About the position
The Airport Communications Dispatcher I position at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA) is a critical role within the Airport Operations Center (AOC). Under the general direction of the AOC Manager and Telecommunications Supervisors, the dispatcher is responsible for operating telecommunications equipment to receive, process, and disseminate information through various emergency communications systems, airfield communications systems, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) systems, and airport security systems. This role is essential in ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations, particularly in emergency situations. The dispatcher will engage with multiple integrated operations within the Emergency Management division of the Department of Aviation, which includes a non-traditional Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) function that services Police, Fire, and EMS, as well as providing support for Security, Operations, and Maintenance. The dispatcher will be tasked with operating technology to respond to various forms of communication, including radio, telephone, email, alarms, and CCTV feeds. They will triage incoming data to prioritize emergency incidents and provide quality customer service in all interactions with the public and AOC-supported operations. In addition to processing 911 and non-emergency calls, the dispatcher will monitor video surveillance systems, relay observations to responders, and coordinate security and law enforcement responses. They will utilize the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to track, record, and prioritize incidents and responses, ensuring ongoing communication and coordination support for both emergency and non-emergency operations in the field. The dispatcher must act decisively in changing incident conditions and conduct comprehensive briefings to relief telecommunications staff before leaving their workstation. Other related duties may be assigned by the Telecommunications Supervisors, AOC Manager, or Emergency Management Director.
Responsibilities
- Operate telecommunications equipment to receive, process, and disseminate information through emergency and airfield communications systems.
- Provide triage of incoming data to prioritize handling of emergency incidents.
- Deliver quality customer service in all interactions with the public and AOC-supported operations.
- Process 911 and non-emergency calls for service and notify affected airport personnel as needed.
- Monitor video surveillance systems and relay observations to responders upon request.
- Monitor access control systems and duress alarms, coordinating security and law enforcement responses.
- Utilize the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to track, record, and prioritize incidents and responses.
- Provide ongoing communications and coordination support to emergency and non-emergency operations in the field.
- Act decisively when incident conditions change or airport staff or facilities are endangered.
- Coordinate communications with off-airport responders during airport incidents.
- Conduct detailed briefings to relief telecommunications staff before leaving the workstation.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors or management.
Requirements
- Ability to use established operating procedures to determine the severity of emergency events and appropriate course of action.
- Ability to work under stressful conditions and make rapid decisions.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to respond to emergency call situations at any time.
- Willingness to report to work in inclement weather.
- Proficiency in using keyboard devices, computers, and communications equipment.
- Ability to sit for extended periods.
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment failures and make timely notifications.
- Knowledge of personal computers and commonly used software such as Microsoft Windows, Excel, Word, Office, Outlook, and other mapping, database, and IP systems.
