Telecommunications Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION General Statement of Duties Under general supervision, the Telecommunications Officer directly performs a variety of communications duties and is the first person who engages with the public in the protection of life and property within the Pharr Public Safety Communications service area and the daily operations of all agencies directly partnered with the Pharr Public Safety Communications Department.
The Telecommunications Officer will receive, and process customers call for service (emergency or non-emergency) via telephone or radio and dispatch the necessary units and direct all calls to an immediate source of assistance.
Maintain a constant status of information on all police, fire, and emergency medical service units.
The Telecommunications Officer will also perform a variety of general support and data entry duties, record keeping, word processing, filing and multi-tasking skills.
The Telecommunications Officers will also monitor and operates TCIC and NCIC systems performing variety of specialized data entry duties.
Operation of a sophisticated communications system which allows contact with the public, police officers, firefighting personnel, emergency medical service units, and other emergency services is required.
The Telecommunications Officer will also be responsible for the operation and effective use of the E9-1-1 system.
Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1.
Answering Telephone / E9-1-1 phones (can range from 1/2; hr to 6 hrs).
The Telecommunications Officer is required to answer all incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance via telephone or E9-1-1 system.
The Telecommunications officer is also required to make outgoing calls in order to mitigate help for a citizen or gather information: Main Activities: ~ Answer administrative phone lines ~ Answer seven digit emergency phone lines ~ Answer E9-1-1 phone lines ~ Transfer administrative calls to respective extensions ~ Transfer emergency calls to the correct jurisdiction via either E9-1-1 system or emergency phone lines ~ Call secondary emergency response companies such as AEP, Texas Gas Service, etc.
as needed for emergency incidents ~ Answer forwarded lines from Public Utilities and Public Works after hours ~ Call Public Utilities and Public Work crews after hours as per citizens requests ~ Maintain a working relationship with all surrounding agencies via telephone and E9-1-1 ~ Answer and process any TTY/TDD calls for service via the TTY standalone device and or E9-1-1 system ~ Keep constant radio contact with emergency service personnel ~ Maintains police reports and record of all major offenses committed and property stolen.
~ Reviews criminal reports received and classifies them in accordance with established methods ~ Conducts specialized data entry into secured computerized frameworks ~ Perform related duties as required 2.
Answering Two-Way Radios (can range from 1/2; hr to 11hrs).
The Telecommunications Officer is required to dispatch all units to any location in any emergency or non-emergency situation; keeps accountability of location of all units at all times and will assist in the remediation of any emergency scene within the Pharr Public Safety Communications service area.
The Telecommunications Officer is also required to receive and dispatch after hour calls for other departments within the Pharr Public Safety Communications service area.
Main Activities ~ Utilize a Zetron radio console ~ Answer multiple radios through radio console ~ Monitor interoperable and regional radio system channels ~ Monitor emergency medical services radio for priority calls ~ Create patches as needed for emergency incidents ~ Dispatch units utilizing a two tone notification system ~ Transmit and receive day to day operations on primary channels ~ Wear at all times a radio headset for clear communications 3.
Typing / Computer Work (can range from 1/2; hr to 8hrs).
The Telecommunications Officer is required to input all Tex-Firs into a database program for record keeping purposes, type any and all memos and paperwork assigned, type county monthly reports, and report to the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and or supply law enforcement based reports as outline by TCOLE, District Attorney, or FBI standards.
Main Activities ~ Operate Microsoft excel ~ Operate Microsoft word ~ Operate Microsoft access ~ Operate Windows software ~ Utilize records management softwares ~ Utilize Computer Aided Dispatch software ~ Utilize mapping solutions for quick dispatching ~ Utilize Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) software ~ Utilize surveillance camera software ~ Utilize controlled door access software ~ Utilize radio and 9-1-1 recording software ~ Utilize several web-based software for dispatching of volunteer personnel ~ Perform general data entry into a Microsoft access database ~ Perform scanning and electronic filing ~ Create documents as needed 4.
Checking and maintenance of equipment (1 hr).
The Telecommunications officer is required to check all communications equipment daily for proper operation, readiness and daily maintenance.
Main Activities ~ Conduct test call to E9-1-1 system ~ Conduct test call to administrative phone system ~ Check recording software to ensure proper recording ~ Check surveillance cameras for proper operation ~ Check weather display board for proper operation ~ Check TTY/TDD machine for proper operation ~ Check radio console for proper operation ~ Check radio headset for proper operation ~ Check radio speakers for proper operation 5.
Training (can range from 1/2; hr to 8hrs).
