DISPATCHER / COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - POLICE DEPARTMENT

Full-time, hourly position. This job involves a special field of work of moderate difficulty in providing police and fire dispatching services in the regional communications facility of the Cocoa Police Department. Responsibilities include answering incoming calls from the public, inquiring nature of calls for accurate and rapid screening for proper routing, dispatching police and fire assistance, and transmitting messages on the teletype network. The employee in this position is responsible for gathering intelligence and monitoring transmissions. Employees broadcast public safety information to mobile and/or stationary units using an 800 MHz radio network, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, and Emergency 9-1-1 System. Dispatches messages over a police communication system; dispatches police and fire department units; receives messages; receives telephone calls and channels to proper department; learns and recognizes zones of City in order to dispatch closest police or fire personnel and equipment to render services as needed; sends and receives all messages on computer and teletype system. Maintains and gives out requested information to all law enforcement agencies; receives all complaints; assigns complaint numbers; dispatches patrol or fire units when needed; dispatches all emergency type vehicles, ambulances, wreckers, and when directed, notifies all news media of any serious accidents or disasters. Prepares and maintains related reports. Maintains all log books stored in Communication Center. Maintains the security and confidentiality of all records and documents filed in the Communication Center. Keeps abreast of federal, state, and local city ordinances related to public safety. Monitors facilities through on-site audio and visual devices. Possesses a high level of understanding of equipment functions and ensures all equipment is in working order by troubleshooting and seeing that necessary repairs are requested and provided. Assists in coordinating shift schedules for the coming weeks and insures adequate staff coverage for the on coming shift. Respond to recall of duty at any time; work holidays, weekends, natural disasters, etc.; must be able to work rotating shifts around the clock including overtime. Performs typing tasks on the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. Disseminates necessary written material such as directives and bulletins. Assures necessary operational information is communicated to the on coming shift. Insures good working relationships with member departments and courteous treatment of the general public by all shift members. May perform filing duties during assigned shift. Duties requiring dexterity are: typing; minimum lifting of boxes of computer paper, at times weighing approximately twenty (20) pounds.  Must be alert and possess the ability to communicate with the general public and fellow dispatchers and officers. Work is reviewed by a supervisor, who reviews methods of work and records for effectiveness and for adherence to rules, regulations and procedures. Performs related work as required. 
 
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills
Must be able to type twenty-five (25) WPM. Must be able to pass an extensive comprehensive investigation to include polygraph and/or CVSA. Experience with handling high priority, fast paced and stressful situations with the ability to make proper analytical decisions quickly;  preferably in the public service environment.  Must be detail oriented with the ability to simultaneously observe and record events accurately and completely.  Ability to rapidly define problems, gather pertinent facts, and draw valid strategic conclusions in order to provide the appropriate assistance.  Ability to efficiently perform several functions at once.  Ability to maintain professionalism under all situations.  Possess good oral and written communication skills and effectively work with others.  Ability to comprehensively give and receive geographical directions. Possess strong knowledge of PC operations and software (word processing, spreadsheet, and Computer Aided Dispatch System). Ability to pass and maintain all certifications required including but not limited to CJIS Certification and FEMA Certifications.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS
Must be able to do light lifting. Sufficient use of fingers and hands necessary to operate a keyboard and move objects in dark areas or lightly lit areas.  Requires good hearing without the assistance of a hearing aid.  Ability to sit for long periods, as well as, intermittent standing, walking, pulling, pushing, kneeling, bending, stooping, and balancing.  Must be able to work indoors, in hot, cold, humid and dry conditions, with noisy conditions and with electrical energy. These physical attributes are expected to be maintained throughout ones employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications in order to be considered for this position.