Emergency Communications Call Taker

Portland International Airport (PDX) is often the first impression people have of Oregon, Southwest Washington, and the City of Portland. While PDX is consistently recognized as one of the nation's best airports, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to exceptional service, safety, and security. Our Emergency Communications Call-Takers provide emergency and non-emergency public safety and operational communications for customers and tenants across the Port's three airports: Portland International, Hillsboro, and Troutdale. This is a great starting point to begin your career in Emergency Communications! 

We are seeking a highly communicative, problem-solving person to receive calls for police, fire, medical, and operations response requests for a variety of incidents. This person will have excellent customer service and sound reasoning skills with the ability to work effectively as a member of a high functioning team. This position is represented under the same union as our police force.
 
Why should you work in Emergency Communications? This dynamic career is never boring! Our Call Takers have a passion and purpose in serving the community. Create a positive impact on people daily with a diverse team of like-minded peers who value teamwork, education, and fun. On top of rotating schedules and on-the-job training, we also offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. If you are team-oriented, enjoy helping others and embrace the value of providing amazing service please continue reading!
 
Due to the critical nature of this role within our Emergency Communications Center, applicants will go through a comprehensive screening process, including a thorough background check, to ensure the highest standards of safety and service. This thorough process is essential for maintaining the security and efficiency of our operations. Emergency Communications & Dispatch:

• Independently and accurately receive, document, and triage requests for police, fire, medical, and airport operations emergency and non-emergency response requests in compliance with established policies and protocols while supporting the Port's strategic and operational goals.

Technology & Systems Operations:

• Monitor and operate multiple computer systems simultaneously, including multi-line phones, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), fire alarms, access/security/duress alarms, law enforcement data systems, and other specialized technology.

Security Monitoring & Incident Response:

• Monitor security surveillance cameras for perimeter gates, terminal doors, security checkpoints, airport terminals, garages, and roadways, taking appropriate action when necessary.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Communication:

• Serve as a communication liaison and provide customer service and support to internal and external stakeholders while promoting a safe and positive airport experience.

Teamwork & Operational Support:

• Provide backup and support to other workgroups within the Airport Communication Center, other Port departments, and special projects as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system or experience working in a 911 emergency communications center or airport communications center is preferred.

Testing and Certification (Pre-Hire):

• Applicant must complete the CritiCall pre-employment test, a computer literacy and typing test to measure underlying skills and abilities needed for this role.

Testing and Certification (Post-Hire):

• Obtain an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Certification as Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatcher within 18 months of hire.
• Comply with Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) requirements within 30 days of hire, which includes successfully completing CJIS Security Awareness Training and passing a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.

Background and Security:

• Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge, are required.

Availability:
o    Available to work overtime, holidays, weekends, and flexible shifts outside of usual schedule.

To be considered for employment, candidates must complete the Port of Portland's employment application. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess.  Resumes are recommended but are not a substitute for incomplete or partially completed applications. SELECTION PROCESS: 

1. Application Materials & Qualification Review
2. Screening Interview
3. CritiCall Test -to test computer literacy and typing skills
4. Panel Interview
5. Background Investigation
6. Psychological Exam
7. Medical Exam
8. Pre-employment Drug Test
9. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) & Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Screening
10. Employment Confirmation

SALARY INFORMATION:
 Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service (with no breaks in service) as an emergency telecommunicator.  
Contract Salary Scale
 Start:     $31.704
 1  year:  $33.272
 2 years: $34.93
 3 years: $36.874
 4 years: $38.668
 5 years: $40.574
**Disclaimer: numbers based on current Contract Bargaining Agreement. 

NOTE: Premium pay may be available to Dispatchers who possess an Oregon Department of Public Safety and Security Training (DPSST) Intermediate Certification or Advanced Certification and is applicable to their positions.

Schedule: 

• Application Review:  Human Resources will review submitted application packets for minimum qualifications.  A SME panel will assess your qualifications based on the information provided in your application and responses to any supplemental questions. 
• Interviews: After application review, successful candidates will be invited to participate in remote Screening Interviews. Successful candidates after the Screening Interview, will be invited to an onsite Panel Interview. 
• Conditional Offers: Following interviews, conditional offers of employment will be extended to selected candidates.
• Background Investigation: Candidates who receive a conditional offer will undergo a comprehensive background check, which typically takes approximately 3-4 months to complete. Once the background check is completed, final offers will be extended, and start dates will be coordinated.