The Telecommunications Officer will be required to complete on the job training as well as certification training.
The Telecommunications Officer will sometimes be required to participate in trainings both in the dispatch center and out of the dispatch center.
Main Activities ~ Attend classroom environment training as assigned ~ Attend hands-on training as assigned ~ Participate in continued education course throughout employment ~ Maintain certifications as requested by Pharr Public Safety Communications Department ~ Maintain and or achieve certification requirements as requested and outlined by telecommunicators licensing authority TCOLE.
6.
Writing (can range from 1/2; hr to 8hrs).
The Telecommunications Officer will at times need to manually document information in logs and reports for proper record keeping.
Main Activities ~ Keep written notes of emergency incidents when needed ~ Provide written documentation of major events ~ Maintain written logs as needed ~ Fill out manual call logs as needed Competencies 1.
Ability to: ~ Understand, read, and write both English and Spanish ~ Distinguish color ~ Input data at a reasonable rate of speed; type at least 45 words per minute ~ Learn computerized equipment ~ Speak clearly and distinctly; effective communications skills, both oral and written ~ Hear and understand radio and telephone transmissions and respond appropriately ~ Record and relay telephone information accurately under extreme emergency conditions ~ Understand and follow directions ~ Act quickly and effectively during emergencies ~ Make accurate and quick decisions, often in emergency situation with little supervision ~ Maintain composure and deal effectively with the public, staff, and other agencies ~ Quickly identify proper jurisdictions 2.
Knowledge of: ~ E9-1-1 concepts and equipment function ~ Telecommunications networks ~ Land mobile communications systems and dissemination ~ Fire, Police, and EMS response area procedures ~ Federal, State, and Local communications standards ~ Knowledge of basic computer operations and related software Travel Minimal travel is required for training, conferences, and professional development.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are considered shift work and will vary throughout employment as dictated by scheduling needs.
Incumbent must have the ability to work flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends, if needed.
Participation in City sponsored special events, trainings, or meetings may be required.
Supervisory Responsibility This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Licenses or Certificates 1.
Must be eligible to obtain Telecommunicator License from TCOLE prior to 1yr of appointment of license 2.
Ability to obtain or complete training to meet job tasks at hand 3.
Must attend safety, first aid, and CPR classes with class completion or certificate 4.
Must have a valid insurance policy 5.
Ability to obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch certification 6.
Ability to obtain Emergency Fire Dispatch certification 7.
Ability to obtain Emergency Police Dispatch certification Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1.
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age 2.
Graduation of high school or GED equivalent required 3.
Must have authorization to work in the United states 4.
Must submit to and pass an employment drug and alcohol screening 5.
Must be able to pass physical abilities test/post offer of employment 6.
Must have not been adjudicated guilty of any felony federal or state charge.
7.
Must have not been adjudicated guilty any misdemeanor charges of a Class B or higher within the last ten (10) years.
8.
Must not have been adjudicated guilty or deferred for any charge of family/workplace violence.
9.
Possess strong computer skills, organization skills, communications skills, and multi-tasking skills 10.
Efficiently operate complex computer programs and networking functions, telephone equipment, radios, recording devices, E9-1-1 system, weather systems and other technical equipment 11.
Ability and knowledge proper dispatching techniques 12.
Ability to learn communications codes and signals 13.
Must be able to distinguish between different colors 14.
Report to work on time and perform duties on a timely fashion 15.
Work with a minimum of daily supervision 16.
Ability to work flexible hours 17.
Ability to follow City rules and regulations 18.
Ability to work sole and with a team Work Environment The noise level in the work environment is generally loud when working in the Pharr Public Safety Communications center.
The Telecommunications Officer works daily with low light and bright computer monitors that can be strenuous to one"s eyes.
The Telecommunications Officer works within the confines of an office with little hazard to health or body.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements Education: ~ Any acceptable education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities cited above ~ Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
Training and Experience ~ One (1) year experience in public safety telecommunications preferred but not required ~ A qualifying background would include prior experience and/or training in public safety telecommunications and or customer service work Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Requires the incumbent to hold current valid class "C" driver"s license from the Texas Department of Public Safety with a satisfactory driving record.
AAP/EEO Statement The City of Pharr is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) the City of Pharr will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
The city focuses on identifying candidates who are customer oriented and committed to public service to create a culture that is committed to diversity.
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
BACKGROUND FORMS As part of our hiring procedures, you must successfully pass a background check.
Please complete the required forms and upload them with your application.
Failure to do so, may cause your application to be rejected.
Background forms 2022