Emergency Services Dispatcher
Under close supervision, the Emergency Services Dispatcher answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service, takes information from callers, enters information into a database, and provides assistance and information to Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) Deputies and other emergency services agencies.
This is a registry intended to collect applications for future vacancies containing one or more positions. Eligible applicants might be placed into a registry until a vacant position becomes available. This announcement may be closed as soon as a sufficient number of qualified applicants have applied.
The hiring salary for this position is dependent upon experience, qualifications and position funding; starting salaries will require an internal equity review and those that are above the first quartile will require additional approval. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications as applicable. This position is a non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is a covered position under the Pinal County Merit System Rules. In accordance to Merit Rule 11.3, Types of Probationary Employment Periods, an employee who is transferred or promoted shall be required to serve a 12 (twelve) month probationary employment period. The application and any supplemental questions are an integral part of the selection process and must be completed in full in order for you to be considered as a candidate. Please complete each section and answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. DO NOT state "See resume" in lieu of answering. If the question does not apply, mark N/A. Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process and your application will be marked as INCOMPLETE.
Per PCSO Selection Guidelines, the following may be disqualifiers:
Application: Applicant will not receive nor are entitled to a copy of the contents of their test results. No documents, copies of reports submitted by the applicant will be returned. No documents, reports or information utilized for, or obtained, during the selection process will be furnished to the applicant. Applicant will not be advised of the reason(s) for non-selection. Drug Use: Marijuana Agency discretion. Dangerous Drugs/Narcotics/Hallucinogens/Vaporous Substances Any time within the past five (5) years. This includes methamphetamine, amphetamine, barbiturates, speed, spice, bath salts, crack, cocaine, heroin, opioids, mushrooms, ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, salvia, PCP, anabolic steroids, etc. Peyote/Mescaline - Illegal use as described above. (Exception- Bona fide religious ceremonies) Sale, Production, Cultivation or Transportation for Sale of illegal drugs in last five (5) years or since becoming an adult. Pattern of abuse of ANY drugs to include marijuana, narcotics, dangerous drugs and prescription drugs. "Pattern of abuse" will be determined based on; type of drugs used, purpose for using, length of time used, and age of individual during use (minor or adult). Theft or Misappropriation of Property: Any demonstrated pattern of habitual theft. Any theft while serving in a position of trust. Acts Constituting a Felony or any Conviction for Domestic Violence Involving Physical Violence: A conviction for any act which would constitute a Felony in the State of Arizona, at any time. Fraud or Misrepresentation: Any intentional attempt to practice any deception or fraud in the Employment Application, Testing Process, or any failure to properly complete the application. Driving Record: Any recent demonstrated pattern of excessive traffic violations (for positions that require operation of a motor vehicle). Previous Positions Held: Any of the following may be disqualifiers: Having been disciplined by any employer, including military, as an adult for abuse of leave, gross insubordination, dereliction of duty or persistent failure to follow established policies and regulations. Having been involuntarily dismissed, for any reason other than layoff, from two or more employers as an adult. Having held more than seven paid positions with different employers within the past four years, or more than 15 paid positions with different employers in the past ten years (excluding military). Students who attend school away from their permanent legal residence may be excused from this requirement as well as other persons with a reasonable explanation for an extensive job history. Resigning from any paid position without notice may be disqualifying, except where the presence of a hostile work environment is alleged or other reasonable cause existed. Military Service: If an applicant has served in the military their separation must be classified as "Honorable", "General under Honorable conditions" or "Uncharacterized".
Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description.
Typical Classification Essential Duties:
- Answer incoming emergency calls, interview and pacify callers, gather details, prioritize calls for service and determine appropriate personnel to respond, dispatch emergency responders, and relay pertinent information to law enforcement and public safety personnel in a concise, organized, and understandable manner.
- Perform duties according to Sheriff's Office policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for emergency services dispatch, in order to assure the safety of PCSO Deputies, other public safety personnel and the public.
- Provide information, instructions, and assistance to the public within scope of authority.
- Enter call information into computer aided dispatch (CAD) incident logs and in state and national databases at Deputies' request and search law enforcement and civilian data bases to provide Deputies with information.
- Track a variety of law enforcement and public safety agencies, resources, personnel, incidents, and trends.
- Provide detailed call information to Deputies as needed, maintain status and awareness of all public safety unit locations, monitor message traffic and relay information to Deputies, and assure that Deputies' safety is the top priority.
- Notify key personnel on critical incidents, contact other law enforcement and public safety agencies for additional information and resources as needed, and relay information regarding incidents.
- Enter data for records and reports, process forms and record files, query system databases as requested, collect statistical data and compile data for reports, and update and assure the accuracy of the database.
- Receive and send information to and from other agencies and jurisdictions.
- Assist other Sheriff's personnel, County departments, outside organizations, businesses, and Federal, state, and local emergency services organizations.
- Maintain the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Sheriff's Office by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
- Responsible for ACJIS entries and removals and checking co-workers' entries.
- Run subjects, vehicles, guns, etc. through the state and FBI' databases (ACJIS) to check for warrants, stolen status, validity of driver's licenses and vehicle registrations.
- Answer all phone lines including 911 calls.
- Maintain order and control over a radio channel.
- Dispatch calls via radio to deputies and monitor deputies while on patrol.
- Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records, and restricted County information.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Requirements to Perform Work:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Two (2) years of customer service and computer experience.
- At least one (1) year Dispatch experience in a law enforcement or related field.
- Type 35 wpm.
- Must pass a thorough background investigation and background re-investigation every 5 years.
- Terminal Operator Certification for access to Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) is required immediately after hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Valid Arizona State Driver's License.
- Additional technical training and certifications may be required at the direction of the Sheriff.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of Sheriff's Office policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for emergency services dispatch.
- The ability to work in a safety sensitive position.
- Knowledge of law enforcement and public safety agency terminology.
- Knowledge of geography, roads, and landmarks of Pinal County.
- Knowledge of principles of records management.
- Skill in obtaining information from hostile and emotional callers.
- Skill in operating a personal computer and specialized software and entering information with speed and accuracy.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely and relay details accurately.
- Ability to interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Ability to follow and