This is a non-sworn, full-time, non-exempt position involving responsible administrative, and technical, work involving receiving calls directed to the City of Miami Gardens Police Department, including requests for police services or information, and dispatching personnel and equipment for emergency service through the use of telephone, radio, computer and other communications equipment on an assigned shift.

Telecommunicators are under general direction of the Telecommunications Supervisor or designee and will receive requests for police services and promptly dispatch personnel and equipment in response to emergency calls or provide requested information.  Duties will include the operation of the police radio system, radio and recorders, computer terminals, and the periodic testing of communications equipment. 

This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities.  Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Receives verbal and written complaints and inquiries from the public and other government agencies and provides information on departmental regulations and procedures, explains courses of action that will or have taken place, and refers complaints to the Telecommunications Supervisor.

Attends various training courses as assigned.

Operates a police emergency radio system by receiving requests for police protection or services; obtains correct and necessary information to dispatch personnel and equipment to scenes of police incidents and other emergencies, through the use of radio, telephone and other equipment.

Advises the public on police procedures, determines if a dispatch is necessary and gives referral information on other agencies.

Makes routine work decisions involving adjustments to equipment and scheduling and to handles special problems.

Trains new telecommunicators.

Must currently possess a valid driver's license with an overall good driving record and must be able to successfully complete all required training including National Incident Management System (NIMS) training.

Performs other related work as required.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  (The knowledge, abilities and skills identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of the class.  Additional knowledge, abilities and skills may be applicable for individual positions in the employing departments.) Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Considerable knowledge of telecommunications management practices and procedures.

Considerable knowledge of the principles of modern management and supervisory methods.

Considerable knowledge of Windows and MS Word.

Considerable knowledge of the National and Florida Crime Center's Systems.

Ability to analyze, evaluate and resolve problems effectively.

Ability to prepare meaningful and informative special and regular reports, as required.

Ability to plan, organize, evaluate, and supervise the work of personnel in a manner conducive to peak performance and high morale.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing under the pressure of numerous calls and emergency conditions.

Ability to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to concentrate on details of several incidents occurring simultaneously over long periods of time and establish proper priorities during incidents of high volume.

Ability to remain composed and speak in a normal, clear voice under the pressure of numerous calls and emergency conditions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other supervisors and officials, and the general public.

Education & Experience Requirements:  Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school or GED, supplemented by business school courses in typing, data processing, and general office procedures.  College level coursework with emphasis in Business Administration, Public Administration, Criminology, Criminal Justice, or closely related field; Associate's or Bachelor's degree is desirable.  Must have a minimum of one (1) year in an equivalent police and/or fire telecommunications center.  Must possess the Florida Department of Health Certification for Emergency dispatching.  Must currently possess and maintain, throughout employment a valid driver's license with an overall good driving record and must be able to successfully complete all required training including National Incident Management System (NIMS) training. Must be able to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Applicants qualifying for employment will be subject to a polygraph examination and an extensive background screening. 

PLEASE NOTE:  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 20 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.  The noise level is quiet to moderately loud.  Sometimes work is stressful when working under stringent time constraints.  Work is performed in a temperature controlled modern office setting, mostly from a seated position at a modular workstation. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, and to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.