Communications Operator

Job Title: Communications Operator

Reports To: Chief of Police
Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt
Department: Police Department

Primary Purpose:
Police Communications Operator (PCO) is a responsible position involving detailed work within the South San ISD Police Department with an ability to originate relay and interpret information relating to the safety and well being of law enforcement officers School District personnel and general public.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Completion of high school education required with one year of college preferred and experience in related communications and public relations work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must qualify for and obtain TLETS Terminal Operator certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education within twelve 12 months of employment.
• Must be able to pass a rigid background investigation.
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Nonrefundable fee (approximately $50.00 paid by the employee

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Posses skill and courtesy in dealing with the public and other law enforcement personnel.
• Ability to operate computer systems.
• Ability to tolerate confinement to work area for a minimum of eight 8 hour duty shift.
• Ability to perform multiple duties simultaneously.
• Ability to comprehend and execute written and verbal instruction.
• Ability to tolerate and react to high stress situations and emergencies and to maintain composure.
• Must possess keyboard typing (minimum 30 wpm) and computer use skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and Windows.
• Possess proofreading skills.
• Self directed with high organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal written and reading) Bilingual preferred.
• Willing to work nights weekends holidays and rotating shifts. Able to work for extended periods of time for extended hours and/or for several days without a day off.
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts and holidays/weekends as :
• Prior Police Dispatching experience or similar necessary.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work involves dealing with the public through personal contact telephone and radio communications. Work is performed in accordance with department rules and regulations. This individual will have excellent communication skills and the ability to multi task.
• Employees allocated to this class of work will be assigned to a specialized function which requires knowledge and abilities usually acquired through formal training and/or experience on the job. The ideal candidate will have an eye for detail and experience with radio and computer terminal equipment. This individual will also have skills with typing spelling and the use of proper grammar.
• Guidance and direction are provided by the Police Communications Supervisor. Work requires dedication to public service often made difficult by emotional or physical stress of events. Work is reviewed through conferences written reports inspection and observations of results obtained.
• Performs dispatcher duties such as operating police radios responding to requests from field officers answering telephone monitoring burglar and fire alarms and performing related clerical tasks.
• Transmits receives and relays official messages via voice radio telephone or electronic data to officers and other law enforcement agency personnel.
• Obtains and provides intelligence to South San ISD officers such as criminal activity criminal and traffic warrants drivers license information criminal records vehicle registrations and other field activities.
• Monitors various alarm devices auditory and visual. Exercises sound judgment and ingenuity to provide emergency assistance in incidents posing a threat to the safety of officers students and general public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Relates positively to others.
• Works both independently and with others.
• Is able to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Is able to organize and determine priorities with work assignments.
• Posses knowledge of standard police practices and techniques preferred.
• Has ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and on own initiative to determine proper course of action.
• Is able to obtain the proper information necessary for officer safety and delivery of service through telephone and personal interview.
• This position requires fast efficient and accurate receiving dispatching and processing of calls and messages to and from police vehicles and personnel.

Other:

• A physical examination preemployment polygraph test and drug screening may be required.
• Ability to meet specific physical requirements that may be established by the police department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: District vehicle alarm system security equipment radio communication equipment video surveillance equipment multiline telephone system standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; specific hearing and visual requirements

Posture: Prolonged walking standing sitting; occasional reaching pushing/pulling bending/stooping and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; constant keyboarding and use of mouse
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds)

Environment: Work indoors in environmentally controlled space; frequent exposure to noise; unusual fatigue factors resulting from long periods of repetitive routine activity. May be subject to adverse and hazardous working conditions including violent and armed confrontations.
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions; may work prolonged and irregular hours. Work outdoors in varying climate conditions; drive in different areas of district at odd hours; on call 24 hours a day.

The Superintendent reserves the right to waive any requirements for any qualified applicant. Not all applicants will be interviewed. Your resume letter of interest and other available information will be considered in the screening process.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of South San Antonio ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race color religion national origin age sex gender identity gender expression sexual orientation or disability in its vocational programs services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and SSAISDs board policies DIA FFH and FFI