Communications Officer

August 23, 2024

City Of Spearfish

Spearfish

FULL TIME

About Us

Our Community
Spearfish is ideally situated in the scenic valley of Spearfish Creek and the mouth of Spearfish Canyon. It is surrounded by the natural beauty and spectacular views of three mountain peaks - Crow Peak, Lookout Mountain and Spearfish Mountain. Spearfish attracts outdoor lovers who enjoy recreational opportunities, which include mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, hiking, fishing in Spearfish creek and wandering through the canyon. Quaint shopping and vibrant arts and entertainment draw residents from across the region and provide many things to do.
Our Organization
Spearfish was surveyed and staked out in 1876 and officially incorporated in 1888. The City of Spearfish has 150 employees who serve the residents and visitors of Spearfish. On a seasonal basis, the city hires approximately 110 seasonal employees to assist in all areas of our organization.

Job Detail

Communications Officer

Department: Police
Job Status: Full-Time
Days Worked: Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat.
Rate of Pay: 23.33 - 34.45
Position Type: Regular full-time
Status: Open until filled

Job Summary

This position is responsible for performing emergency and non-emergency communications functions.

Minimum Requirements

100%Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain South Dakota Law Enforcement Telecommunicator certification.

Essential Functions

MAJOR DUTIES

Will be required to have a physical presence and regular and reliable attendance with the ability to work all rotating shifts.

Receives and records incoming enforcement and emergency-related calls from the public, both in person and on the telephone; refers the callers and/or transmits or relays orders to the appropriate police patrol, fire, ambulance, public works radio, county authorities, or other related agencies.

Asks questions to determine nature of call, to determine and prioritize appropriate response, and to provide information and assistance to callers.

Performs emergency medical dispatch functions as needed; asks vital information and provides pre-arrival instructions for emergency medical calls.

Monitors and maintains contact with officers and other personnel in the field.

Coordinates the efforts of emergency and enforcement personnel to deal with multi-faceted emergencies as needed (such as fire, police, and medical at the same site), or several emergencies occurring simultaneously at diverse locations.

Monitor and responds to a variety of technical systems and alarms; monitors and activates sirens, pagers, radio-controlled back-up systems equipment, and video cameras.

Enters and modifies information into local, state, and national databases.

Demonstrates excellent decision-making skills, maintaining a calm and even disposition at the police communications center at all times, especially during emergencies and times of high stress.

Maintains the Police Department's criminal history filing system, radio logs, complaints, warrants, and various other reports as needed or assigned.

Performs routine clerical and administrative duties as assigned including serving as a notary public.

Observes all established security measures and protocol; immediately notifies the officer on duty of

any unusual or suspicious circumstances.

Accepts payments for parking tickets, impound fees, animal licenses, etc.

Performs related duties.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Communications Officer

Knowledge of NCIC rules and regulations.

Knowledge of 911 phone system, radio system, and CAD system operation principles.

Knowledge of the streets and geography of the city.

Knowledge of dispatch policies and procedures.

Knowledge of city and external emergency response agencies.

Knowledge of emergency medical dispatch protocols.

Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

Skill in making decisions in emergency and life-threatening situations.

Skill in maintaining working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

Skill in oral and written communications.

Organizational Responsibilities Applies high ethical standards, such as honesty, responsibility, and trustworthiness, at all times.

Completes all required safety trainings/classes in a timely manner.

Job Advertisement

City of Spearfish - Communications Officer

Responsibilities: This position is responsible for performing emergency and non-emergency communications functions. Requirements: Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. Possession of or ability to readily obtain NCIC certification. Possession of or ability to readily obtain emergency medical dispatch certification. Possession of or ability to readily obtain South Dakota Law Enforcement Telecommunicator certification.
How to Apply: Apply online at www.cityofspearfish.com, under “Career Opportunities.” Starting wage $23.33 ($21.33 plus $2.00 rotating shift stipend); comprehensive benefits; Equal Opportunity Employer. Position open until filled. Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to complete the job application process should contact the human resource director to commence the accommodation interactive process.

Disclaimer

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, requirements, and working conditions. The city reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed and as deemed appropriate. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties requested by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made as needed for employees to perform the essential duties and responsibilities and meet the requirements of the position. City of Spearfish employees are considered at-will employees. An employee may terminate his/her employment at any time, and the city may also terminate the employee’s employment at any time. Unless otherwise provided by contract or law, all employment with the City of Spearfish is to be considered “at-will.”