Performs specialized duties in a large centralized public safety communications center. Communications Specialist 1 is generally the entry level classification.
*Communications Specialist 1’s function as calltakers and trainees at the initial dispatch position.
*Communications Specialist 2’s are proficient in handling the full scope of calltaking / dispatching functions (fire, police, and other emergency medical incidents). Incumbents in the Communications Specialist 1 classification are required to progress on to dispatch training, and usually advance to the second level within twelve months.
Generally a new employee will begin in a calltaking position as a Communications Specialist 1. If hired, as a condition of employment, employees will be expected to successfully train and become proficient in calltaking and trained in all dispatch positions as a Communications Specialist 2.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY
Hourly Rate: $18.77-$26.44 Eligible for premium pay after three years.
In addition to the salary listed above, upon eligibility, the City will contribute the employee contribution of 6% and the employer contribution to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Operates computer terminal equipment and radio/telephone transmitting and receiving equipment.
Answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency telephone calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other requests.
Makes decisions as to type of call, correct response, and responsible agency to respond to incident.
Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched.
Transmits appropriate information to dispatcher or responsible jurisdiction as required.
Studies, and maintains, familiarity with major streets, roads, public buildings, industrial plants, and the general geographic location of cities and landmarks in Lane County.
Dispatches and monitors appropriate emergency public safety units.
Qualifications:
Ability to: Use complex computer-aided dispatch and multi-line PC-based telephone systems; accurately enter information into computerized systems.
Speak clearly and distinctly; listen and paraphrase effectively.
Perform multiple tasks simultaneously while listening, relaying, evaluating, and retaining critical information in fast-paced and routine situations.
React quickly, efficiently, and calmly in an emergency situation(s); adopt effective course of action.
Learn, and remember, geographical details of area covered: location of public buildings, industrial plants, patrol and fire district boundaries, and other landmark data.
Deal tactfully with the public, coworkers, and others.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and all shifts (Day, Swing, and Graveyard).
Employees will rotate shifts once every six months, more frequently while in training.
Must be available to work mandatory overtime on regularly scheduled workdays. Currently, the shifts are four 10-hour days / week.
Education High school diploma or GED is required at time of application. Candidates with degrees in psychology or social sciences are encouraged to apply.
Experience • Must have computer and telephone work experience. • Must have one year of full-time (40 hours/week) or equivalent work experience in a customer service or public contact environment; experience in a high pressure, fast-paced, multi-task position is desirable (ex: waiter/waitress, bank teller, receptionist) OR one year of previous experience in a large public safety communications environment.
Certification The possession of, or the ability to obtain within three months of hire date, CPR, First Aid, EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch), and LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System) certifications. The possession of, or the ability to obtain within one year of hire date, Basic Telecommunicator Certification. (The City of Eugene provides training for CPR, First Aid, EMD, LEDS, and Basic Telecommunicator Certification. Training for these certifications is provided during the probationary period.)
Skills It is recommended that applicants be able to keyboard at least 40 words per minute.
Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable. Preference for relevant bilingual ability may be given.
Those applicants who meet the stated minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the upcoming selection process.
Applications received between August 15 and by 5:00 pm Friday, December 4, 2009 will be considered for a May, 2010 hire date.
Lateral candidates possessing a current Oregon DPSST Telecommunicator Certificate may be processed more quickly and be hired prior to May 2010 .
APPLICANTS INVITED TO CONTINUE IN THE PROCESS FOR THE MAY 2010 HIRE DATE WILL BE NOTIFIED BY E-MAIL
FOR APPLICANTS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE MAY 2010 HIRE DATE, THEY MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE STEPS BELOW:
**A VIDEO SKILLS TEST to be scheduled between late 2009 and early 2010 depending on the date of application submission.
**CRITICALL SOFTWARE TEST to be scheduled between late 2009 and early 2010depending on the date the video skills test is taken.
These tests are administered separately (exception may be made for out-of-state applicants) and are designed to measure a candidate’s basic abilities needed for the telecommunication environment and the ability to perform computer-related tasks. Applicants are also provided with a realistic preview of the types of tasks performed and situations encountered while on the job.
**PRE-SCREEN BACKGROUND questionnaire will be administered at the time of the CritiCall testing (exception may be made for out-of-state applicants).
**ORAL INTERVIEWS will be held during February, 2010.
**COMPREHENSIVE POLICE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
**PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
**DPSST-required exam components include a DRUG SCREEN, HEARING TEST and VISUAL ACUITY TEST.
DUE TO THE VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE CITY, GENERALLY, ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION (TESTING, INTERVIEWS) WILL BE CONTACTED.
Anyone requesting information on a selection process may contact Human Resources (541) 682-5061 or may check the status on the Employment Opportunities Website at www.eugene-or.gov/jobs.
The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.
The City of Eugene is committed to a work environment which values the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally competent service to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, the City continues to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
