Police Dispatcher Trainee - City

$18.98 - $29.36 Hourly

Note:  The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City's step placement policy.

Note: The Oklahoma City Police Department's Body Art/Visible Tattoo Policy is available at the following link: https://joinokcpd.com/tattoo-policy.  Please ensure you have read the policy, understand the policy, and are willing and able to comply with the policy.  

Full-time City employees will receive preference in the following order: major division first, then department, then all other full-time City employees. Part-time/year-round City employees will receive preference next. If there are no qualified full-time City employees or part-time/year-round City employees, external applicants will then be considered.  

Important Application Information:  Completion of the supplemental questions is required. Applicant responses to supplemental questions must specifically answer the questions asked.  Responses to supplemental questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume. Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to supplemental questions have not been provided.

This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019.   This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

This job classification has been designated as a cyber security sensitive job classification effective June 26, 2023, in order to comply with United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division's Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy (Version 5.9.2, 12/07/2022), 5.12 Policy Area 12 Personnel Security.  The policy requires national fingerprint-based records checks be conducted prior to granting access to criminal justice information for all personnel who have unescorted access to unencrypted Criminal Justice Information (CJI) or unescorted access to physically security locations or controlled areas (during times of CJI processing).   Employees in this job classification will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check after receiving a conditional offer of employment.  Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test.  

JOB SUMMARY

This posting will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Crime Information Unit of the Police Department within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the direction of a Police Dispatch Coordinator. However, an eligibility list will be established or supplemented for filling future vacancies in the department, per provisions of the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement. The Police Dispatcher Trainee serves as the communication link between calling parties and Police Department units in the field. Employees of this classification receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training. During this time, the trainee will receive formal instruction/training on the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS) and must attain proficiency in the skills, knowledge and ability required to function at the full performance level of a Police Dispatcher. Essential job functions include: accurately and efficiently receiving and relaying critical information via two-way radio, computer-aided dispatch, multi-line telephone and teletype systems; dispatching emergency response and support units to reported trouble locations; operating computerized data networks to input and/or retrieve data; maintaining written logs and standard departmental reports; and monitoring radio frequencies to respond to field units status reports and request for assistance. Additional duties at the airport include operating and monitoring the closed-circuit camera and security door lock systems. The Police Dispatcher Trainee must adapt to stress involved in responding to numerous and/or simultaneous calls and remain calm in emergency situations. The employee works semi-independently following prescribed procedures with unusual situations referred to a working supervisor. Work is reviewed through continued video/audio observation by the supervisor. 

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

• Knowledge of keyboard.
• Skill in following instructions and specified procedures.
• Skill in communicating verbally using tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to operate two-way radio, computer-aided dispatch and teletype systems.
• Ability to operate and monitor closed-circuit camera and security door lock systems. (Airport only)
• Ability to obtain, record, and relay pertinent information related to airport operations. (Airport only)
• Ability to obtain, record, and relay pertinent information related to law enforcement activities. 
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations.
• Willingness to make decisions.
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality. 

COMPETENCIES

• Execution and Results: (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job (as specified on the approved job description) and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required.
• Conduct: (1) Conducts oneself with the utmost integrity and professionalism; (2) demonstrates humility; (3) encourages people to share their perspectives, ideas, and opinions; (4) makes decisions based on a sense of shared purpose; (5) takes responsibility for actions and decisions; (6) resilient; (7) leans in to challenges and problems with creative solutions; (8) speaks up and challenges the status quo; (9) relies on the character, ability, strength, truth, and transparency of others and the organization.
• Teamwork/Team Oriented: (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed.
• Customer Centric: (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City's mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind.
• Safety: (1) Complies with all safety policies and practices; (2) promotes a safe work environment; (3) participates in safety meetings; current on completion of safety trainings.
• Workplace Standards: (1) Takes meal periods and breaks according to policy; (2) ensures sick leave usage does not negatively impact productivity of work unit; (3) notifies supervisor of unscheduled absences; (4) accepts suggestions and supervision with a positive approach; (5) completes work timely and correctly.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Inside at all times in a climate-controlled environment where temperature ranges between 60o-70o Fahrenheit and relative humidity is between 50%-60%.
• Exposure to continuous noise at low levels as produced by other dispatchers, computer terminals, video monitors, and climate control equipment.
• May be asked to work beyond regular work hours during a disaster.
• Will be required to work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

Note:  Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Arm-hand steadiness and manual/finger dexterity enough to use a computer keyboard, two-way radio, etc.
• Near vision enough to read video display monitors, and written communications such as memos and written supervisory information.
• Hearing and speech enough to communicate in person, by telephone, two-way radio, etc., in a semi-noisy environment, as produced by other dispatchers, equipment, etc.

OTHER DETAILS

Note:  Civilian employees of the Oklahoma City Police Department must successfully complete a comprehensive background check and polygraph test prior to employment.

Note:  An eligibility list will be established from this posting consisting of applicants who receive a score of 70 percent or better.  Multiple selection procedures may be utilized; a minimum of 70 percent or better will be required on each; and the results of multiple selection procedures will be equally weighted.  The eligibility list will be in effect for 180 days from the date of the final selection procedure and will be used to fill future vacancies.

Note:  An eligibility list will be established from this posting consisting of applicants who receive a score of 70 percent or better.  Multiple selection procedures may be utilized; a minimum of 70 percent or better will be required on each; and the results of multiple selection procedures will be equally weighted.  The eligibility list will be in effect for 180 days from the date of the final selection procedure and will be used to fill future vacancies.

Pay Method:  City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Former Employees:  If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at (405) 297-2530. If your rehire status has been coded "Not Eligible," "Eligible 3," or "Conditional," you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department's Employee and Labor Relations Division.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination:  Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.   

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants. 

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test.

If the position accepted is cyber security sensitive, internal and external applicants will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check.  Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination. 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you require reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process, please notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling 405-297-2530. The City of Oklahoma City is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. The City of Oklahoma City will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (to include sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression), age, genetic information, disability or political affiliation.

Join our team and build a fulfilling career of public service in a diverse and inclusive workplace, alongside talented, hardworking, and dedicated coworkers who provide essential services to thousands of residents and visitors every day.  As a City of Oklahoma City employee, you will earn competitive pay, have job stability, grow personally and professionally, and make a difference in ...