Salary : $55,432.00 Annually
Location : Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2023-00379
Department: Sheriff’s Office
Opening Date: 10/09/2023
Closing Date: 10/31/2023 5:00 PM Central
Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do! Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public!
Why work at Linn County?
- Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget)
- Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance
- Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS)
- Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees
- On-site fitness centers for $15 per year
- 100% County paid basic life insurance
- 12 paid holidays per year
- Training & professional development opportunities
Hourly Wage*:
New Hire: $26.65 • 1 year: $27.44 • 2 years: $28.20 • 3 years: $29.05 • 4 years: $29.68 *pay increases continue up to 20 years of service
About Communications Operator (911 Public Safety):
Communications Operators answer and dispatch routine and emergency calls for service involving fire, ambulance, and law enforcement agencies by radio, telephone, and computer. Operators coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. Work is performed in accordance with state and federal laws as well as departmental policies and procedures. Operators know the County’s Customer-Centered Culture principles, the County’s Mission, Strategic Plan, and Core Values, and demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction for all customers on a regular basis.
Essential Functions
- Operates multi-line telephone console system, including telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or hearing impaired, to receive emergency (911) and routine or administrative phone calls. Asks vital questions and provides pre-arrival instructions for emergency personnel.
- Compiles information from calls, interprets the information, and transfers the information into computer-aided dispatching (CAD) software.
- Operates multi-channel radio equipment for multiple agencies. Uses concise language and clear intonation while delivering radio transmissions. Transmissions are accurate, brief, and delivered in logical order.
- Monitors multiple radio channels and understands the function of each channel.
- Dispatches the appropriate law enforcement, fire, medical, and/or emergency service to the correct location.
- Rapidly and accurately types the call information and call updates into the CAD system. Maintains radio contact with responders and provides timely updates.
- Maintains awareness of surrounding activities involving other Communications Operators and provides backup assistance.
- Monitors the state computer system for messages and records requests. Responds in an appropriate manner to these requests.
- Performs clerical tasks to maintain wanted person records, protective order records, and complete other various paperwork. Files and keeps records; verifies accuracy of criminal justice files.
- Receives messages, inquiries, and information requests from the public. Direct such to the appropriate source.
- Monitors internal and external security cameras and alarms within the Courthouse, Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Justice Center, and tower sites.
- Maintains current understanding of policies and procedures. Works within established guidelines.
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
- Knows the products they personally produce and the customers of each product. Listens to the “Voice of the Customer” and closes gaps between customer expectations and experience whenever possible.
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience in public safety communications preferred; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Some knowledge of office procedures and standard office equipment.
- Knowledge of Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of Linn County boundaries of jurisdiction.
- Ability to pass an aptitude test (“CritiCall”) administered by the Sheriff’s Office prior to offer of employment.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relations with the general public and associates under all circumstances.
- Ability to hear at a normal speaking range.
- Ability to speak in a clear, concise, and distinct voice in a non-emotional manner.
- Ability to read and write English accurately.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to learn and memorize code and procedures.
- Ability to record information in a given sequence.
- Ability to read maps.
- Ability to think and respond promptly during tense and stressful conditions regardless of the situation.
- Ability to embrace technology changes and remain open to learning updated methods and skills.
- Ability to differentiate between emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and or/call for service.
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
- Ability to remain awake and aware of surroundings at all times.
- Ability to work in a 24/7 office environment on various shifts.
- Skills in the operation of radio, multi-line telephone with texting interface, computer-aided dispatch, and NCIC/IOWA system software.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, digital paging system and computer recommended.
Special Necessary Requirements:
- Must obtain State of Iowa NCIC Certification within six (6) months of employment.
- Must complete Basic Iowa Systems Training (BIST) within six (6) months of employment.
- Must obtain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within six (6) months of employment.
- Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatching certification within a time frame as established by employer.
- Must obtain certification in Telecommunicator Basic 40-Hour School through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy within one (1) year of training.
- Must attend continuing education training programs, complete training paperwork, and meet all standards set forth by Federal law, State of Iowa law, and other certification programs required by the employer.
- Must pass a County physical examination which includes a drug test after offer of employment and a thorough background and criminal history review and polygraph examination after offer of employment.
- Regular and punctual work attendance at a specified location required.
- Voluntary overtime may be offered; working involuntary overtime is mandatory.
Shift
Floater – shift varies
Linn County offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, life, long-term disability (LTD) insurance and wellness incentives.
For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, click