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City of Wasilla

Call Taker

City of Wasilla, Wasilla, Alaska, us, 99629

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The City of Wasilla is currently recruiting applicants for the Call Taker position with MATCOM. This is a non‑exempt, full‑time position with benefits. This position is responsible for the initial screening of calls coming into the dispatch center, determining the nature and severity of those calls, and taking the appropriate course of action. This may include determining the required dispatch response, redirecting the caller to a different department, providing information for a resolution to the issue, or transferring the caller to a Dispatcher.

As a Call Taker, you will operate a schedule which consists of 12‑hour shifts, rotating days off, with expected overtime. Being an excellent typist and multitasker is a MUST for this role in its fast‑paced environment.

Application Requirements The application package includes the documents listed below. Incomplete applications may be disqualified for further review.

Two Reference Letters

Five Minute Typing Test with a minimum net speed of 50 WPM

Typing test may be obtained from:

Alaska Job Center

Open 8am-5pm No Appointment Necessary

Wasilla Office Location: 877 Commercial Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654

Phone: (907) 352-2500

Similar Typing Center Option For Out‑of‑State Applicants

Selection Process

Successful applicants will be invited to take the Critical Test.

Those applicants who pass the Critical Test will be invited to the Oral Board and encouraged to “sit in” and observe in the dispatch center.

Pre‑Hire Conditions of Employment

Pass an extensive background check

Pass a pre‑employment drug test

Pass an audiology exam

Please note: This recruitment phase may take up to six weeks.

Job Responsibilities

Effectively communicate with the community and co‑workers by giving information, directions, guidance and instructions by telephone and interpersonal methods.

Gather information; receive complaints and/or requests for service (both routine and emergency), via a multi‑line telephone system and/or through interpersonal communications.

Correctly determine initial responses for varying Police, Fire, and EMS calls using standardized protocols.

Recognize potential emergency situations and effectively transmit the information to an on‑duty Dispatcher.

Provide accurate information to user agencies when needed, in a professional and courteous manner.

May perform clerical work for administrative personnel.

Perform other job‑related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualify and pass all initial and yearly APSIN Exams.

Protect APSIN information as required by state law.

Establish and maintain effective working relations with supervisors, co‑workers, public and private officials, and the general public.

Maintain composure and effectiveness in highly emotional and stressful situations.

Prioritize actions during multiple response scenarios requiring division of attention.

Professional Requirements

This position requires the application of communication skills in a calm demeanor with a professional attitude, and a mature disposition all being necessities of the job.

Type at a net speed of 50 words per minute.

Operate a computer terminal and CAD equipment as well as other dispatch resources in accordance with the Department's Standard Operating Procedures.

Understand and operate basic computer program functions such as file, save, recovery and search.

Memorize hot key functions.

Perform telecommunications related functions such as clear speaking ability and excellent listening skills.

Accurately track and submit documents to/from agencies and personnel as needed.

Maintain strict confidentiality of all calls, conversations, and written materials.

Provide and understand geographical detail within service areas.

Homeland Security orientation tests (Incident Command Systems) will be required as a term of employment taken on‑line: Entry level IS‑100.b within thirty days of date hired and IS‑200.b, IS‑700.a, and IS‑800.b within one year of date of hire.

Qualifications

High school diploma, GED or equivalent required.

Two years of work experience involving a substantial amount of public contact and office clerical duties.

Must pass an extensive background investigation, audiological examination, and pre‑employment drug testing.

Emergency Services, Computer knowledge, Public Safety Communications, or Military related experience is desired.

Applicants will be tested to determine experience, skill level, and abilities.

Telecommunications experience is desired.

Must possess a valid driver’s license at time of application and be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Must provide a current (dated within 30 days of request) driving record from the state in which driver’s license is held.

Must obtain a valid State of Alaska Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record at time of hire.

Be able to obtain and hold a security clearance meeting the requirements of the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN).

Obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD), Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC), and CPR certifications.

Other Necessary Requirements

Have a level of mobility that allows movement between equipment in and around the communications center, through doorways, hallways, and up and down stairs and/or elevators.

Employee must be able to speak clear English and have full range of hearing in both ears.

Employee must be capable to lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Office Setting Office settings vary from fast paced, highly stressful situations to times of repetitive detail related paperwork.

MatCom operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Position is based on a 40‑hour workweek divided into 8, 10, and 12 hour shifts. Work schedules are designed with the intent to provide efficient and effective coverage and support for the emergency dispatch center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Must be willing and able to work different shifts, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.

Position Overview This is a non‑sworn, non‑exempt, full‑time position that is assigned to a variety of shifts. This position features a high level of communication responsibility within the Public Safety field. Occasionally, employees are required to perform within very stressful situations and to use discretionary judgment when emergency situations arise. After an initial familiarization and training period, employees are required to work with considerable independence, subject to special instruction or orders to meet special operating circumstances for emergencies. Supervision for this position is received from the Dispatch Supervisors or the Communications Manager of MatCom who reviews work for courtesy, efficiency, recertification, and effectiveness of communications services.

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