Communications Operator / 911 Dispatcher

• Receives information and/or complaints from the public via telephone, radio, and in person.
• Processes information and complaints with the appropriate response or disposition made and recorded in written and/or computerized form.
• As necessary, route information to the appropriate authority or section to include police, fire, emergency medical services, and other city, state, and federal public assistance agencies or enforcement agencies.
• Information is disseminated by the dispatcher to the appropriate authority or section by telephone, radio, computerized equipment, in writing or in person.
• Maintains logs, records, and forms and assists in submitting all required reports.
• May be required to work overtime, or alternate hours, as necessary for the efficient operation of the department
• Makes decisions that could affect lives and property. These decisions are based on knowledge of city, state, and federal law.
• Performs other related duties as directed or required by the Police Chief.

• High school graduation or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Knowledge of telephone switchboards and two-way radio equipment is beneficial.
• 9-1-1 telephone emergency certification is preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of Federal Communications rules and regulations pertaining to the use and operation of radio and telephone equipment.
• Knowledge of dispatching principles and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation of data entry, information terminals, and related office equipment.
• General knowledge of city, county, state, and federal laws pertaining to police authority.
• Knowledge of health and safety laws and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of department rules, regulations, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the geographical boundaries of the city and the locations of political, governmental subdivisions within the area.
• Knowledge of how to locate information through city departments.
• Must maintain stable emotions in a stressful environment; work independently and confidently under stressful conditions; react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to operate a radio system, telephone, and telephone switchboard equipment.
• Ability to operate a computer and related office machinery.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in gathering information, evaluating situations, and making decisions.
• Ability to maintain necessary and required logs, complaints, reports, and files.
• Ability to process complaints, dispatch messages, and provide the public, fire department, rescue and ambulance services, and officers in the field with rapid, efficient, and accurate service under variable conditions.
• Ability to learn, within a reasonable period, the applicable procedures, techniques, and regulations involved in the operations of a Police/Fire Communications Center.

• High school graduation or possession of an acceptable equivalent diploma.
• Must have a valid Florida Class “E” driver’s license and valid telephone number.

• FCIC/NCIC certified
• Emergency 9-1-1 Operator Certification
• Valid Florida Driver’s License

• Acceptable eyesight, visual acuity, field of vision, color perception, depth perception, and texture perception (with or without corrective lenses)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without a hearing aid)
• Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the job functions in the work environment.
• Ability to speak and enunciate clearly to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over the phone, and over the radio.

City of Lake Alfred