911 Emergency Dispatcher (Communications Officer)

Salary : $47,528.00 Annually
Location : Florence, OR
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-00003
Department: Police Department
Division: 911
Opening Date: 03/06/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PD
Application Information
To learn more about the job, call the non-emergency line at the PD (541-997-3515) and ask for a time to come down and talk with a dispatcher and see what they do!
Benefits:

• Starting Salary: $22.85/hr (with potential increases based on education)
• Additional benefits:
  • 100% paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for eligible employees and dependents
  • $2,500 or $4,000 per year paid into the employee's Health Savings Account
  • Generous paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave
  • Eligibility for Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) in Oregon
  • Qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

To review the current CBA and union pay scale for this represented position, see:

Recruitment Timeline:

• First Review Deadline: week of March 26 (we will strive to review every two weeks)
• Review Applications: Approximately one week
• Testing, Interview, and Selection Process: Estimated to take 1-2 months
  • we plan to conduct interviews prior to testing. Written testing will be done on-site at a later date in the process.
  • for testing, applicants must achieve at least 75% in reading comprehension, must not fail any section, and must carry an overall average of 75%
  • This must be completed by the top applicants before moving onto the background phase
  • Lateral candidates do not need to undergo written testing

The top applicant must complete the police background (criminal history check and background questionnaire) prior to receiving a conditional offer. Approximately 1 month

• Post conditional offer, the candidate will need to have a medical physical, drug and alcohol screen, and psychological exam. Included in the above 1 month timeline.

The City has one vacancy that this recruitment is attempting to fill. The position is open until filled, therefore this is an open/continuous process and the recruitment can be closed at any time. An eligibility list will be established at the end of the process, which will be retained for 1 year, until the list has been exhausted, or discarded at the sole discretion of the City. This position is open until filled, with review of the applicantsoccurring periodically. The position may be closed at any time during the process.
Job Description
Join Our Story as a Communications Officer:
Imagine yourself as a vital character in the dynamic narrative of public safety. As a Communications Officer with the City of Florence Police Department, your role transcends the mundane. It's a journey of 8-hour shifts, where you'll deliver timely and accurate information with critical communication.
Your Responsibilities:
Call Taking
When the phone rings, you'll be there to answer. Whether it's a frantic 911 call or a general inquiry, you'll be the reassuring voice on the other end. With compassion and clarity, you'll extract vital details and dispatch them to the officers in the field.
Multitasking
Multitasking is your superpower. Imagine monitoring multiple officers and agencies, maintaining records, and ensuring every piece of the puzzle fits together perfectly. Your ability to switch gears mid-task will keep things flowing seamlessly.
Handling Stressful Situations
Stressful situations are just another part of the job. Picture yourself talking individuals through emergencies, calmly obtaining and delivering crucial information.
Maintaining Detailed Records
In the world of public safety, accurate records are your manuscript. You'll record and recall every detail with precision, ensuring that every chapter of our story is documented clearly and concisely.
Prioritizing
You are the gatekeeper of calls for service. You'll prioritize each one, ensuring that the right people respond at the right time. Your decisions will make the difference in our community's safety.
Data Analysis
Responding to requests from officers in the field, you'll query databases for information. Your skills at analysis will unveil crucial details, aiding our officers in the field.
Monitoring and Conducting Jail Checks
Monitor prisoners through video feeds, perform necessary searches when officers are unavailable, and ensure the safety of all within our walls.
Confidentiality
Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to professional ethics standards is your code of honor. Your integrity is your most important attribute.
Customer Service Excellence
Every encounter is an opportunity to shine. You'll provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers, representing our values and mission to the community.
Qualifications
Requirements:

• 1+ years of verifiable experience in a fast-paced public contact environment, including clerical computer entry and multi-line phone experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Eligibility to obtain Criminal Justice Information System clearance and pass a background/criminal history check, including psychological exam.
• Knowledge of customer service techniques and strong communication, time management, and technology skills.
• Ability to attend DPSST Communications Officer Academy and complete necessary training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bi-lingual ability in Spanish and English.
• Any higher-level educational degree.
• Knowledge of/experience with modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of/experience with multi-line telephone systems, radio dispatching, and multi-tasking-divided attention skills.

