigation or administrative inquiry
• Use or possession of any controlled substance within the last five years (Where the use or possession of that controlled substance in itself would be classified a felony under Missouri Statute)
• Any illegal use of a controlled substance in the past two years (to include prescription drugs)
• Any misleading or false information on the employment application

The ideal candidate will be able to effectively respond to telephone and radio communication in a clear and intelligible voice.  They will also be able to operate a  virtual telephone, computer, and two way radio console using a keyboard & mouse, trackball, or foot pedal.  Must be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously such as receiving, documenting, and disseminating information.  Must be able to quickly elicit information, accurately analyze & evaluate situations and choose a course of action. The candidate must be able to maintain a professional demeanor on sensitive calls, deal with a diverse range of individuals who may be emotionally upset or uncooperative, and maintain confidentiality. 

The schedule for this position is a set 12 hour schedule, with every other Friday through Sunday off.  May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and some overtime.  On-the-job training is provided.  

Applications must be fully completed to be considered.  Wage placements are based on prior experience in the same role reported on the application.