Telecommunications Officer I -Sheriff's Office - Fort Bend County

Overview

Fort Bend County is ranked as one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.  We have capitalized on not only the creed of our location, but on the "quality of life" for our families to call home.  Our employees are the key to our success and the heartbeat of our foundation.  The diversity and inclusivity of our community is our strength and at the forefront of a workplace environment welcoming to all.  Live Here! Work Here!

JOB SUMMARY:

The Telecommunications Officer staffs a high volume, 24-hour dispatch center that is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering essential information and dispatching of police, fire, and EMS personnel. Works under the supervision of a telecommunications supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Calm distressed citizens and defuse critical situations on the phone to collect, evaluate, and prioritize incoming information from callers.

• Capable of simultaneously dispatching by radio, prioritizing calls for service, managing incidents, units and resources, and logging incident details in computer-aided dispatch software. Operates radio console consisting of several talk groups.

•  Independently initiating action consistent with existing policies and procedures, based upon observed situations, and using sound judgment. 

• Communicate and liaise with command staff, employees, other agencies, and the public in a knowledgeable, efficient, and courteous manner. 

• Process teletype (TLETS) information and complete in-house system computer searches. Create, maintain, and update critical TCIC/ NCIC files. 

• Maintain confidentiality of information and data related to department and dispatch operations. 

• Maintain composure during stressful situations for extended periods of time. 

• Develop and maintain familiarity with Fort Bend County geography. 

• Maintain proficiency in all aspects of emergency communications; maintain licensing, certification, and credentialing standards. 

• Inform direct supervisor of concerns regarding work progress, barriers, and issues. 

• Position involves being stationary at a communications console for extended lengths of time with continual use of a computer keyboard and other peripheral devices. 

• Must be able to work during declared Office of Emergency Management events and accept different hours and days off depending on the demands of the Communications Center. 

• Other duties assigned by a supervisor to complete the mission of the Communications Center.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma/GED (Must be 18 years of age).
• Certificate compensation will be given for those who have achieved TCOLE certifications of Intermediate, Advanced and Master.
• 2 years full-time customer service based work-related experience.
• Good computer skills; written and verbal communication skills; pass the “Criti-call” candidate test; passing data-entry/dispatch simulation test score; typing test with minimum score of 35 wpm; good interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with others.
• This position requires a person that is able to maintain emotional control under stressful situations.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity work environment efficiently and effectively with interruptions.
• Work in close proximity with others and distracting sounds and noise levels. Must be able to work any shift, including nights, weekends and holidays.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Auditory acuity (with or without assistive hearing devices) in use of all telecommunications equipment. Continued employment is contingent upon the successful completion of Telecommunicator training and passing all testing required to obtain the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Telecommunicator certification within a year of employment including NCIC/TCIC Full Access Course (24 hours), and CPR/AED certification (8 hours) training.

SALARY RANGE: $20.91/Hourly

CLOSING DATE:  Upon filling position

All full-time and part-time employees are members of the Texas County District Retirement System (TCDRS). Full-time employees also enjoy a wide-range of great benefits.

Fort Bend County is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy status (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected military and veteran status, political affiliation or beliefs, or any other classification protected by state, federal  and local  laws, unless  such classification is a bona fide occupational qualification.

For more information on Fort Bend County's Title VI / Nondiscrimination Statement, visit www.fbctx.gov/comply

To be considered for employment, all interested candidates must complete the required Fort Bend County online employment application located at www.fortbendcounty.jobs