Under general supervision, provides 24-hour emergency/non-emergency dispatch services.

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level I or, when filled from the outside, require previous and directly related experience.  Level and starting salary will depend upon the successful candidate’s education, knowledge, training, experience, and certifications.

Communications Center Specialist I:
Under immediate supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Communications Center Specialist series. Incumbents entering this class have limited related work experience. Work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion.

Communications Center Specialist II:
Under general supervision, this is the intermediate-level class in the Communications Center Specialist series, and is distinguished from level I by the ability to perform the majority of the duties assigned with only general supervision and occasional instruction or assistance.

Communications Center Specialist III:
Under direction, this is the journey-level class in the Communications Center Specialist series and is distinguished from level II by the ability to perform the full range of duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance as needed.

Answers, evaluates and prioritizes incoming emergency and non-emergency phone calls on multiple phone lines; processes and utilizes the radio system to ensure proper deployment of police, fire and EMS emergency units; responsible for the precise and accurate retrieval and dissemination of information. Evaluates all incoming criminal, medical and fire-related calls to ensure proper police, fire and medical response. Gathers all necessary information vital to officer response and safety. Responsible for retrieving, interpreting and relating information to and from the computerized dispatch system. Performs crisis intervention with distraught callers during high risk situations until appropriate emergency field units arrive on scene. Operates computer equipment and enters, retrieves, and updates information into the state and national crime computer system as required. Prioritizes citizen requests for emergency services, and dispatches personnel. Maintains contact, status, and location of police and fire field units. Initiates further emergency action as required. Maintains accurate Communications Center call status records. Refers non-emergency citizen calls to appropriate agency within the City. Maintains confidentiality of information consistent with applicable Federal, State and City rules and regulations. Works a varying schedule and/or shift. May be required to work overtime.

Communications Center Specialist III:
In addition to previous requirements: Responsible for maintaining city geography and jurisdiction knowledge, any new street, business and jurisdictional changes. Assists field units on locating addresses and streets, providing additional call service information and any other needed information as requested. Provides training to departmental and non-departmental individuals as requested. May train new personnel on job responsibilities of Communications Specialist I and II. May lead ongoing training classes for existing personnel. Responsible for managing manpower and resources for police, fire and EMS units. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

PRIOR DISPATCH EXPERIENCE HIGHLY DESIRED.

Communications Center Specialist I:
High school diploma or GED; one year of customer service experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Communications Center Specialist II:
High school diploma or GED; two years’ customer service experience plus one year of prior dispatch experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Communications Center Specialist III:
High school diploma or GED; two years’ customer service experience plus two years’ prior dispatch experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Must be able to obtain and maintain Colorado certification of CCIC/NCIC operation and Emergency Medical Dispatching certification (EMD) within six months of employment.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! 

Review and screening of applications/resumes;
Practical – Passing point of 85% for Non-Data-Entry; 4500 kph for Data-Entry & 35 wpm for Typing;
Background Investigation ;Psychological Evaluation administered by a City-designated psychologist; Drug Test administered by a City-designated physician.