Emergency Communication Specialist III

Emergency Communications Specialist

To perform a variety of routine clerical, administrative and technical work in receiving and dispatching routine and emergency information; provide life-saving instructions over the phone, accurately document incidents / reports from citizens for emergent and non-emergent calls, and dispatch first responders to emergency situations. Assist in the training of new employees in proper telephone call procedures and related communication equipment for the Santa Fe Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC).

Essential Job Functions :

• Works under the supervision of the Director of RECC and manages the day-to-day operations of the RECC.
• Incumbents must be willing to work any day of the week (including weekends and holidays) and any hours of the day or night.
• Receives, processes and provides instruction for calls of a medical nature utilizing Emergency Medical Dispatch Protocols.
• Assumes supervision of a shift in absence of a Communications Supervisor; creates and manages shift and on-call schedules; assists employees with timesheets.
• Works under the supervision of the Communications Manager and Communications Supervisors.
• Provides information, guidance, direction, and when necessary supervision related to policies and procedures, general dispatch functions, proper telephone call procedures and related computer equipment to other Emergency Communications Specialists and Trainees.
• Provides training and feedback to new Emergency Communications Specialists in accordance with the RECC training guidelines.
• Monitors telephones and radio in the emergency dispatch center, answers incoming calls and ascertains nature of call, gathers all necessary information to transmit or relay information.
• Operates radios and dispatches law enforcement, fire, EMS and other units for emergency responses; broadcasts nature, location and time of incident; contacts all required personnel and other local concerns of an emergency situation; relays information as required.
• Contacts outside agencies as needed to coordinate and manage emergencies.
• Performs a variety of routine clerical, administrative and technical work in receiving and dispatching routine and emergency information. Maintains logs of radio and telephone communications, location of personnel and equipment; in the event of an emergency situation, maintains on-going contact with the responding personnel and keeps them informed of all incoming pertinent information; keeps track of various information such as traffic lights out and streets closed and keeps emergency personnel and general public informed.
• Ensures back-up emergency equipment is maintained in operable condition at all times.
• Makes entries and inquiries on NCIC computer system; ensures entries and officer reports match and are complete and accurate.
• Inputs data to standard office and department forms both manual and electronic.
• Maintains dispatch documents and records. Ensures all people entering property have reason and / or authorization.
• Assists the RECC Communications Supervisors in various projects as requested.
• Assists in the administration of the policies and procedures and standard operating guidelines of the (RECC).
• Assists in training and supervising of other employees.
• Assists Communications Supervisors with performance evaluations.
• Attends seminars, workshops, and periodic training classes.
• Maintains cleanliness of RECC workstations and equipment.

Knowledge / Skills :

Minimum Qualifications :

Internal Promotions :

Supplemental Information :

Working Conditions : Work is primarily in an office environment and occasionally outdoors with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and / or allergens. Work may involve high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to excessive noise and hostile individuals, or working near hazardous moving equipment or machinery. Work may require the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; stoop, kneel, or crouch; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work are required. Extended hours, irregular shifts, and occasional overnight travel are required. May be on call for emergencies and staffing shortages.

Conditions of Employment : Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug / alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver's License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his / her duties. Must be free of any convictions or any other crime involving moral turpitude. Prior criminal convictions may or may not disqualify applicant. Candidate must obtain and / or maintain all certifications required.

Santa Fe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Santa Fe County to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, age, physical or mental handicap, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, serious medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or political affiliation.