Job Details

Overview

The City of Idaho Falls is currently accepting applications and resumes for the position of lateral emergency communications officer. This is a civilian position within the Police Department and candidates are subject to the same standards as all law enforcement personnel as set by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.

Lateral Hiring Process

• Your application and resume are reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications established by the Idaho Falls Police Department.
• If you meet the requirements established by the Police Department, you will be invited to participate in an administrative interview.
• If you proceed after the administrative interview you will be moved through to the background process which includes a detailed background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination and medical screening.

Pay

• 3 years - $25.00
• 4 years - $25.83
• 5 years - $26.68
• 6 years - $27.44

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien who is legally authorized to work in the United States.
• High School graduation or possession of a GED or equivalent
• Not less than 21 years of age at the time appointments
• Must possess and obtain a valid Idaho Drivers License by date of appointment

Lateral Emergency Communications Officer

• Served with any police/law enforcement public safety or emergency communications center in the State of Idaho.
• Cumulative related service in Idaho must include a minimum of three (3) years of Public Safety or Emergency Communication dispatching.
• Must have an Idaho POST Basic Certification as an emergency Communications Officer.

Outside Lateral Applicants

• Served with any police/law enforcement public safety or emergency communications center or in a center that routinely:

1. Receives and prioritizes emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone calls from the public
2. Processes information using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system
3. Dispatches appropriate emergency services agencies such as police, fire and emergency medical units
4. Retrieves and enters computer data for emergency response personnel within a service area and monitors public safety units in the field

Dispatching in non-emergency transportation services such as, trucking, bus, taxi, tow-truck, gas and water services, railroads, airlines or commercial or private couriers with NOT be considered as previous related experience.

Supervision

May provide close supervision to Emergency Communication Specialist Trainees in training or on a project-by-project basis and any duties that may have a direct or indirect influence on outcomes involving the Idaho Falls 911 Dispatch Center. Receives and coordinates all 911, police, fire, ambulance, search and rescue, and other emergency requests; receives and coordinates all non-emergency requests; relays instructions to radio units concerned; logs and types all citizen complaints. Dispatches patrol cars and emergency vehicles and equipment as necessary; informs involved officers of the nature of call and provides follow up service to officers requesting additional service or information; provides ongoing communication to assure the safety of officers and emergency personnel. Handles requests from officers on call for special or specific information, i.e., NCIC reports (criminal histories); follows up with appropriate department units for necessary information and relays same back to officer. Keeps informed of whereabouts of officers and emergency personnel at all times; maintains records of location of each officer and time spent on call scene. Broadcasts pick-up notices for wanted persons and stolen and suspect cars to officers; receives and checks inquiries for criminal record checks by using a video terminal; receives and transmits information over Teletype. Conducts preliminary investigations and searches via NCIC, in-house files, FBI files, etc. and supplies requesting officer or official with results; follows up on inquires for criminal history reports and current criminal status. Operates computer to maintain continuous record of communications activity, actions and disposition of emergency requests; keeps necessary logs, records and reports including incoming and outgoing calls; initiates "AlertSense" emergency calls to warn citizens and activate emergency personnel. Maintains radio communications logs, and NCIC/NLETS/ILETS/ISTARS Teletype system; operates computer as needed to access and retrieve records and information; performs technical maintenance on equipment; coordinates complex repairs with system vendors and contract maintenance agency. Performs related duties as required.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED;
• Experience with common computer office programs; administrative and clerical procedures;
• Must supply proof of the ability to type minimum of 40 WPM with emphasis on accuracy.
• Completion of the IFPD Emergency Communications Officer, Trainee training.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have basic writing skills; proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation; legible handwriting, and basic computer skills; standard office practices and procedures related to creating documents, skilled in word processing programs, records filing and office maintenance; interpersonal communication skills; modern filing systems related to alphabetical and numeric files; telephone systems; telephone etiquette; operation of a variety of types of standard office machines including computer, fax machine, copy machine, etc., familiarity with maps, knowledge of local and area geography.
• Must have the ability to maintain appropriate and constructive behavior and attitude in response to difficult or adverse situations; be able to act in a mature, dependable fashion; the ability and willingness to maintain dependable work habits such as reporting for duty on time, without the need for supervisory intervention; must show initiative in completing work assignments; have the willingness and ability to support and carry out directives without prompting.
• Ability to effectively multi-task, able to learn and operate a variety of radio communication equipment; think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations; deliver understandable and complex verbal instructions; ability to be empathetic and communicate with persons in crisis; perform work requiring complex listening abilities, good diction and a clear voice; exercise initiative, independent judgment and to act resourcefully under varying conditions; maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive administrative and legal information; develop effective working relationships with employees of all agencies represented and the public; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; work under time pressures, high stress, and work deadlines; ability to be alert and proficient at all time of the day and night; work in an environment requiring continuous sitting; ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions; learn and comprehend state criminal codes; police records management systems.

Special Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho Driver's License.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must pass a comprehensive law background investigation.
• Varying shift work is required, including weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Must pass a six (6) month probationary period.
• Upon completion of required training, the Communications Officer shall be certified as an Emergency Communications Officer within 18 months of hire by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
• Must be ILETS certified within 3 months of hire.
• Must be EMD certified within 3 months of hire.
• Must attend and perform (CDE) Continuing Dispatch Education to maintain certification as an Emergency Communications Officer.