Public Safety Dispatcher
: Job Details :

The City of Ames is conducting a recruitment to fill at least one opening as Public Safety Dispatcher. This position with the Ames Police Department performs work involved in the operation of a complex communications system; receives and handles both emergency and non-emergency communications from awide range of sources; dispatches appropriate services, personnel, and/or equipment in response to police, fire, or medical emergencies; and performs other related work as required. The work for this position is within a 24/7/365 environment and is subject to shift assignment and creates occasional mandatory overtime.SALARYThe starting annual salary for this position is $53,867 ($25.90 per hour) as of July 1, 2024. Specified months of City of Ames Dispatcher service are applied in step increases to salary, per the PPME bargaining agreement. The current steps are outlined below:Salary StepsJuly 1, 2024 through June 30, 20250-18 Months: $53,86719-36 Months: $56,46437 & up: $65,264July 1, 2025 through June 30, 20260-18 Months: $55,48319-36 Months: $58,15837 & up: $67,222HIRING WAGE INCENTIVEAnyone who begins employment from this recruitment shall receive a hiring wage incentive to equal $1000. This incentive shall be paid in the following increments:50% upon hire25% after 6 months of employment25% after probationary period ends or 12 months of employment (whichever is later)Application ProcessIn order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.BenefitsOur comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at: City of Ames BenefitsEducation and ExperienceSuccessful completion of high school, HiSet, or G.E.D. is required. Applicants with related college coursework and/or two years relevant work experience, including working in a team environment while maintaining effective working relationships within fast paced ever changing environments, may be preferred.Licenses and CertificatesMust obtain IOWA/NCIC, CPR, and Emergency Medical Dispatching certifications within six months of appointment and re-certify as required. Must attend and successfully complete the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy 40-hour training course within one year of appointment.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required to Perform Essential FunctionsKnowledge of computer aided dispatching software.Knowledge of emergency medical dispatching protocols.Knowledge of the location of streets in Ames.Knowledge of rules governing proper usage of state/federal software applications.Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering the operation of radio receivers and transmitters.Knowledge of the proper use and care of essential dispatcher equipment.Skill in entering data quickly and accurately using a computer keyboard.Skill in receiving and transmitting information quickly and accurately using a radio console and telephone.Skill in communicating with members of the public and department staff both orally and in writing in a professional, clear, and concise manner at all times.Skill in problem solving and troubleshooting when system errors and process interruptions arise.Ability to work in a team environment and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, personnel from other agencies and departments, and the general public.Ability to be amicable with various communication styles and system switches/upgrades within an ever changing fast paced work environment.Ability to stay calm and logically think/act through processes and procedures.Ability to work and problem-solve quickly and calmly in emergency situations.Ability to receive and comprehend multiple conversations simultaneously by telephone and radio while operating dispatch software.Ability to multitask.Ability to operate complex Public Safety related computer systems.Ability to document and record events in a clear, complete, legible, and objective manner.Ability to operate equipment common to a complex communications system.Ability to speak clearly and concisely.Ability to handle situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully.Ability to adapt to varied working hours.Work HoursThe work for this position is within a 24/7/365 environment and is subject to shift assignment and creates occasional mandatory overtime.Residency RequirementAll employees governed by the PPME contract (which includes Public Safety Dispatchers) are required to reside within an area bordered by State Highway 65 on the east; and on the west, County Road R27 north of Boone and the Des Moines River south of Highway 30 on the west, Story County line on the north, and Polk County Road F-22 on the south. Communities intersected by the borderlines shall be considered within the area.Selection ProcessThe selection process consists of an evaluation of education/experience; a written exam; a preliminary background check; a behavioral assessment; simulation testing; oral board interview, reference check, and an extensive background investigation (including criminal history, financial and employment verification, psychological exam (MMPI) and physical exam (including a drug test). Candidates must successfully pass each component to continue in the process.All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.Written Exam and Simulation TestingWritten exam is set for December 9, 2024, with Criticall testing to follow December 11 - 13, 2024, for those who pass the written exam.#J-18808-Ljbffr