Position Description:

Lean More: Public Safety Specialist Recruitment Brochure

Public Safety Specialists perform responsible communications and records work, which supports the delivery of effective and efficient police, fire, and emergency medical services. Employees in this class accomplish those general tasks of the Division of Police which do not require law enforcement authority or the unique training and expertise of a sworn police officer. Work in this class involves considerable responsibility, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Please click Apply Now to submit application, résumé and cover letter no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026

Position Responsibilities: 45.00% - Answers the telephone for police, fire, and EMS services obtaining, recording and conveying necessary information; assists visitors; monitors police, fire, and EMS unit status; communicates and relays information to the City and non-City police, fire, and EMS personnel and to non-law enforcement agencies, as needed; fingerprints citizens; enters, cancels, and confirms warrants; processes court ordered requests; processes bond payments; processes parking citation payments and report fees; posts traffic accidents on the City’s website. 40.00% - Responds to information requests by telephone, e-mail, or in person; compiles, prepares and processes reports; disseminates various paperwork; manages and maintains filing system and records retention; composes and types correspondence (e.g., letters, memos, reports, forms, court documents, etc.); maintains calendars; retrieves and prints copies of police records and reports requested by the public and police personnel; performs computer data entry assignments (e.g., police reports, crash reports, tickets, warnings, etc.); assists with processing time sheets for Police Division payroll (including overtime, holiday, vacation, sick, training, and crossing guard pay); audits petty cash, parking, and insurance funds. 10.00% -

• Maintains and operates 9-1-1 equipment, digital recording and play-back system, cameras and other basic office equipment; operates police vehicles for training/travel purposes.
• Attends meetings and serves on committees, as directed; attends training and seminars, as directed.
• Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
• Maintains required licensure or certification, if any.
• Demonstrates regular, predictable, punctual attendance.

5.00% - Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Qualifications -

Completion of secondary education or equivalent (high school diploma or GED); at least one (1) year of related training and/or experience; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge of: payroll practices and procedures; office practices and procedures; computer software; community resources and services; records management; government structure and process; state, federal, and local laws and/or regulations; local geographical area; English grammar and spelling.

Skill in: typing; data entry; word processing; computer operation; switchboard or telephone console operation; adding machine or calculator operation; use of modern office equipment; motor vehicle operation.

Ability to: carry out instructions in written, oral, or picture form; interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form; deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; exercise independent judgment and discretion; understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, or regulations to specific situations; read, copy, and records figures accurately; add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; copy records precisely without error; complete routine forms; prepare routine correspondence; compile and prepare reports; respond to routine inquiries from public and/or officials; interact and get along appropriately with the public and co-workers; communicate effectively; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; maintain records according to established procedures; develop and maintain effective working relationships; travel to and gain access to work site.

Physical Requirements:

The employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); ascends and/or descends stairs; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons; is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; this is considered sedentary work and the employee must demonstrate the ability to perform the physical demands required of the position in accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor's physical demands strength ratings.

In cases of emergency, unpredictable situations, and/or department needs, may be required to lift, push, pull, and/or carry objects heavier than D.O.L. strength ratings recommend.

Additional Information:

All applications must include copies of any relevant certifications, a resume, and a cover letter. The starting salary for this position is $59,669.58.

Disqualification from this process does not preclude a candidate's future reapplication for other vacancies.

Job Advertisement:

Learn More: Public Safety Specialist Recruitment Brochure

Are you an energetic, skilled professional, who has exceptional customer service, communication, and organizational skills? Do you possess strong attention to detail and computer skills? Are you interested in a career in Public Safety? If so, the City of Vandalia is seeking a full-time Public Safety Specialist. This position fulfills a key support role in the Division of Police, by specializing in public safety communications and record keeping, including: 9-1-1 police, fire, and EMS dispatching duties and customer service.

Our dispatching center does single-agency dispatching for the City of Vandalia. In this department, employees will be cross-trained in both dispatch and records. As well, employees enjoy career building opportunities, work with state-of-the-art equipment and are involved in community activities.

JOB OVERVIEW

Public Safety Specialists perform responsible communications and records work, which supports the delivery of effective and efficient police, fire, and emergency medical services. Employees in this class accomplish those general tasks of the Division of Police which do not require law enforcement authority or the unique training and expertise of a sworn police officer. Work in this class involves considerable responsibility, accuracy, and attention to detail.

BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS

• Candidates must pass a truth verification assessment prior to interviews.
• Final candidates must pass an extensive background investigation, psychological exam, and physical/drug screens.

SALARY & HOURS

The starting salary for this position is $59,669.58 with exceptional benefits. Candidates must be able to work any shift (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Group Health Care: (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Coverage)
• OPERS Retirement Program & Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Continuous Training Opportunities
• Group Life Insurance Coverage
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Workers’ Compensation Protection
• Recreation Benefits