Communications Dispatcher
: Job Details :

This position is designated as an Emergency Personnel Position. Due to the nature of the job functions, this successful applicant may be required to report to work during an emergency or during non-business hours to support agency operations, even if state offices are closed or other state workers are excused from work. The Communications Dispatcher is responsible for a wide range of duties, including answering telephones, communicating by radio and other means with MEMA staff and other agencies including but not limited to DCR, DFS, OPSI and DEP, maintaining situational awareness, providing timely information on emergency events and incidents to MEMA staff, other agencies, local emergency management directors and others. The position requires good oral communication skills, good writing skills, ability to multi-task and work under pressure. This person will serve as the emergency point of contact for the agency when dealing with a range of emergency situations and will be responsible for answering phones, operating two-way radios, monitoring public safety radio frequencies and the media and will follow protocols for providing emergency notifications and handling emergency and routine agency communications. The dispatcher will utilize various equipment for emergency and non-emergency notification and response for various emergencies and events, including but not limited to weather-related emergencies, hazardous material (hazmat) incidents, nuclear power plant incidents, mass casualty and mass fatality incidents, and other emergency and disaster related situations. Communications Dispatchers are responsible for maintaining and updating the MEMA electronic duty log and utilizing various computer databases and communications systems. Dispatchers are required to be available to workdays, nights, weekends and holidays to ensure twenty-four hour coverage. Perform other related work as assigned or needed. 1. Responsible to provide dispatch coverage during nights, weekends 2. Use 2-way radios and other communication systems meeting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and guidelines. 3. Receive alerts and notify proper personnel of Nuclear Power Plant incidents (Seabrook, Pilgrim and Vermont Yankee). 4. Operate the Emergency Alert Systems, siren controls and radios for Nuclear Power Plants as needed or required. 5. Monitor and receive alerts and make required notifications of various incidents in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and surrounding states including but not limited to severe weather, hazmat incidents, large fires, missing persons, terrorist incidents, etc. Receive alerts and notify all New England states of seismic activity (earthquakes). 6. Monitor local, state and federal radio frequencies to receive, evaluate and forward information for reportable incidents and respond on those systems as needed or required. Provide dispatch/notification services for other governmental units and agencies including but not limited to DCR, DEP, and others as needed or directed. 7. Implement and coordinate requests for support from MEMA's Operations Division. 8. Coordinate statewide alerting activities utilizing the Federal National Warning Systems (NAWAS). 9. Receive requests from communities including but not limited to requests for Department of Fire Services (DFS); Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Spill Response; Department of Public Health (DPH) emergency calls; and Department of Public Safety emergency calls, and follow notification and logging procedures. 10. Receive requests to activate the Statewide Fire Department Task Forces, follow implementation procedures and notify appropriate personnel. 11. Implement the Fire & Ambulance Mobilization Tracking System (FAMTRAC) during Statewide Fire or Ambulance Task Force activations. 12. Monitor Emergency Management Network (EMnet) for critical warnings & alerts and notify appropriate personnel when required. 13. Notify designated agencies with critical information during an Amber Alert and monitor the status of the alert until closed by the Massachusetts State Police. 14. Operate the Health & Homeland Alert Network (HHAN) automated notification system and additional automated public alerting systems including but not limited to Ping 4. 15. Monitor Aircraft Emergencies statewide and make notifications as required. 16. Prepare, store, revise, maintain and edit electronic log and various databases using computer equipment and various programs (documents and materials included) to generate reports. Maintain action records or logs of information such as messages received and transmitted. 17. Apply knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and practices acquired through successful completion of required agency training. 18. Respond to inquiries from the general public and other local, state, federal, private and voluntary agencies and take necessary action if required. 19. Monitor closed circuit video system for building security and checking in and out personnel after hours. 20. Monitor closed circuit video system for building security and checking in a out personnel after hours. 21. May be asked to assist with providing on-the-job training. 22. Confer with agency staff, State, Local, Federal and other Agencies in order to exchange communications information and resolve problems. 23. Utilize the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for NPPs as needed or required. 24. Search, retrieve and store files, record and manuals to obtain information in response to inquiries. 25. Check operating communications equipment and systems to report malfunctions to the proper authority ensuring continued statewide communications. Additional Duties: 1. May be assigned to participate in, or support training programs, drills and exercises. 2. May be assigned to work in or support the State Emergency Operations Center, one of MEMA's Regional Emergency Operations Centers, or a local, regional or state Emergency Operations Center or command post during disasters, emergencies, incidents and pre-planned events. May also be assigned to support field response or recovery operations. 3. May be required to work extended hours, including during nights and weekends in the event of a disaster, emergency, incident or threat affecting the Commonwealth, or in support of pre-planned events or activation of a state, regional or local emergency operations center. 4. May be required to travel within and outside of the Commonwealth in support of work assignments and responsibilities. Travel may require overnight stays. 5. May be required to carry and use a two-way public safety radio during duty hours. 6. Must have basic computer knowledge and experience, and a willingness and ability to learn and use work-related software programs, applications, and technology systems. 7. Must have reliable transportation to and from work or assigned locations on a daily basis as well as during emergency activations or operations. 8. Must have the ability to form harmonious working relations with others, and to work well with others and as part of a team. 9. Fulfill other work-related assignments as required or assigned. Qualifications: First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Required work experience: At least two years full-time or equivalent part-time, professional or technical experience in the operation of radio receiving and transmitting equipment to receive and transmit law enforcement and emergency communications. Educational substitutions: An Associates or higher degree in communications, communications technology or telecommunications may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience. One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree or diploma will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Based on assignment, a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operators license may be required. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.