Public Safety Dispatcher

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

For GS-5:
You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-4 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: (1) Performing clerical work in direct support of a communications center (i.e. call center); (2) transmitting and receiving communications (e.g., answering phones calls in a contact center or other similar operational setting) via multi-channel radio or computer-based telephone systems; and (3) entering and updating information related to callers incidents or situations (i.e. case notes, summary of events, etc.) in information systems.
-OR-
Education:
For GS-6:
You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-4 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: (1) Performing clerical work in direct support of an emergency or law enforcement communications center; (2) transmitting and receiving law enforcement or emergency communications (e.g., law enforcement, emergency medical, search and rescue, structural or wildland fire, or other operational situations) via multi-channel radio and computer-based telephone systems; and (3) entering and updating information related to incidents (i.e. case notes, summary of events, etc.) in law enforcement or emergency information systems.

If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies".

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands: Incumbent must function efficiently in a confined space for extended periods with no breaks and no opportunity to leave the confines of the Communications Center. The dispatcher is considered and "essential employee," meaning he/she is required to work most holidays, report for duty during adverse weather conditions, and be expected to work for long hours exceeding normally scheduled shifts in case of emergencies. Position is sedentary with high amounts of stress. Incumbent is subject to shift work, rotating shift work, and uncommon tours of duty. Work requires use of the voice in vocal communications for periods of hours at a time. Voice must be clear, audible, and tone effective with words plainly spoken and understandable. Incumbent must be able to hear clearly and discern a variety of audible communications and signals simultaneously. Incumbent must be able to read critical information from multiple sources, including computer screen, fax, and written log quickly and accurately. The work is of an emergency nature and is emotionally stressful. Incumbent must possess manual dexterity sufficient to operate computer terminals/keyboards and related equipment and to maintain written logs. Work involves occasional lifting of boxes and supplies up to weights of 50 pounds.

Work Environment: Work is normally performed in a well-lighted and temperature-controlled room. Noise levels are routinely high due to electronic equipment, telephone, radios, and other discussions ongoing in the performance of duties. The setting is typically confined and secure, and entrance and egress is controlled. During the training period and/or on other occasions, the incumbent will be assigned to accompany field law enforcement personnel in patrol vehicles to learn or gain a more detailed familiarization with agency field operating procedures and jurisdictional boundaries. Incumbent may not leave the center unless relieved by another qualified dispatcher.