St. James Parish Government is hiring for the position of 911 Dispatcher in the Emergency Preparedness Department .
JOB FUNCTION: The position of Dispatcher is responsible for
answering all emergency calls and dispatching appropriate authorities as
needed. This position requires strict confidentiality as well as timeliness and
efficiency. Through direct guidance and supervision from the Assistant Director
of Emergency Preparedness of St. James Parish Government, the Dispatcher will
be responsible for monitoring a variety of public safety telecommunications
systems and equipment. The parish Dispatchers work within the same location as the
sheriff’s office Dispatchers. Individuals in this class are able to complete
the majority of their work with a minimum amount of supervision. Normally works
a rotating 12-hour shift, which includes an on-call rotation. This position is
safety sensitive and is classified as essential during declared emergencies or
natural disasters. This position is non-exempt from the payment of overtime as
defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Handle the
reception and transmission of telephone and radio emergency calls, complaints
and inquiries from the public
· Evaluate
information to determine jurisdiction and other pertinent data and
disseminating necessary information to the appropriate agencies in a prompt and
efficient manner
· Monitor various
public safety telecommunication systems and equipment
· Operate a variety
of equipment including, but not limited to, enhanced 911 telephone systems,
telephone device for the deaf (T.D.D.), audio recording and playback equipment,
radio transmitters and receivers, radio consoles, data communication terminals,
and computer aided dispatch systems
· Record the nature
and source of all incoming and outgoing radio and telephone messages
· Study and maintain
familiarity with highways, roads, streets, parish municipal numbering system,
landmarks, major buildings and geography of all St. James Parish and
surrounding areas
· Attend trainings,
conferences, hearings, and other meetings related to this position as required
by the Director, Assistant Director or Communications Supervisor
· Perform any other
work-related duties as assigned by the Director, Assistant Director or Communications
Supervisor
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to
perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are
representative of knowledge, skills and/or ability required. St. James Parish
is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High school graduation or its equivalent. Must possess a valid
Louisiana driver’s license (Class E) and have an acceptable driving record. Must
have reliable transportation. Must have
working knowledge of a personal computer and all other standard office
equipment/machinery.
LANGUAGE
SKILLS: Must have the ability to read a variety of correspondences, reports,
ordinances, proclamations, resolutions, forms, manual, etc. Ability to
effectively present information and respond to questions from outside entities
with poise, voice control, and confidence.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of
measurement using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to
compute rate, ratio, and percentages and also interpret bar graphs.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions
furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to deal with
problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: Possess a
valid Louisiana driver’s license (class E), have a form of reliable
transportation, and have an acceptable driving record.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must be
proficient in the use of a personal computer with experience using the
Microsoft Office programs, especially Microsoft Word and Excel. Also will
be required to work in various software packages - Ability to
perform assignments with minimal supervision and maintain efficiency and
timeliness - Must be willing
to work overtime on occasion - Must be
willing to attend occasional meetings and seminars outside of the office
that may require an overnight stay when necessary - Position
requires a high degree of confidentiality due to the privileged and
confidential nature of the information processed; Ability to maintain
professionalism under a high-pressured situation
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that
must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of
this job. Reasonable accommodations will
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly
required to stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
The
employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds related to typical
office functions. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close
vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and
ability to adjust focus.
WORK
ENVIRONMENT: The
work environment characteristics described here are representative of those
that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the
job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works
indoors within a dispatch center located inside the Emergency Operations
Center.
St. James Parish is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. The parish will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, agree or political affiliations.