Perfectly positioned along IH-35 East, Glenn Heights is a hospitable, business friendly, rapidly growing community divided between Dallas and Ellis counties. The City has a total area of 7.2 sq. miles (18.8 km sq.) with more than 50% of the city’s developable land located along major arterial intersections that are available for retail and office development.

The Part Time Communications Officer is responsible for answering all in-coming emergency 9-1-1 calls and assisting police, firefighters, paramedics and animal control officers in their daily tasks. Also responsible for answering incoming administrative lines.

• Answer multi-line telephones including E-9-1-1 lines
• Communicate with hearing/speech impaired citizens by operating specialized teletype system
• Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing includes speaking distinctly, responding promptly, hearing in the normal range, to protect the safety, of officers and the public
• Simultaneously listen and comprehend both telephone and radio traffic
• Assist and record requests for police, fire and emergency medical services from the public and departmental personnel-via telephone, radios and in person
• Comprehend and apply City ordinances, polices and procedures
• Document all activity, location and status in the computer aided dispatch system for fire and EMS personnel, quickly disseminating any additional information
• Operate computer terminals for specialized access with various automated data banks
• Work in a confined area for 8+ hours and remain seated for long periods of time entering data into various computer systems on a constant basis
• Simultaneously input, retrieve, and maintain information, reading from both computer screens and printouts, and operating up to 4 keyboards at once
• Operate multi-channel public safety radio system
• Assign appropriate fire and EMS personnel for routine and emergency calls for service
• Prepare offense/incident reports and maintain various files
• Operate all communications equipment in low-light conditions, discerning distinct colors used with the CAD system.
• Concentrate on assigned tasks through many distractions
• Operate and perform daily maintenance of equipment, i.e. video recording/closed circuit television and audio logging equipment
• Trains all new Communication Officers.
• Attends/testifies in all criminal and civil courts when summoned, attends training  schools/seminars and other city related events which may require travel (occasionally overnight)
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health/safety of self or others
• Read and interpret maps, charts, and other graphic material in print and computer format.
• Read from written materials prepared in handwritten and multi-font print formats

• Carry, drag, lift, pull/push supplies, i.e. computer paper, cartons of computer ribbon, etc. – weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Stoop, squat, kneel, climb and stretch to reach areas of the work site for routine cleaning and inspection

• High school diploma or GED equivalent, and
• One (1) year’s experience dealing with the public, and One (1) year’s prior experience as a public safety dispatcher preferred, or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient skills to read and interpret maps, charts and graphic material in print and/or computer format
• Proficient ability to perform under stress in emergency and critical situations, work without direct supervision and change from one task to another without loss of efficiency and composure
• Proficient knowledge of major streets, public buildings, plants and the general geographic layout of the City of Glenn Heights
• Proficient abilities in problem solving, conflict management and customer relations techniques
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with staff, fellow employees, elected officials, supervisors, citizens, business and community groups
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive information and to comply with all record retention laws
• Proficient skills to communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing
• Comprehensive understanding of all City safety rules and operating procedures
• Ability to maintain proficiency and knowledge of current and/or new regulations/legislation within areas of responsibility

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must have a valid Class “C” Driver’s License prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license within 30 days of hire per state law)
• Must have no felony convictions
• Must have no convictions of Class A or Class B misdemeanors within the last five years
• Must not be on probation for any criminal offense above the grade of a Class C misdemeanor
• Must not have convictions for any family violence offense
• Must not have convictions for DWI in the past ten (10) years
• Cannot be on suspension for a breath test refusal
• Must not have not been prohibited by state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition
• Must not have not been prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle within the past twenty four (24) months
• Must not be currently under indictment for any criminal offense
• Must not have convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude

• The incumbent works in a typical office environment with little or no exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. May require lifting up to 25 pounds and includes repetitive actions while sitting or standing.  May require sitting and working at a computer for extended periods of time
• Must be available to work nights, weekends and/or holidays as assigned.

Preferences:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish