*WE ARE ONLY TESTING AND INTERVIEWING FOR AN ELIGIBITY LIST.  WE CURRENTLY DO NOT HAVE ANY OPENINGS.  WE WILL USE THE ELIGIBILITY LIST TO FILL FUTURE OPENINGS.

DUTY DESCRIPTION:  Responds to incoming law enforcement, fire suppression and Emergency Medical Services calls and dispatches appropriate personnel to place of emergency or need; performs other duties as required. This position is located in the Ada County Sheriff's Office, Communications Section.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operates telephone and radio equipment to receive and transmit incoming/outgoing emergency calls to the Police/Fire/Emergency Services Dispatch Center;
• Interviews callers to obtain detailed information related to the emergency;
• Provides emergency information and direction to callers as required;
• Determines the classification of requests for service and the priority nature of the request;
• Dispatches appropriate agencies and personnel to address the need for service;
• Maintains communication with caller and emergency personnel to receive and update information;
• Provides continuing communications among police, fire fighting and other emergency personnel during the incident;
• Contacts utility companies, other governmental or private agencies when necessary to obtain needed services or additional support;
• Operates technical electronic equipment, computers, office equipment or appliances;
• Logs and maintains a variety of records on incidents dispatched, radio and alarm tests, hydrant maintenance, street names, address and map coordinates;
• May perform necessary preventive or minor maintenance functions on certain equipment in the dispatch office;
• Notifies responsible parties when radios or alarms malfunction;
• Field surveys streets to locate hydrants and identify changes necessary for maintaining up-to-date street maps;
• Drives mobile communications vehicle (34' Bounder) when called for use in Emergency situations;
• Becomes familiar with the duties of the Communication Floor Supervisor's position in order to act in that capacity during any temporary absence of a Communications Floor Supervisor; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 19 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Knowledge of the operation of communication equipment used in dispatching;
• Ability to operate telephone and radio equipment;
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy under pressure of time, amidst distractions;
• Ability to hear, listen and understand callers who are under stress;
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in receiving and transmitting multiple messages of an emergency nature;
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly;
• Ability to quickly and objectively analyze emergency situations, determine and take proper action;
• Ability to relate well with the public under adverse conditions and stressful situations;
• Ability to maintain a high level of emotional stability;
• Ability to read city and county road and water maps to quickly locate streets, addresses and hydrants;
• Ability to record accurately and legibly details of activities and provide information;
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions; and
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates must pass a written exam with a score of 70% or better; appear before an oral board; and complete a polygraph, background check, credit check and typing test (minimum 35 wpm) prior to entrance on duty.
• Incumbents must be able and willing to work shifts, weekends, and holidays, and to report to work on an 'on-call” basis. Additionally, must obtain and maintain a valid Idaho Driver's license.
• The communications equipment is stacked vertically. Therefore, the incumbent must have the ability to operate the equipment rapidly at all levels of the vertical stack.

Preference in appointment will be given to eligible veterans.

**Because of the Sheriff Office’s effort to create a smoke-free work environment, out of concern for the health and welfare of our employees and those with whom we work, only applications from those who do not smoke will be considered for employment. Applicants must have not smoked any tobacco products for at least eleven (11) months prior to applying.