Telecommunicator (911 Operator) in Baytown, Texas at City of Baytown

Be the calm voice that makes a difference when it matters most. As a Telecommunicator for the City of Baytown, you'll serve as the vital first link between the community and emergency responders, helping protect lives and keep our city safe. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively under pressure, and are passionate about public service, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team.

Responsible for receiving and answering emergency and non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services as well as city animal control and utilities service; identifies and dispatches appropriate public safety units; Because of the confidential and sensitive nature of information handled, you must comply with City and Baytown Police policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all public safety responders and the public.

• Complete and maintain all testing, training and certifications as required by Baytown Public Safety Communications.
• Receive and transmit telephone and radio emergency calls, as well as non-emergency calls/complaints/inquiries from the public.
• Operate two-way radios, multi-line phone and teletype systems, computers and other complex equipment to quickly and correctly access information and respond to requests from law enforcement, fire and EMS.
• Evaluate and prioritize calls based on urgency.
• React quickly and correctly to emergency situations.
• Operate computer systems including computer aided dispatch (CAD) with mapping.
• Apply detailed procedures and policies from both structured situations, such as emergency medical dispatch / emergency fire dispatch (EMD & EFD), and in non-routine situations that require independent judgement, critical thinking and application of varied procedures and policies.
• In an extreme emergency the telecommunicator may not be able to leave their position for an extended period of time.
• Performs all transactions as needed into local, state, and national Crime Information databases as dictated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Transactions include, but are not limited to:
  • Hit confirmations, locate, entries, clearances, cancellations, administrative messages
• Maintains proficiency and complete continuing education requirements mandated including, but not limited to:
  • TCOLE license
  • Call-taking protocol certifications
• Reviews and maintains knowledge of all policies, procedures, memoranda, or directives that govern and regulate the operations of the Communications Division.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic (or higher) Telecommunicator Certification

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to pass a complete criminal history background check, a polygraph and psychological screening with acceptable results.
• Must be able to submit any and all required documentation as applicable, including High School Diploma/Equivalent, College Diploma, Birth Certificate, Completed waivers, etc.
• Subject to random drug tests, including pre-employment.

• Skill operating all software and hardware related to performance of duties, including typing and keyboarding skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, citizens and other agencies in order to give and receive information in a courteous and professional manner, including the ability to hear accurately, listen carefully, speak clearly, write clearly and spell correctly.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on all emergency and police matters.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, superiors, agencies, government entities and the public.
• Ability to deal courteously and firmly with the general public.
• Ability to think quickly, work under stressful conditions and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work any and all shifts, including dayshift, nightshift and overtime, on both a mandatory and voluntary basis.
• Ability to attend training sessions that may occasionally require out of town travel
• Visual acuity
• Ability to remember and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to remain calm while dealing with frightened, hysterical or angry callers

Here at the City of Baytown, in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you bring. We strive to provide a workplace where differences are honored, with a workforce that reflects the diversity of the people we serve.

Attendance is an essential function of this position. The City reserves the right to require an employee in this position to work overtime. This position provides services or performs duties for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of your job. In the event of an evacuation, the incumbent in this position may be required to remain to perform needed services.

Overall Position Strength Demands

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.