Communications Technician I

Nature Of WorkAn employee in this class is responsible for performing assignments of average difficulty in dispatching calls for police or fire service in a training capacity. Training is continued in this class in the various aspects of communications work to include receiving complaint calls from the public and responding to requests for police, fire, or wrecker services. Under general supervision, employees must exercise some initiative and independent judgment in determining how to respond to requests for service. An important aspect of work in this class is the ability to respond to emergencies in a controlled, expeditious manner. Employees must be capable of maintaining awareness of what is going on in an assigned area of the city to include knowing the locations of all inservice vehicles. Positions require that the employees’ work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Work is reviewed through observation of services rendered, records maintained, and periodic evaluation of work performance. Examples of Duties

Maintains service status of all mobile units for assigned area; dispatches units by radio through the use of signal codes; dispatches wreckers to accidents and impounds following rotation schedule.

Determines the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred in order to recommend referral; determines if a police unit should be dispatched to a scene for an investigation in order to facilitate prompt referral of a case.

Records emergency calls or complaints, including type of service required, location, and identification of persons, time of dispatch, time “out of service”, and subsequent “return to service” of vehicles; maintains records as required.

Continues training in the receipt and evaluation of calls for service from citizens; advises citizens on calls that are not of an emergency nature.

Operates personal computers, two-way radios and other pertinent equipment.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Working knowledge of: the methods, practices, and regulations pertaining to radio transmitting equipment operations; the city, and its geography.

Some knowledge of: zone boundaries; effective communications techniques; records keeping and reporting; the operation of personal computers.

Ability to: react quickly, calmly, and rationally in emergencies; speak clearly and communicate effectively with police officers, firefighters, and the general public; fluently speak a second language might be required; maintain accurate records; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public; operate radio dispatching equipment.

Skill in: the use and care of radio dispatching equipment; basic typing/keyboard.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Possession of some typing or keyboard skills. Preference may be given to individuals with previous experience or who are bilingual (English/Spanish).

• Preference may be given to applicants who are already state certified as 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators.
• Preference may be given to individuals with previous dispatching experience or to individuals with bilingual skills (English/Spanish).
• Candidates considered for employment must pass a thorough background investigation including, but not limited to education, work history, and criminal background.
• Upon successful completion of the probationary phase, a full-time Communications Technician I is promoted to Communications Technician II, pay grade 23

Licenses or Certifications

Successfully complete and maintain the State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunications certificate.

Possession of a valid drivers license may be required.

Examination

TEST DATES AND TIMES: First, submit your application for employment. Second, call Employment Services at 813-274-8911 to determine if you meet the job qualifications, and, if so, to schedule your exam date and time.

Drug testing is included in all pre-employment process.

CommentsDuring periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.