911 Emergency Dispatcher

About us

Sherman County Communications is a governmental department in Goodland, KS. We are professional, fast-paced and challenging.

Our work environment includes:

• Modern office setting
• Growth opportunities
• On-the-job training
• Safe work environment

Communication Officer I

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director and Assistant Director, the Communications Officer I performs specialized work in receiving and dispatching messages in the 911 center. The employee in this position is responsible for the operation of dispatch radios, computers, 911 calls and administrative phone calls. They will receive and dispatch messages, a portion of which may be of an emergency nature. New hires are placed in a 6-month probationary period.

Position Requirements

Education:

High School diploma or GED required. Supplemental courses or previous experience in computer entry are preferred. Certification in NCIC (National Crime Information Center) and Security Awareness Training is required within the first six (6) months of employment. Sherman County Communications provides this training.

Experience:

One to two years of computer-related job experience is preferred. The employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information, skills, and certifications to perform the job accurately within six months in the position.

Skills:

Quickly develop a general knowledge of law enforcement, EMS, and Fire communication procedures and computer applications.

Operate radio consoles, printers, fax machines, smartphones, and multiple computers simultaneously.

Read and interpret maps, including the interpretation of GPS coordinates, legal descriptions, What3Words locations, and any other mapping platforms that are utilized in the center.

Think and respond quickly, accurately, and calmly in emergencies while potentially handling multiple incidents at one time, while working alone.

Speak clearly and correctly, using the English language.

A great deal of problem-solving exists in this position. Problems include handling citizen concerns and complaints.

Frequent decision-making exists in this position. Decisions include handling crises while dispatching and sending the correct personnel and equipment to the scene of an accident or crime.

Accountability is required.

Supervision is provided and job-related decisions are occasionally reviewed by the 911 Director. or designee. Employees do not have supervisory responsibilities over subordinate personnel, except while supervising trainee(s).

Employees have frequent contact with other city/county departments and continual contact with the general public.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands:

Light work in that the worker sits most of the time. The employee has the option to stand while working as well. Must have the ability to express or exchange ideas of communication. Conveying and receiving detailed or important instructions and information to and from the general public. In addition, daily tasks include sustained movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers in typing or otherwise working, primarily with the fingers rather than the whole hand or arm. Ability to type 35 words per minute. Ability to hear 25 decibels or less at 500 hz; 4,000 Hz; and points in between, as well as to accurately interpret what is heard. Visual acuity that is correctable to 20/20. Prolonged use of phone headset or handset, as well as viewing multiple computer monitors throughout the shift is required. Ability to build and maintain working relationships with those inside and outside the department.

Shift work is required. Various shifts working between 8 and 12 hours, which will include days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Normal work week is 40 hours, with overtime a possibility due to staff shortages, vacations, illness or training.

Environmental Conditions:

Infrequent hazardous and dangerous situations may arise in working this position.

Accountability:

Must take responsibility for one’s actions. If assistance is needed, the employee is

expected to ask for assistance. Corrects actions at the advisement of other staff to

achieve maximum proficiency and uniformity.

Examples of Work:

Essential Functions

• Develops competency in the procedures and operation of a 12-channel base station two-way radio in order to maintain continuous contact between officers and other public safety agencies; learns appropriate radio codes and phraseology. Monitors radio scanner as time allows maintaining situational awareness with surrounding counties and Kansas Highway Patrol.
• Learns techniques for the proper methods of receiving and transmitting messages using 911 equipment, two-way radio receivers, and understand the content of simultaneous multiple voice transmissions.
• Interprets requests for service and sends assistance according to the proper priority level.
• Proficient in operating the 911 phone system including call taking, transferring, conferencing.
• Skilled in operating Rapid Deploy NG 9-1-1 mapping system
• Stays up to date on the required training on the above systems
• Monitors the status and location of all on-duty personnel and units in the field at all times using Computer Aided Dispatch software. Logs all updates and pertinent information is given in real-time by field units.
• Status checks the jail every hour on the hour during the nighttime hours.
• Becomes certified in NCIC.
• Learn NCIC, NLETS codes, and formats.
• Operation of the secure National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer to send, relay and receive inter and intra-state information.
• Responsible for all NCIC entries, modifications and removals including but not limited to warrants, Protection from Abuse Orders, Stolen Vehicles, Missing Persons.
• Checks radio and telephone equipment for operating defects and reports malfunctions to Director or Assistant Director in a timely fashion.
• Maintains logs, records, and required reports in conformity with KCJIS Policy and Procedure, FCC regulations, and agency policy.
• Monitors alarms and warning systems such as National Weather Service teletypes, along with governmental and private security alarm systems.
• Activation, deactivation, and monthly testing of storm sirens for the communities of Goodland and Kanorado

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Marginal functions)

• Provides information to the general public regarding weather conditions and other general information through use of telephone and personal contact.
• Provides historical data to the National Weather Service at the conclusion of weather events.
• Assists Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism with NCIC requests.
• Background checks for Goodland Housing Authority, Court Services
• Participates in community education events
• Conducts ride-alongs with law enforcement to gain a better understanding of the geography of the county, the operations of law enforcement and the nature of their jobs.
• Other related duties as deemed necessary or as required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.33 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 50 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Overnight shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Typing: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)
• Overnight Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person