General Statement of Duties
ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY
Performs specialized duties in a large centralized public safety communications center.
Communications Specialist 1 is generally the entry level classification.
- Communications Specialist 1’s function as calltakers and trainees at the initial dispatch position.
- Communications Specialist 2’s are proficient in handling the full scope of calltaking / dispatching functions (fire, police, and other emergency medical incidents). Incumbents in the Communications Specialist 1 classification are required to progress on to dispatch training, and usually advance to the second level within twelve months.
Generally a new employee will begin in a calltaking position as a Communications Specialist 1. If hired, as a condition of employment, employees will be expected to successfully train and become proficient in calltaking and trained in all dispatch positions as a Communications Specialist 2.
Hourly Rate: **$17.85 - $25.15
- Eligible for premium pay after three years.
Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following
Operates computer terminal equipment and radio / telephone transmitting and receiving equipment.
Answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency telephone calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other requests.
Makes decisions as to type of call, correct response, and responsible agency to respond to incident.
Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched.
Transmits appropriate information to dispatcher or responsible jurisdiction as required.
Studies, and maintains, familiarity with major streets, roads, public buildings, industrial plants, and the general geographic location of cities and landmarks in Lane County.
Dispatches and monitors appropriate emergency public safety units.
Qualifications
Ability to:
Use complex computer-aided dispatch and multi-line PC-based telephone systems; accurately enter information into computerized systems.
Speak clearly and distinctly; listen and paraphrase effectively.
Perform multiple tasks simultaneously while listening, relaying, evaluating, and retaining critical information in fast-paced and routine situations.
React quickly, efficiently, and calmly in an emergency situation(s); adopt effective course of action.
Learn, and remember, geographical details of area covered: location of public buildings, industrial plants, patrol and fire district boundaries, and other landmark data.
Deal tactfully with the public, coworkers, and others.
Minimum Requirements
Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and all shifts (Day, Swing, and Graveyard).
Employees will rotate shifts once every six months, more frequently while in training.
Must be available to work mandatory overtime on regularly scheduled workdays. Currently the shifts are four 10-hour days / week.
Education
High school diploma or GED is required at time of application. Candidates with degrees in Psychology or Social Sciences are encouraged to apply.
Experience
- Must have computer and telephone work experience
AND
- One year of work experience in a fast-paced, multi-tasked public contact environment (ex: waiter, bank teller, receptionist) OR
- one year of previous experience in a large public safety communications environment.
Certification
The possession of, or the ability to obtain within three months of hire date, CPR, First Aid, EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch), and LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System) certifications. The possession of, or the ability to obtain within one year of hire date, Basic Telecommunicator Certification. (The City of Eugene provides training for CPR, First Aid, EMD, LEDS, and Basic Telecommunicator Certification. Training for these certifications is provided during the probationary period.)
Skills
- It is recommended applicants be able to keyboard at leat 40 wpm (words per minute).
- Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable. Preference for relevant bilingual ability may be given.
TELECOMMUNICATOR SELF-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
Supplemental Information
In addition to the salary listed above, upon eligibility, the City will contribute the employee contribution of 6% and the employer contribution to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
Selection Process
Those applicants who meet the stated minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the upcoming selection process.
Applications received by 5:00 pm MONDAY, December 29, 2008 will be considered for a May 25, 2009 hire date.
Lateral candidates possessing a current Oregon DPSST Telecommunicator Certificate may be processed more quickly and be hired prior to May 2009.
APPLICANTS INVITED TO CONTINUE IN THE PROCESS FOR THE MAY 25, 2009 HIRE DATE WILL BE NOTIFIED BY E-MAIL NO LATER THAN JANUARY 5, 2009.
FOR APPLICANTS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE MAY 25, 2009 HIRE DATE, THEY MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE STEPS BELOW:
- A VIDEO SKILLS TEST to be scheduled between late November 2008 and January 2009 - depending on the date of application submission.
- CRITICALL SOFTWARE TEST to be scheduled between early December 2008 and early February 2009 - depending on date VIDEO SKILLS test is taken.
These tests are administered separately (exception may be made for out-of-state applicants) and are designed to measure candidate's basic abilities needed for the telecommunication environment and to perform computer-related tasks. Applicants are also provided with a realistic preview of the type(s) of tasks performed and situations encountered while on the job.
- PRE-SCREEN BACKGROUND questionnaire will be administered at the time of the CritiCall testing (exception may be made for out-of-state applicants).
- ORAL INTERVIEWS will be held during the week of March 02, 2009.
Applicants Are Also Require To Pass The Following
- COMPREHENSIVE POLICE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
- PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
- DPSST-required exam components to include a DRUG SCREEN, HEARING TEST, and VISUAL ACUITY TEST.
DUE TO THE VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE CITY, GENERALLY, ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION (TESTING, INTERVIEWS) WILL BE CONTACTED.
Anyone requesting information on a selection process may contact Human Resources (541) 682-5061 or may check the status on the Employment Opportunities Website at www.eugene-or.gov/jobs.
The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.
The City of Eugene is committed to a work environment which values the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally competent service to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, the City
If a job posting indicates this position is temporary (not limited duration) then the employee serves at will. Temporary employees do not receive benefits through the City of Eugene unless required by City, State or Federal code/statute.
Representation
Employees in this classification are represented by the Eugene Police Employees' Association (EPEA), and their salaries may be subject to a monthly payroll deduction after 31 days of employment.
Salary And Benefits
The normal starting salary is the first step shown on the posting. Other placement in the salary range may be considered depending on qualifications and experience. Periodic advancement through the salary range is dependent upon merit. The City provides a full range of benefits, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, retirement benefit, and life insurance. Health, dental, and vision benefits are available.
To view a summary of benefits, benefit premium rates, and/or the EPEA contract click the respective link. Click here to view information about Total Worker Health.
01
ACCEPTING ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY
The supplemental questionnaire is scored and will be used to determine if you will proceed to the next phase of the selection process. We are a continuous, 24-hour a day, 365 days-a-year operation. As an employee, you will be required to work all shifts including weekends and holidays (this includes major holidays such as July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day). Are you available to work weekends?
02
Are you available to work ALL shifts (day, swing, and graveyard)?
03
Do you have employment experience operating a computer?
04
Do you have employment experience using a telephone?
05
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
06
Provide detailed answers to questions 6 & 7. DO NOT refer back to your application, resume, or any previous answer as a substitute for completeing or responding to any question on the application or the supplemental questionnaire. You must indicate employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and give a description of job duties for each question, even if you are repeating information previously provided.
"Employment" can mean paid or volunteer. Describe all work experience you have where public contact and / or conflict management is / was a primary job function. Include your employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, a description of your job duties and responsibilities, and any experience you have in a public safety communications center or where you have provided services relaying rules, regulations, laws, or procedures.
07
Describe any high-pressured, fast-paced, multi-tasked work experience you have (bank teller, waiter / waitress, customer service representative). Include your employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and a description of your job duties and responsibilities.
08
Are you conversant in a language other than English?
If No, please go to question 10
09
If YES, please indicate the language(s) and your level of fluency in speaking, reading, and writing.
10
The City of Eugene values diversity in the workplace. Describe your experience and/or training that has prepared you to work effectively with persons of diverse cultural, ethnic, social, and/or economic backgrounds.
11
Have you previously taken and
passed the video test for Calltaker/Dispatcher with the City of Eugene within the last 12 months?
12
Your response to the following question is only used to track your application in our system. Hiring decisions are not based on this response. Please state your
month and
day of birth.
