Communications Officer Trainee

Job Summary

The Liberty County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for the position of Communications Officer (CO) Trainee (full-time) within the 911 Public Safety Communications department. Communication Officers are responsible for taking emergency calls and providing assistance to emergency and non-emergency callers while keeping units updated and safe when enroute to a call. 

Selected applicants will be enrolled in an on-site training program to gain the required skills and knowledge to competently perform CO duties. The hiring process starts with a testing phase for reading and hearing comprehension, spelling, and typing. Applicants passing the testing phase will be invited to an interview. A criminal background check will be required. 

***All applicants will receive an email to the email address on your application regarding the test date and time.***

Major Job Duties

• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service. 
• Prioritizes and processes all CAD (computer aided dispatch) calls. Dispatches law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and others to calls, as needed.
• Accurately tracks all police, fire, and EMS personnel in the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system for twelve-hour shifts, to include priority tracking during high stress situations such as in-progress pursuits and active crime incidents where there is immediate danger.
• Provides CPR instructions to callers for patients as required. Provides pre-arrival medical instruction to patients as required.
• Remains on extended calls to assist callers and responding units during high intensity calls.
• Coordinates mutual aid to and from outside agencies.
• Contacts other departments and businesses for emergency personnel on scene such as utility companies, railroad, public works, wreckers, DFACS, etc.
• Maintains and provides case numbers for multiple jurisdictions during medical, fire, and police investigations.
• Enters data into, obtains data from, and monitors the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) network and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) network. Related tasks include providing warrant checks on all incoming LCRJ inmates and confirming warrants for other jurisdictions.
• Responsible for multiple law enforcement agencies’ GCIC/NCIC after hours and on weekends. 
• Participates in mandatory EOC activation during natural disasters which includes extended shifts and lockdowns.
• Performs basic office tasks. 
• Performs related duties.

Knowledge Required

• Computers and job-related software programs
• Current standard office practices, procedures, and use of equipment
• County geography; including road and street names
• Ability to understand:
• Principles and practices of emergency and non-emergency communications operations
• Emergency codes and signals
• Regulations and procedures of state and national crime information centers
• Communications equipment
• User agencies operations/terminology; CAD; and medical terminology
• Dispatch procedures

Skills Required

• Ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute
• Ability to multi-task and quick decision making
• Oral and written communication
• Interpersonal communication and relations

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Typically performed at a desk while intermittently sitting; standing; walking; or stooping.
• Typically performed in an office and in a very noisy place.

Minimum Qualifications

• Eighteen (18) years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• No felony convictions
• No misdemeanor convictions sufficient to establish a pattern of disregard for the law.

Salary & Benefits

CO Trainees work a full-time 12-hour schedule at an hourly rate of $18.10 (Grade 10A). After successful completion of training and you can work independently the hourly rate increases to $19.01 (Grade 11A) for a 6-month probationary period. Upon successful completion of the probationary period the hourly rate increases to $19.98 (Grade 12A). 

Liberty County government offers a generous benefits package to full-time permanent employees which includes: 

• 401(a) retirement plan with employer match 
• 13 paid holidays 
• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• Low-cost health dental and vision insurance 
• Free term life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health & wellness program

Application Special Instructions

Applicants requesting reasonable accommodation to the application process should notify Human Resources at [email protected] or (912) 391-1247.