COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER / 911 DISPATCHER
: Job Details :

Position SummaryThe Communications Officer is responsible for the operation and activities relative to the Sheriff's Office Communications Center, including all emergency and non-emergency requests for service. The Communications Officer is a highly technical position that answers 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, interdepartmental calls from police, fire and ambulance services, and calls from other public safety agencies. Communications Officers monitor multiple computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment and interpretation and is performed under general supervision with periodic review for accuracy and adherence to standards.This individual provides callers with the appropriate advice or referral, or initiate police, fire, and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller. The Communications Officer dispatches law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel by Operating Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), two-way radio, and other sophisticated communications equipment systems. Work includes handling high-stress and crisis situations, de-escalation of critical situations with callers, accurate transfer of information to multiple agencies and responders, and requires a high accuracy in receiving information and providing direction and location information through dispatch of emergency and public safety services.Supplemental:

• The 2025 salary range for this position is $21.07-$31.61 per hour depending on experience. A new hire without comparable experience should expect to start at $23.14 per hour.
• This is a trainable position with training provided, which must be successfully completed and maintained. Candidates must also possess a valid driver's license.
• This is a full-time benefit eligible position including medical, dental, life insurance, holiday, sick leave, vacation, and uniform pay. Hours of work are generally 10-hour shifts in a 24/7/365 environment.
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Essential Functions/ResponsibilitiesThe following duties are normal for this classification.These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.Other duties may be required and assigned.Position Duties

• Answer and process 911 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, interdepartmental calls for police, fire and ambulance services, and calls from other public safety agencies for McLeod County. McLeod County dispatches for 19 public safety agencies within McLeod County as well as several State agencies.
• When a request for services is received (by telephone, radio, in person, by fax, email, or teletype {TTY}) gather and dispatch information to the appropriate personnel.
• Maintain radio dispatch log for emergency responders. Document calls for service, complete appropriate forms, and computer data entry for the same. Accuracy and timeliness of all above state responsibilities is imperative.
• Broadcast, enter, modify, cancel, and/or clear Hot File notices for wanted persons, stolen vehicle/suspect vehicle information, vehicle registrations, stolen property, runaway juveniles, or other information as requested. Monthly, quarterly, and yearly validation of Hot Files.
• Request and receive information via the Minnesota Department of Criminal Justice Information System (MNJIS) - PORTALS system, including but not limited to: persons, vehicles, drivers, guns, articles, and Computerized Criminal Histories files to query, enter, modify, clear and cancel data and operate computer terminals linked to State and Federal law enforcement agencies.
• Monitor numerous radio frequencies for law enforcement and emergency response agencies to request or provide assistance and information for the same.
• Serve as the County Warning Point for Civil Defense. Monitor weather radar, coordinate communications, and operate countywide warning system for natural and nuclear disasters.
• Alert the public, fire department/rescue/Skywarn personnel, officers, and responders with Code Red messages.
• Monitor various alarm systems and dispatch appropriate responding units.
• Observe video monitors for Sheriff's complex. Is responsible for department building security and access to secured areas in Sheriff's Administration area.
• Respond to requests for service by citizens at lobby window. May be required to answer inquiries or refer requests appropriately.
• Responsible for assisting and training Communications Officers and interns. Report to Communications Supervisor on status of new Communications Officer/intern candidates.
• Perform duties pertaining to law enforcement reports and records. Ensure that records are accurate and forwarded to the appropriate local, state, and federal agencies as needed by utilizing the office's records management system and state and federal computer systems.
• Submit cases and search warrants through electronic/online filing systems.
• May testify in court as required.
• Host authorized tours of/within the dispatch center.
• Is responsible for the notification of the Sheriff or designee of any critical incident that has occurred during the work shift.
• Conduct pager tests for Law Enforcement, ERU, Fire Department, and EMS to ensure that equipment is working appropriately.
• Responsible for maintaining training certificates and attending training sessions to include online trainings as scheduled by the Communications Sergeant.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.
• Ability to become a Field Training Officer. Must have strong communications skills and the ability to train and evaluate trainees.
• Responsible to complete ongoing training as scheduled by the Supervisor and within the requirements of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• During their shift, the Communications Officer shall always remain awake and alert and capable of responding to the requests for assistance received from the public, Law Enforcement Officers or other Emergency Service personnel.
• Ability to work a rotating schedule which includes days/afternoons/nights/weekends/holidays and some shifts with minimum notice.
• Ability to enter accurate information into computer systems while simultaneously talking.
• Ability to operate CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) and radio console equipment.
• Ability to speak and enunciate while maintaining order and calmness in stressful conditions.
• Ability to handle situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully.
• Ability to make rapid decisions and sound judgments in emergency situations.
• Ability to interpret and apply communication policies and procedures.
• Ability to deal tactfully and professionally with the public, and all internal and external contacts.
• Day-to-day activities require many complex functions requiring a high retention of policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage, store and retrieve sensitive information using manual and computerized records.
• A minimum typing skill of 45 words per minute.
• A working knowledge of filing systems.
• A high ability to effectively communicate accurate information with other staff and law enforcement agencies through direct contact, radio transmissions, telephones, intercoms and through computers is required in daily activities.
• A high ability to communicate essential and appropriate information to staff, law enforcement agencies, emergency response agencies and the public in a professional and courteous manner. This includes the ability to learn, read, and decipher maps for paging the correct emergency responders and provide directions as they are enroute to a call for service, as well as provide timely updates. This includes providing Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) checks/status checks on emergency responders (firefighters interior and on fire ground, as well as officer and EMS safety checks on the scene of an incident).
• Ability to provide good telephone etiquette.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and policies.
• Ability to develop skill and speed in the operation of radio, telephone, computer and related equipment.
• A high ability to react decisively and appropriately in highly stressful situations.
• Ability to de-escalate callers to decipher information received via telephone, radio, intercom and react appropriately.
• An ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• An ability to maintain confidentiality.
• A good working knowledge of the English language.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and thorough records and reports for McLeod County and external agencies.
• Ability to obtain knowledge of Minnesota Statutes, and the different levels of charges to include: Felonies, Gross Misdemeanors, Misdemeanors and Petty Misdemeanors.
• Ability to dispatch during power outage from mobile or portable units.
• Ability to determine the correct Minnesota Offense Code (MOC) for the crime(s) that would pertain to the case if it were charged out.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Ability to maintain a regular and timely work attendance.
• Ability to work overtime if required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and internal/external contacts.
• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with the public and internal/external contacts in person, by telephone and through written correspondence.

Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Keyboarding ability of 45 words-per-minute or better with accuracy.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Required Training

• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) & First Aid; T-CPR (Telecommunicator CPR).
• Must be able to obtain DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services) certification through the BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension).
• Must be able to obtain MNJIS Basic Operator's Certificate.
• Security Awareness.
• Complete ongoing refresher or recertification courses.

Required Certifications/Licenses

• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to maintain such license and proof of insurance.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Ongoing refresher training to maintain certifications.

Preferred education and Experience

• Prior experience in public safety dispatching (lateral pay for current or previous dispatchers will be considered).
• Previous customer service experience in a fast-paced environment.
• An associate's degree in a law enforcement related field of study.
• Bilingual
• LETG software (Law Enforcement Technology Group)
• Microsoft Office (such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel)
• MNJIS (Minnesota Justice Information Services) Basic Operator Certified
• Computer knowledge and typing with accuracy.
• Work experience in a telephone/call center with good telephone etiquette.

Preferred Certification

• Basic CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) Certification
• ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix Emergency Response) Certified

Relationships

• County citizens who call into the Communications Center with emergency and non-emergency needs to determine what type of assistance is required.
• Law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical responders to inform them of citizen needs and request their response.
• Criminal Justice System partners, to include attorneys, judges, court administration and corrections to provide evidence in court cases or to testify in court.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Working Conditions

• Work is carried out in a controlled radio room, which is a restrictive physical environment (must remain within dispatch center unless relieved but may sit or stand as desired).
• Work is also carried out in a mobile emergency response unit on occasion at varied locations. Mobile work may be performed in a limited/restricted area in close proximity to large assembly events or emergency situations with individuals under the influence or in mental health crisis.
• Incumbents function in a stressful environment: Decisions must be made quickly and accurately, and consequences are usually seen immediately.
• There is frequent contact on calls with individuals who are under distress, in crisis, or angry.
• Rotating shift work. Work is regularly performed outside of business hours; coverage of services is provided to the public 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Requires working on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements Of This Position

• Sit or stand at a desk/console for extended periods of time and perform long hours of work at a terminal.
• Hear and speak effectively to communicate in person and over the phone with contacts listed under Internal/External Relationships above.
• Visual acuity to read color coded computer screens and printed documents.

• Manual dexterity to:
  • Type on a keyboard and use a computer mouse.
  • Perform manual, repetitive tasks such as typing, handwriting, searching through documents, and compiling material.
• Required to perform some physical duties including movement of records, supplies and boxes weighing less than 50 lbs. and stored in areas requiring full range of physical movement.
• Repetitive small mechanical motions of keys, technical devices and equipment including computer keyboard and mouse are used on a continuing basis and require a full use of arms, hands, and fingers to handle and feel.
• Work requires 8-, 10-, or 12-hour rotating shifts with prolonged movement in and around the work station monitoring the communications console while sitting, standing or walking.
• Communications work area contains numerous lighted and audible warning or alert devices that are used to alert the staff.
• Required to have a high ability to determine odors that may be threatening to self or others and react appropriately.

Equipment Required to Perform This Job

• Multiple Desktop computers
• Radio System
• Desktop Phone
• Video monitors
• Scanner
• Fax machine
• Printer
• Keyboard & mouse
• Copier
• Portable Radios
• Headset
• Shredder

Additional Notes

• All positions in the McLeod County Sheriff's Office are subject to a background check. This may include, but not limited to the following checks: criminal history, credit, driver's license, pre-employment physical, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, pre-employment psychological testing.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)