Public Safety Communications Specialist (Dispatcher) - Continuous Pool

$40,269 - $52,333/Yr

Maricopa Community Colleges - Tempe, AZ

Full-time

Tempe, AZ

Educational Services

About the position

The Public Safety Communications Specialist (Dispatcher) serves as a critical initial point of contact for the Maricopa Community College District, supporting the public safety and law enforcement mission. This role involves receiving and managing 9-1-1 calls, providing assistance to students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and communicating vital information to various stakeholders, including Public Safety personnel and external communities. The position requires the ability to operate under stressful circumstances, ensuring that all communications are handled efficiently and effectively. Dispatchers are responsible for coordinating multiple Public Safety personnel across various colleges and obtaining assistance from allied public safety agencies when necessary. The essential functions of the role include answering administrative and emergency calls, operating emergency communications dispatching systems, and tracking public safety activities using a computer-aided dispatch system. Dispatchers must also query, interpret, and enter data into state and national criminal justice information systems, maintaining the necessary certifications. Additionally, the role involves administrative duties related to auditing and supporting various communication systems, as well as training and directing temporary and student workers. Candidates for this position must possess a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of dispatch or related law enforcement experience. Due to the sensitive nature of the information handled, successful completion of a background investigation, polygraph testing, and psychological examination are required. Desired qualifications include experience in emergency situations, an associate's degree in a related field, and familiarity with law enforcement communications equipment and criminal justice database systems. The work schedule may vary, requiring flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Answers administrative calls and emergency calls for service, providing assistance to members of Public Safety, the college community, visitors, and first responders.
• Operates emergency communications dispatching systems and tracks public safety activities using a computer-aided dispatch system for an assigned shift.
• Queries, interprets, and enters data into the state and national criminal justice information system, maintaining Level 'A' AJCIS Terminal Operator Certification.
• Assists in administrative duties involving the auditing, editing, and support of various systems, including voice communications, records management systems, and emergency notification systems.
• Participates in training activities relevant to the job function and may train and direct the work of temporary and/or student workers.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED and one (1) year of dispatch or related law enforcement or public safety experience.
• Successful completion of a background investigation, polygraph testing, and psychological examination are required due to the confidential nature of information handled.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in effectively dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Experience in effectively dealing with emergency situations in a fast-paced environment.
• Associate's degree or higher in Administration of Justice or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) or more years of experience operating law enforcement communications equipment, including multi-line telephone systems and computer-aided dispatching systems.
• One (1) or more years of experience with criminal justice database and information systems.
• Experience in keyboarding or typing or data entry.
• Experience in use of emergency-related mass notification systems.

Benefits

• Paid observed federal holidays & additional paid time off throughout the year
• Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) & 12% Employee Contribution Match
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal time
• Multiple health and dental insurance coverage plans
• Virtual: Reach a doctor 24/7
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Maricopa Perks & Gears Discount Program
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• $4,000 Annual professional development growth funding
• Tuition reimbursement for employee and dependents
• Revised summer work schedule
• Maricopa Employee Health & Wellness Program
• Employee recognition opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness