Communications Operator 2

Public Safety Joint Communications
is the 24-hour 911 Public Safety Answering Point and Dispatch Center serving the citizens and emergency response agencies of Columbia and Boone County.

Communications Operator 2

12/98
ADA revised	POSITION DESCRIPTION
7005	CITY OF COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
CLASS TITLE:	COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR II
Work is performed under the supervision of a Communications Supervisor. This is lead work as senior operator on a shift in the Joint Communications and Information Center (Public Safety Joint Communications).

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None; however, the employee may provide guidance and/or direction to less experienced employees. The employee may be stepped up to fill a shift supervisor position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
(This list is not comprehensive, but indicates duties and responsibilities which may be redefined pursuant to operational needs):
Responds to more critical calls; provides operations guidance and training to less experienced employees; may serve as Communications Supervisor as needed. Assists with on-the-job training of new employees and keeps appropriate documentation of the progress of those employees. Operates telephone switching equipment, radio, and telecommunications equipment. Operates all functions of a Computer Aided Dispatch system. Operates basic PC computer, WordPerfect, and other appropriate software. Receives incoming emergency calls and dispatches fire apparatus, police and sheriff's units, ambulances, and civil defense units. Monitors weather service information for the approach of severe storms and notifies appropriate authorities. Monitors teletype computer terminal for pertinent information. Monitors radio transmitted and receiver site functions. 7005 offices. Maintains status records of all public safety units. Receives complaints and relays information to the appropriate City and County personnel. Reviews to maintain a full knowledge of City and County streets and roads and the most efficient dispatching routes. Maintains a listing of inoperative hydrants, closed streets, and other information pertinent to communications operations. Performs related duties as needed or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school and three years of experience in public safety communications; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which would provide the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Considerable knowledge of the geography and street system of Columbia and Boone County. Considerable knowledge of public safety functions including police, sheriff, fire, ambulance, and civil defense. Considerable knowledge of the methods and procedures of public safety communications. Considerable knowledge of the policies and procedures pertaining to PUBLIC SAFETY JOINT COMMUNICATIONS and the user agencies. General knowledge of telephone, radio and computer equipment in order to assist with trouble-shooting problems. Skill in operating telephone switching equipment and radio equipment. Skill in typing quickly and accurately and operating a personal computer and its related software. Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public and City and County officials. Ability to function efficiently under stress and handle several functions simultaneously. Ability to receive and relay information accurately. Ability to speak clearly and concisely and accurately over radio and telephone equipment. COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR II 12/98 Ability to use good judgment in the analysis of problems. Ability to assist in a training capacity with new employees. Ability to write clearly and concisely. Ability to work unscheduled overtime. Ability to be on call several times during each month. Excellent work history and attendance record. Possession of a Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) limited Police Commission. Certification from the Missouri State Highway Patrol in MULES Inquiry and Entry. Basic Communications training and Basic Life Support and Emergency Medical Technician certifications highly desirable. APCO Telecommunicator certification.