Public Safety Calltaker

Salary: $19.45 - $31.14 Hourly

Location : Dothan, AL

Job Type: FULL TIME

Job Number: 259-25-02

Department: POLICE

Opening Date: 05/01/2025

Closing Date: 5/14/2025 11:59 PM Central

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Description

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Candidates may promote to a Communications Officer after one (1) year of continuous successful experience.

Written Exam for the position of Public Safety Calltaker and Communication Center tour are scheduled for 06/10/2025

This position is responsible for assisting in answering emergency and non-emergency calls and for dispatching appropriate personnel.

Major Duties

Receives and screens incoming calls from the public and other user agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls, including 911 calls.

Determines and dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to incident locations; provides emergency medical instructions to callers prior to the arrival of responders as needed.

Receives and processes non-emergency calls; forwards to appropriate department; receives and processes after-hours complaints from the public.

Inquires, retrieves, and monitors data from ACJIC/NCIC database; ensures compliance with rules and regulations; retrieves information related to outstanding warrants, criminal histories, driver histories, vehicle histories, etc.; disseminates information related to criminal histories, driver histories, terrorist threats, felon registration, sex offender registration, lost or stolen items, missing persons, etc.

Maintains contact with emergency personnel in the field; provides information to responding units regarding location, directions, changes to circumstances, etc.; responds to information requests from responding units.

Provides pre-arrival instructions to callers in compliance with Emergency Medical Dispatch guidelines.

Coordinates assistance from other agencies and/or departments as requested, including contacting other agencies for response to specific situations.

Operates telecommunications equipment, including radios, telephones, CAD, mapping systems, telecommunications devices, weather monitoring equipment, etc.

Monitors and utilizes non-emergency radios as needed.

Monitors security cameras.

Completes required training and obtains and maintains appropriate certifications.

Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.

Knowledge of ACJIC/NCIC policies and procedures.

Knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures.

Knowledge of radio and telecommunications equipment.

Knowledge of CAD system functions and maintenance.

Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.

Skill in making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.

Skill in public relations.

Skill in interpersonal relations.

Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Communications Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include ACJIC/NCIC guidelines, state and federal regulations, HIPPA regulations, general orders, APCO policies training guidelines, medical controls, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of related emergency communications duties. The necessity of responding to unforeseen and emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.

The purpose of this position is to assist in the receiving of emergency and non-emergency calls and in dispatching emergency service personnel as appropriate. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective response to emergency and life-threatening situations.

CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with department personnel, other city personnel, representatives of other emergency services agencies, hospital and other medical personnel, representatives of a variety of external agencies, and the general public.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.

The work is typically performed in a Communications Center.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); and

Must be at least 19 years of age.

Recent experience as a Public Safety Cadet or Intern with the Dothan Police Department preferred.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER

The City of Dothan's Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/promoted demoted/transferred into the Police Department. The examination will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to type a minimum of 30 net words per minute with a minimum of ten (10) errors. A typing test will be administered at the time of application (See City of Dothan's Typing Test/Retest Policy).

Must maintain information confidentiality throughout employment.

Must obtain and maintain all certifications as required by the Alabama Public Safety Telecommunication Program (Act 22-387, Rule 585-X-5)

Must obtain and maintain APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I (PST1)

Must obtain and maintain American Heart Association Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Must obtain and maintain APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)

Must obtain and maintain National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) certifications.

Must obtain and maintain APCO Communications Training Officer (CTO) certification.

Must obtain and maintain Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training on Southern Software Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Southern Software Records Management System (RMS), Southern Software Mapping Data System (MDS), Motorola Emergency Communications System ECS-1000, Solacom 9-1-1 equipment, MEVO training, and Public Safety Radio Training/Experience in actual radio transmission environment.

In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion/ demotion/transfer. (See Condition for details.)

Employees must be able to work any shift or days of the week.

An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.

Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).

Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standard, which includes drug/alcohol testing.

Application / Examination

Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 35% of the final grade. The written exam will comprise the other 65% of the final grade.

Written examination for the position of Public Safety Calltaker and Communication Center tour are scheduled for June 10th, 2025. Email notification inviting you to self schedule your slot for the written exam will go out at a later date. You MUST self schedule your slot or you will not be allowed to test.

The content areas of the written examination, for the position of Public Safety Calltaker, include the following:

Oral Communication

Vocabulary

Ability to Perform Dispatching Work

Reading Comprehension

Interpreting Codes and Information

You will be allowed two (2) hours for completion of the examination. Once the examination begins, you will not be allowed to leave the room until you have completed the examination.

NOTE: An applicant on vacation is responsible for attending the examination on the date scheduled. An applicant falling under federally protected leave (i.e., FMLA, USERRA) is responsible for notifying the Personnel Department in writing no later than the closing date by emailing .

Please advise us at the time of application if you will need assistance and/or accommodation to take this examination by emailing

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year

Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year

Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected

Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama

Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees

Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders

Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account

Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses

Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more

Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01

Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.

02

Which best describes your highest completed level of education? Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit.

None

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree or higher

03

Which best describes your work experience as it relates to the duties of a Public Safety Calltaker?

No experience

0 - 0.9 year

1 - 1.9 years

2 - 4.9 years

5 - 9.9 years

10 - 14.9 years

More than 15 years

04

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #3. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

05

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #3. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

06

Which best describes your work experience as it relates to your average daily call volume?

None

0 - 50 calls per day

51 - 100 calls per day

101 - 250 calls per day

251 - 400 calls per day

401 - 500 calls per day

More than 500 calls per day

07

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #6. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

08

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #6. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

09

Which best describes your work experience WITH THE CITY OF DOTHAN?

Public Safety Cadet

Intern (with the Police Department)

None

10

Check each of the following that you have completed: *In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your certification/course/license by the closing date of this advertisement. You may fax it to, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to .

Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator I (PST1) Course

American Heart Association Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course

Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Course

National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) Certification

Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Communications Training Officer (CTO) Course

None

11

Check each of the following Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training you have completed: *In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your certification/course/license by the closing date of this advertisement. You may fax it to, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to .

Southern Software Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Southern Software Records Management System (RMS)

Southern Software Mapping Data System (MDS)

Motorola Emergency Communications System ECS-1000

Solacom 9-1-1 Equipment/MEVO Training

Public Safety Radio Training/Experience in actual radio transmission environment

None of the above

12

Are you at least 19 years of age?

Yes, I am or will be age 19 by the application deadline.

No, I am not at least 19 years of age.

13

In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer.

Are you willing to meet this requirement?

Yes

No

14

This is to certify that I have read and understand the Condition of Employment form and Certification of Understanding of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/ Transfer for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama.

Click here

Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, transfer or demotion.)

I Agree/Understand

I Disagree

15

Are you willing to work weekends, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other major