Background Requirements:

• Top candidate shall undergo a comprehensive police background (questionnaire, criminal history review, FBI fingerprint review, etc.) prior to receiving conditional offer
• After conditional offer is signed, candidate shall undergo medical review (drug and alcohol screen, physical examination, and psychological examination)
• Completing all parts of the background successfully is required

Additional Information
If you're ready to become a central character in the gripping narrative of public safety, one who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is dedicated to making our community the Premier Community on the Coast, we encourage you to apply. Join us in crafting the story of Florence's safety and excellence.
For a detailed job description, click here.
Our Hiring Process

• After you apply for the position, we review all requested application materials to determine if your demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for the position. We apply Veteran's Preference points at each step in the process, including this step (see below for more information about Veteran's Preference).
  • You can use this time to prepare for a potential interview by reviewing our website, including our interview tips: https://www.ci.florence.or.us/hr/interviewing-tips
• If you are one of the best qualified, we will reach out to schedule an initial interview. The initial interview is a panel interview that may be conducted as one-way video interview through our partner, Spark Hire, a video interview over zoom, or in-person. If you are not selected after this stage, we will let you know you were not selected. If this is you, keep an eye on our open roles for the next opportunity that might be a match.
• The top scoring applicants from this initial interview round will be asked to conduct an in-person panel interview key staff you may be working with. However, this depends upon the position/recruitment. In certain circumstances, the City may forgo the in-person panel interview and move on to the Department Head in-person interview. All applicants will go through the same process.
• The Department Head interview is typically the final stages of the process and your chance to leave an impression through your enthusiasm, preparation, abilities, and resume. After this interview, the Department Head and the City Manager will meet to discuss the candidates and the City Manager will make the final decision based on the Department Head's recommendation.
• Human Resources will reach out to all applicants and confirm their status in the application process. The top candidate will receive a conditional offer that specifies what background procedures will be conducted (depends upon position).
• Applicants not selected may be placed on an eligibility list for the Department to use in the 6 months following the close of the recruitment. Applicants will be notified if they are placed on the eligibility list. This list will allow the Department to pick up with the candidates where they left off in the recruitment should another vacancy for the same position become available. The eligibility list may be closed at any time by the sole discretion of the Department Head.

Our Hiring Policies

• We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law. You can view our EEO Policy here:
• The City is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants if needed during the interview process. To request an accommodation, please email You can view our ADA policy here:
• To meet the general notice requirements of the FMLA, the City must display a poster in plain view for all workers and applicants to see, notifying them of the FMLA provisions and providing information concerning how to file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division. Our compliance with this requirement can be found here:
• The City adheres to Veteran's Preference laws and practices. If you qualify for and wish to claim Veteran's preference, you must assert your Veteran's Preference on the application and supply the required documentation by the closing date and time of the application. You can view information about what is required/qualifying here:

There is full information about our compensation and benefits program here:
Medical benefits include:
Health insurance
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Dental and Vision insurance
Long-term Disability insurance
Basic Life insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Other general benefits:
Pensions (subject to the PERS program rules)
Paid Time Off (holidays, vacation, sick leave)
Deferred compensation plans
01
Please copy and paste one responsibility (just the category name) from the job posting that you are looking forward to learning more about.
02
We are a continuous, 24-hour a day, 365 days-a-year operation. You must be available to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays. If selected, are you able to work any shift you may be assigned, including day, swing, or graveyard shift work?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a high school diploma or GED, or will you have one by the closing date of this posting?

• Yes
• No

04
This position performs very critical functions that require high attention to detail and a true ability to keep track of multiple pieces of information at once. Do you understand that this position and working environment can be high stress and fast paced?

• Yes
• No

05
We provide 24/7 service, but have a limited number of Communications Officers. We provide the training and make sure you are ready to work by yourself, before having you do so. Do you understand that you will be expected to perform emergency 911 services by yourself after training?

• Yes
• No

06
If selected, do you understand that the minimum requirements for this position require an intensive police background investigation, which will include reviews of your driving record, employment history, education and training, illegal conduct, and personal references?

• Yes
• No

07
There is a testing element to the application process, which will come after the first round of interviews. The City will do its best to offer testing dates that work for everyone, but do you understand that failing to participate in the testing or passing the testing will disqualify you from this recruitment?

• Yes
• No

Required Question