911 Dispatcher/Telecommunications Operator

Description :

Equal access to programs, services and employment opportunities are available to all persons, in regards to age, ancestry , color disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, medical condition, military veteran status, national origin, race, religion sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state and/or local law.

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and/or applicable star and local laws, applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application and/or interview process should notify Human Resources.

The dispatch center operates 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, operators are required to work any assigned shifts, including evenings, nights, holidays, and/or weekends. Work hours include the availability for required overtime and work hours that may extend past a 12-hour work shift, on an employee’s regular scheduled day off and/or over a 40-hour workweek. Dependable and predictable attendance is required. This position requires the ability to become certified through the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

Pre-Employment Testing: Ability to type accurately at a minimum of 35 wpm. Ability to obtain a passing score at a written and multi-tasking test.

General Position Summary: This position serves as 911 Dispatch/Telecommunications Operator for all emergency responders and support agencies of Wasco County by processing 911 calls and dispatching and maintaining contact with emergency personnel using two-way radio systems.  The position monitors telephones and radio; enters and receives data from computer systems; maintains records, database and prepares reports; related work as required.

Essential Functions (in a typical work week):  Operates telephone, radio and computer equipment in dispatching public safety resources and routing emergency and non-emergency calls to the appropriate agencies, with a high degree of accuracy.  Observes and reports variations or malfunctions with dispatch equipment performance.
Receives emergency and non-emergency call information; dispatch calls to the appropriate unit; maintains information on unit activities; accesses computer terminals to obtain, transmit, enter, clear and record information, including the law enforcement data system; maintains the status of field units; completes activity logs or run sheets to record activity of dispatched units; maintains telephone and radio logs.
Relays and receives information from public and private organizations; notifies or activates other service agencies including Public Works, State Highway, and Center for Living, etc.
Studies and maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, industrial areas, public buildings and the general geographic locations of cities, towns and landmarks in Wasco County.
Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
Any employee may be required by their manager to perform any of the duties described in his/her position description, and other duties which may be necessary or desirable and for which the employee is qualified.

Responsibility/Accountability: This section of the job description describes the amount and breadth of responsibility and accountability that rests with the position, including the expected results of the position, the impact on County operations and activities, and the responsibility for budget.

Minimal influence on organization operations, programs, and expense or budgetary outcomes.  Dollar amounts influenced would be considered small.  Responsibility for the prudent use of assets does not extend beyond own work responsibilities.  While public contact is a part of the position’s responsibilities, supervisory action would prevent or correct most issues. 

Supervision of Employees:  This section of the job description describes the supervisory responsibility assigned including the range and types of supervisory functions performed, from directing work activities and delegating assignments to coaching, counseling, making disciplinary decisions, hiring, firing, salary actions, performance appraisal, training, etc. as well as the types of employees supervised.   

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees.

Interpersonal Skills/Contacts:  This section of the job description describes the characteristics of personal interaction with others including the frequency of contacts with others, the breadth of interactions (within the County, outside the County, with vendors/contractors, dealing directly with the public, etc.), and the level of persons interacted with.  Also, included in this section is the reason for contact such as gaining cooperation; use negotiation, tact, teamwork, and sensitivity; or the likelihood of dealing with disagreeable or hostile individuals. 

Positions at this level have frequent responsibility for contact with others not employed at the County.  Internally, primary contacts are usually made with other departments, as opposed to own work group.  Contacts usually concern non-routine information, and the potential for positive or adverse consequences to the County because of these contacts is constantly present.  Negotiation, persuasion, tact, sensitivity, and confidential exchanges are all part of the interactions required.  Formal presentations may be periodically made.  Communication and interpersonal skills are important, and must be well refined to complete job responsibilities.

Working Conditions:  This section of the job descriptions outlines the work environment, conditions, and hazards that are encountered in the course of assigned work.  This includes the personal risk, hazard, varying work schedules, level of interruptions, job pressure, and the need to frequently juggle priorities and work assignments.  Also, exposure to unpleasant working conditions such as high noise levels, heat or cold, inside or outside work, exposure to electricity, chemicals, poor lighting, confinements, machinery, interactions with disturbed or dangerous individuals, personal attacks, contact with contagious disease, or situations where personal safely cannot be assured.

This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles.  There is very little element of personal risk or hazard.  Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.  There are occasional interruptions or changes in job assignments, but they are typically not detrimental to work flow or meeting job responsibilities.

Physical Requirements:  This section of the job description describes the physical effort and manual labor, such as sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, digging, operating equipment, performing with speed, etc., as well as the dexterity required to complete the job functions.  The need for travel, extended hours, and situations of physical discomfort are also outlined here.

Positions require little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but do allow for movement needed to complete work tasks.  Movements required to complete work are not difficult, and only require a usual degree or dexterity of hand‑eye coordination.

Education, Experience, and Certification/Licensure:  This section of the job description outlines the education, previous experience, professional licenses, certifications, and specific skills necessary to perform the assigned work. 

Positions at this level require skills, training, and/or knowledge base equal to a high school education/equivalent and up to one-year post‑high school education or vocational training.  Programs leading to certificates obtained in one year or less are also placed at this level.  Skills and abilities needed to complete job assignments often include mathematical computations, operation of minor/small equipment, reading of directions, etc.  Skills may be focused in one area.  Previous work experience of between 6‑18 months may be required.  Capability to reason and think through established process steps is typically needed.

Below is an outline of the specific Education type, Experience type or licensure/certification that is required for this role.  The County will also consider any equivalent combinations of the qualifying criteria.

• Graduation from a senior level high school or GED equivalent is required.
• One-year post‑high school education or vocational training.
• No specific Licensure or Certification required for this role.

Contact :

You may pick up an application packet in the Human Resources Office on the third floor, Room 302, at the County Courthouse.

Please return the completed forms either by email, mail or in person to:

Email:              application@co.wasco.or.us
Address:          Wasco County, Human Resources
                        511 Washington St. Suite 302
                        The Dalles, OR 97058

Deadline for Applying : Open until filled