Emergency Communications Specialist

Emergency Communications Specialist

CK2 Classification

Pay Range: $5,917 - $8,326

Emergency Communications Specialists (ECS) are cross-trained in four different disciplines: Call-Taking, Law Enforcement dispatching, Fire/EMS/Search & Rescue dispatching, and our Data Channel (law enforcement intelligence and field support). Each dispatcher becomes proficient at handling complex computer systems and a variety of responsibilities in a stressful and highly technical environment. Our dispatchers utilize a Viper phone and TriTech computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, along with many additional software applications while exercising independent judgment. Work involves extended periods of sitting or standing while working with others in a team atmosphere. The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours day, 365 days per year.
 
 Employment begins with an ECS Academy, followed by individual, on-console one-on-one training. Initial shift assignments are based on training needs and each person will move to various shifts for job-related experience. Upon completion of training, shifts are allocated based on seniority, and the needs of the Communications Center. You should expect to work any shift, days, or nights -- which includes weekends, holidays, and on-call.
 
 Boulder County dispatchers have been placed in a step plan, which allows for lateral hires to top out in as little as four (4) years, based on experience.

Boulder County is a family-friendly workplace dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Boulder County requires its employees to reside in the state of Colorado as of the first day of work.

•Demonstrate excellent character when faced with stressed, upset, or hostile callers while not becoming influenced by other people's emotions or situations. Resiliency and boundary setting are critical skills to successfully navigate this career.

 •Proficiently operate numerous software applications, including but not limited to Viper phone software, TriTech Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), EMSystems, VHF and digital trunking emergency radio equipment, CCIC/NCIC, alarm monitoring software, severe weather radar, and numerous additional ancillary applications.

 •Requires skill in making effective decisions under stressful conditions, performing and triaging multiple tasks simultaneously, and remaining calm during emergency situations. Must be able to exercise good judgment, use common sense and make sound decisions to ensure safety of both first responders and the public.

 •Requires the ability to listen, communicate and speak clearly enough in English to be understood while answering incoming radio, 9-1-1, and administrative telephone calls.
 •Question/assist callers in emergency situations; accurately ascertain the location and nature of the emergency.

 •Ability to receive, comprehend and rapidly relay accurate information.

 •Dispatch applicable emergency law, fire/ems/rescue personnel and equipment based on geographical and protocol knowledge with the aid of computer software systems.

 •Ability to successfully pass training and maintain proficiency for all four positions within the Center: 1) Call Taker 2) Law 3) Fire/EMS/Rescue 4) Data.

 •Monitor, manage, and coordinate traffic on several radio channels.

 •Fulfill all requests for supplemental information, personnel, and equipment in a timely manner.

 •Record and monitor the status of personnel and equipment to ensure safety of all personnel.

 •Complete and maintain CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certifications (training provided). Provide pre-arrival instructions according to Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols.

 •Requires the ability to perform repetitive motion at a keyboard/console on an intermittent basis for extended time periods per work shift.

 •Maturity and professionalism are essential as you will be interacting with both the public and other agencies.

 •Perform other related duties as requested/required, including emergency callback during large public safety emergencies (e.g., floods, wildfires, active harmer events, etc.).

•High school diploma or equivalent.

 •Type a minimum of 40 wpm with accuracy.

 •Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English with enough proficiency to effectively communicate under stressful circumstances.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•Preferred prior work experience in high-paced, stressful environments.

 •Preferred previous TriTech, CAD, IAEMD or CCIC/NCIC experience.

 •Preferred thorough knowledge of Boulder County geography and surrounding areas.

 •Experience operating computer systems with multiple displays.

 •Ability to read and comprehend mapping systems and understand geographic terminology.

 •Preferred Multi-lingual.        

Current Requirements:

This position is open to applicants who have experience working as an ECS with Boulder County Communications within the past 12 months. 

Physical Requirements:

Primarily sedentary physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds and frequently be able to reach above shoulder, at or below waist level at the workstation; occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; frequent hand/eye coordination to operate computer keyboard, mice, and office equipment; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication, hearing, and ability to maintain mental capacity to communicate with employees and members of the public during stressful situations.
 From "Dictionary of Occupational Titles", U.S. Department of Labor: Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time. Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time.