City of Orangeburg, South Carolina

Classification Specification

COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
Grade 5: $33,915

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to answer and process emergency and non-emergency calls and to dispatch first responders.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency voice calls from the public: determines nature of call; provides information, answers questions, takes messages, and/or refers caller to appropriate agency; enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System; contacts and dispatches appropriate units; provides officers with information needed to respond and to ensure officer safety; monitors status of response; and advises supervisors of all priority calls.

Logs incoming calls and dispatch information into computer systems: enters information pertinent to incoming calls, dispatched agencies, response time and actions taken; and maintains records of calls and dispatching activities; records all officer calls, dispatch time, arrival time and complete time; and files required documentation, files, requests and responses.

Utilizes National Crime Information Center (NCIC ) database: conducts computer background checks on criminals; receives and submits inquiries on driver's licenses, vehicle tags, stolen articles and property, guns, wanted and missing persons, and warrants and summons; and provides information from computer database as requested by officers.

Performs various administrative support activities such as entering, updating and retrieving information from databases; enters law enforcement information into databases; maintains communication logs; queries data bases upon request; conducts research; submits information to appropriate staff; and performs system backups and reboots servers as needed.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Communicates with supervisor, other employees, the public, and other agencies and individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED required; supplemented by one year of work experience that shows an ability to maintain steady employment in any field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license. Must possess and maintain a valid National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data.  Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information, such as daily shift reports, incident reports, vehicle reports, criminal reports, weather advisories, warrants, orders of protection, missing/endangered person reports, etc.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The City of Orangeburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.