Communications Specialist

New 2023 Annual Compensation Range ($USD): 55,017 entry to 64,877 with 3 years of service, paid on a bi-weekly basis. Individual pay is determined by the applicable CBA and related articles.

Additional contract increases in FY2024 & FY2025

Additional Compensation Opportunities:

• Up to $3,500 for Special Skill positions
• Pay for Performance bonus
  
• Holiday and shift premiums
• Education Premium

Benefit Highlights:

• Defined Contribution retirement plan with 4% employee contribution & 10% employer match
• Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP)
• BCBS PPO or HAP Medical (10% premium share), dental, vision, prescriptions life insurance, provided. High deductible health plan/HSA option
• Annual uniform allowance
• Paid parental leave program beginning January 1, 2024
• Full academic degree and tuition reimbursement program (bachelor & master degree)
• Generous PTO (vacation, sick, holidays, other) no waiting period before use

Career Path Opportunities:

• Senior Communication Specialist, Lead Communication Specialist

THIS POSITION IS REPRESENTED BY A UNION - POAM

A Brief Overview
Under the general direction of the Airport Response Center (ARC) Manager, and the direct supervision of the Airport Response Center Supervisor, the Communications Specialist receives and dispatches emergency and routine calls for the Airport Authority Police, Fire, Security, Airfield Operations and Maintenance Departments.
This position is part of a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day operation which will include: weekends, holidays and overtime. Overtime may be scheduled or of an emergency nature.
What you will do

• Monitors, answers and initiates response to telephones, radios, and alarms located in the ARC.
• Answers incoming calls, determines the nature of the call; gathers critical information from the caller and dispatches the proper resources. Coordinates police, fire, emergency medical, security, airfield operations, maintenance and other requests, relaying instructions to the closest and most suitable units available.
• Monitors security access control system, building maintenance alarm system, silent alarm systems, remote CCTV, and other systems used to detect unauthorized entry and maintain safety and security of the Airport.
• Collects and tabulates data for Activity Reports; completes required forms and reports.
• Enters information into computer-aided dispatch, alarm logging, airfield and environmental activities, and maintenance logging systems.
• Provides pre-arrival instructions to a caller awaiting an emergency response. Provides preliminary first aid instructions before emergency medical resources arrive.
• Transmits and receives messages between units of the Airport Public Safety Division and other public safety agencies.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves information from a variety of computer systems. Maintains confidentiality of files and information.
• Tests communications and alarm equipment and backup systems to ensure serviceability.
• Enters and retrieves information from government databases such as CLEMIS, LEIN and NCIC.
• Initiates the start-up operation for the Airport’s Emergency Command Center and Mobile Command Center upon direction from the ARC Manager.
  
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

• High School Diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency, and

• a minimum of six (6) months experience working in a public safety dispatch environment answering emergency and non-emergency calls from citizens, prioritizing calls, dispatching public safety-first responders, monitoring and responding to the needs of those responders, Or
  
• Minimum of six (6) months experience working at a Category X airport in a position responsible for maintaining security as part of job duties, or
  
• Minimum of six (6) months experience in alarm response at a high-security facility. or
• Have completed a Dispatch Specialist program from an accredited college or technical school, or
• Successful completion of the WCAA ARC Co-op Program, or
• Minimum of six (6) months of related experience.
  
• Familiar with Office Suite Software (Core - Email, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)
  
• Basic Computer Skills