COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Washington County, located in West Bend, Wisconsin currently has a great opportunity as a full-time Communications Officer within the Washington County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office operates a 24 hour Communications Center that answers 911 emergency calls and dispatches for the Sheriff's Office, 5 Police Departments, and 14 Fire and Rescue agencies. Communications Officers receive, relay, and dispatch emergency calls for service; enter, update and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems; utilize computer-aided dispatch (CAD); and operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles and telephones.

Qualified candidates must possess:

• A citizen of the United States and age 21 at the time of application.
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Preferred two years of post High School education from an accredited technical school, college or university in criminal justice, police science, public safety communication, business administration or closely related field.
• Two years of work experience preferably involving public safety dispatching, public safety, communications or customer service OR six yearsof public safety dispatch experience.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license upon appointment with vision correctable to 20/20.
• Must successfully pass a physical examination, audiogram, drug screening, and security clearance as conducted by the Sheriff prior to hire.

Communications Officers must have good verbal and written communication skills; work tactfully with the general public including persons in crisis situations; speak clearly and concisely; react quickly and effectively to stressful situations; accurately handle several items at one time during stressful situations; maintain accurate records; establish and maintain effective working relationships; maintain appropriate necessary certifications; and be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Starting hourly rate may range from $21.18 - $27.23. Washington County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Health, Dental, and Life Insurance; Short and Long Term Disability; Wisconsin Retirement System and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (IRS 457); Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO).

Our Mission at Washington County is to be a collaborative leader in providing efficient and effective public services for the well-being of our citizens. Washington County believes in the values of Respect, Optimism, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Collaboration. As trusted stewards of Washington County's future, we provide innovative and cost effective core public services. Please visit our website at www.co.washington.wi.us to complete our online application. If you have any questions, please call (262) 335-4633. Thank you for considering Washington County.

Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individual with Disabilities

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Communications Supervisor, operates all communications equipment in the Sheriff's Officeor mobile command posts as required.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Receives and transmits messages to and from cars, other stations and other terminals using radio, telephone and teletype equipment.

• Complies with all Department Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P), Official Orders and Directives.

• Successfully meets or exceeds the minimum standard or performance levels of those S.O. P. or Directives that require periodic testing or qualifying.

• After training, efficiently and effectively operates a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

• Receives calls-for-service, assign law enforcement officers, fire departments, rescue units, highway departments, wreckers, and other resources to incident. Prioritizes calls-for-service.

• Obtains teletype operation certification and transmit messages on provided devices.

• Enters required notices and information to CIB and NCIC as directed by operation policies.

• Monitors and maintains building security and surveillance via provided devices and methods.

• Attends and satisfactorily completes all in-service training, on-the-job training and specialized schools and classes, as required.

• Performs such other duties as may be required, including responding to an emergency event.

Work Direction Received:

Works under the general direction Communications Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised:

None.

Decision Making:

Decisions are made independently.

Interaction:

There is significant interaction with other law enforcement agencies, County departments, the District Attorney's Office, the court system, and the general public.

Essential Knowledge and Abilities:

Pass written and/or aptitude test designated to determine suitability for position, ability to speak clearly and be understood when using the radio or telephone, obtain and maintain current teletype operator certification prior to expiration of probation period, successfully achieve a passing grade and finish all training classes, courses, or seminars required by the State or the department, ability to accept and carry out all orders, ability to remain calm and to control emotions under stress, ability to develop skills to a practical level in the use of all communications equipment before the end of probation period, interact effectively with co-workers and the general public. Able to fulfill physical demands of job, sensory demands (seeing and hearing), and cognitive demands (concentration, conceptualization, memorization).

Training and Experience:

A citizen of the United States, age 21 at the time of application, High School diploma or GED, preferred two years of post High School education from an accredited technical school, college or university in criminal justice, police science, public safety communication, business administration or closely related field AND two years of work experience preferably involving public safety dispatching, public safety, or communications, must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license with vision correctable to 20/20, shall not have been convicted of a crime equivalent to a felony or serious misdemeanor under Wisconsin law. Must pass security clearance and successfully pass a physical examination, audiogram and drug screening prior to appointment. Must establish and maintain residency within Washington County or the surrounding counties (Dodge, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Waukesha counties) by the end of the probationary period.