Description / Position Overview

CSPD (Colorado Springs Police Department) is currently accepting applications for a Public Safety Dispatcher I/II.

Depending on the qualifications of the candidate selected, this position will be filled at either the Public Safety Dispatcher I or Public Safety Dispatcher II level. The hiring salary for the Public Safety Dispatcher I is $3,887 to $4,667 and it is $4,237 to $5,087 for the Public Safety Dispatcher II.

CSPD will be reviewing applications as needed to fill positions during the duration of this job posting. Applicants chosen to move forward in the selection process will be contacted by CSPD.

Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatchers (dispatchers) receive calls for service on the computer, radio, or telephone and dispatch a variety of emergency equipment. They serve as a communication link in emergency situations until the situation is resolved; answer overflow emergency and non-emergency calls; provide emergency dispatch self-help; and make notification calls to police and fire staff, City departments, and other agencies on incidents as needed. Dispatchers provide on-the-job training for new communications personnel on radio dispatching, notify ambulances and dual fire responders where they are needed, continually evaluate calls for service and identify tasks and objectives then dispatch appropriate resources, and follow-up on the safety status of police and fire personnel. Dispatchers process requests for wants/warrants through the CCIC (Colorado Crime Information Center) and the CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigations) network, monitor robbery alarm controls in areas with crime patterns, perform duties of an Emergency Response Technician as deemed necessary by the Public Safety Communications Supervisor, notify fire stations of street closures and sprinkler systems that are out-of-service, monitor the weather screen, and handle paging requests for administrative units. Dispatchers may perform supervisory duties during the absence of the Public Safety Communications Supervisor.

Dispatchers are expected to communicate effectively with the public and fire and police personnel using tact and good judgment especially during periods of extreme stress and time constraints; possess high memory retention and quick recall; possess the ability to type while talking on both the radio and telephone; make decisions under pressure; and effectively multi-task while maintaining a high degree of emotional self-control.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Knowledge of public safety dispatching and/or call taking protocols
• Ability to comprehend critical information to ensure proper resources are dispatched
• Ability to make quick and lucid decisions
• Ability to accurately type 40 net words per minute
• Ability to successfully pass the CritiCall testing series
• Ability to handle stressful, negative, and aggressive interactions
• Ability to write a series of numbers, names, and addresses
• Ability to speak into radios and telephones
• Ability to receive and respond to incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance
• Ability to read computer screens
• Ability to function in a work environment with moderate noise level from several sources creating constant activity

Machines, Tools, Equipment, and Work Aids: Fax, scanner, telephone, headset, workstation with moveable decks, ergonomic adjustable chairs, computer, and printer.

Specialized Computer Equipment and Software: Quick Response, CAD, CCIS/NCIC, CJIS, LERMS, ProQA, MS Office, Contact Map, twitter, Facebook, Citizen Observer, 3si, CSU database, and BOSS3.

Successful candidates will have

• Have a high school diploma or GED supplemented by specialized training in dispatch communications or a related field
• Have one year of full-time experience as an independent dispatcher or call-taker in a public safety or emergency communication center
• Demonstrate the ability to accurately type 40 words per minute
• Successfully complete the CritiCall test series
• Possess, or obtain within three months of hire the following certifications: CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), CBI CCIC/NCIC (National Crime Information Center), CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services), Incident Command System 100, 700, and NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)

NOTE: To be selected as a Public Safety Dispatcher II, you must possess, or obtain within six months of hire, and maintain EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch), EPD (Emergency Police Dispatch), and EFD (Emergency Fire Dispatch) certifications.

One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.

Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.

Ideal candidates will also have

• Experience working in a public safety setting, including public safety dispatch
• Experience using CJIS, CCIC/NCIC, and computer-aided dispatch systems
• Current CPR, EMD, EPD, and EFD certifications
• Bilingual in Spanish

Additional Information

This is a shift position that requires the ability to work varied hours and days to include nights, weekends, and holidays in a closed, secure environment. The ability to work on-call or mandatory overtime is required.

This position requires the successful completion of a polygraph examination, an extensive background check, a typing proficiency test, and other pre-employment assessments.

Applicants that have used marijuana or CBD products within 3 months from the date of their application submission will not be eligible for hire. More information about the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Marijuana Use Policy can be found here.

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently. Must be able to sit/stand constantly.

Environmental Conditions
Primary Work Environment - Office environment with moderate noise level from several sources creating constant activity.

The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.

NOTE: This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position.

The City does not sponsor applicants for work visas. If hired, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.

Apply to Join Our Team

• Please visit Colorado Springs Jobs and click on ‘Apply for a City Career’ > ‘City Career Postings – Apply Now’ button to complete an online application. All job applicants will need to create a new login and online application (unless you already have a NEOGOV/governmentjobs.com user ID and password).
• Completing your application in full, including the entire work experience section, will assist Human Resources (HR) in the applicant screening process. Your application may not be considered if all of the information requested for each employer you list is not provided.
• Our NEOGOV application system does not allow you to edit your application after it has been submitted for a position. If you want to make changes, you may submit another application prior to the position’s closing date and time listed in the job posting. HR will review the last application you submit for a position.