Careers

Job Description: Summary

This classification receives emergency and non-emergency requests for a response via radio, telephone, and computer-aided dispatch systems, determines priorities, dispatches law enforcement and other emergency units, and maintains close contact with field units to monitor response progress and any needed support requirements. It is distinguished from the Sheriff's 9-1-1 Call Taker and other Public Safety classifications which do not dispatch or communicate directly with field units.

Duties and Responsibilities

(Work assignments may vary depending on the department's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.)

• Monitors emergency and general support radio frequencies;
• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls, including enhanced 9-1-1, and non-emergency calls from the public, dispatchers, and law enforcement agencies via telephone, radio systems, and CAD systems;
• Determines priorities of all calls and dispatches required units and/or agencies;
• Receives radio calls from field units;
• Transmits messages via radio, telephone, computer, fax, or other communication equipment;
• Makes inquiries of various sources to obtain requested information or services by phone or computer-automated communication equipment;
• Maintains status and location control of all public safety personnel involved in department activities;
• Dispatches the assignment of field units and routes them to the scene of emergency situations;
• Creates and maintains automated and/or manual records of public safety communications activities;
• Uses various computer systems, databases, and mapping applications for data entry and information retrieval;
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties;
• May assist in the provision of on-the-job training for other positions using or serviced by CAD and/or the Communications Section;
• May be assigned to train new hire dispatchers and complete and submit progress reports and evaluations on trainees;
• May be assigned limited supervisory duties on a temporary basis.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Public service activities, the organization, policies, and methods of county government;
• The rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering the operation of radio receivers and transmitters;
• Effective verbal communications techniques, particularly for communicating with other parties under stress;
• The proper use and care of radio and telephone equipment;
• Basic mathematics and the English language, spelling and word usage;
• Law enforcement terminology and procedures;
• Geography of Pima County, locations of towns, cities, and communities, major and minor roadways/highways, and like information.

Skill in:

• Observing situations analytically and objectively and recording them clearly and completely;
• Reacting quickly and calmly in emergencies;
• Communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately;
• Handling situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially;
• Recalling numerous details and essential information;
• Determining priorities;
• Operating radio, telephone, keyboard, computer terminal, and related communications equipment;
• Creating and maintaining manual and automated logs and other records of public safety communications activities;
• Reading and interpreting maps to determine locations, jurisdictional boundaries, etc.
• Functional use of current Microsoft Office operating systems.

Other Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate. (Proof must be submitted at the time of application.)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Licenses and Certifications: All positions in this classification require attaining and maintaining access certifications by the Sheriff's Department, state, and federal agencies for criminal history databases and associated communications systems. Failure to obtain/maintain such certifications may be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items: Applicants must successfully complete and pass the pre-employment public safety dispatch skills assessment, which will include a typing and data entry assessment. All positions require the satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation. Some positions may require bilingual abilities in English and a second language, as determined by the Sheriff's Department.

This classification specification is intended to indicate the basic nature of positions allocated to the classification and examples of typical duties that may be assigned. It does not imply that all positions within the classification perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• At least 18 years of age (at time of hire)
• Be of excellent character
• U.S. Citizen or Alien Work Permit
• Satisfactory completion of a background investigation
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays

• CritiCall Test: Two-hour standardized test to evaluate multi-tasking and keyboarding skills, and a typing test (passing score is 35 words-per-minute or above). CritiCall Candidate Practice Test
• Oral Board Interview
• Executive Review: The Executive Review Board identifies applicants for hire contingent upon passing a post-offer drug screening, an intense background investigation, and a final review.
• Take a look at our oral board prep video. Click here.

• Basic Communications Training Academy – 10 weeks of academic classroom training
• Communications Center Training Program – 12 weeks of on the job training broken up into 4 phases
• 18 month probation period, beginning at the start of Basic Communications Training Academy

Starting Salary:   Hourly - $21.11

• Fifteen (15) vacation days per year (various increases per County schedule thereafter)
• Ten (10) paid holidays per year
• Paid days off in honor of Cesar Chavez and Juneteenth
• Fifteen (15) sick leave days per year
• Group insurance coverage (medical, dental, and life)
• Retirement Plan
• Worker's Compensation
• Paid overtime
• Premium pay for shift work
• Deferred Compensation Programs (for investment and tax savings)
• Flexible spending accounts for child care, medical, and parking
• Free counseling for individuals and families
• Promotional opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement