DISPATCHER I - TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

5451 Alabama Street, Milton Florida, 32570 T: 850-983-5423, F: 850-983-5420 https://www.miltonfl.org/185/Police-Department Chief Jennifer M. Frank Job Description: Dispatcher I – Telecommunications Specialist Dispatcher I – Telecommunications Specialist Agency: Milton Police Department Position Title: Telecommunications Specialist - Dispatcher I Immediate Supervisor: Communications Captain Classification: Hourly Drafted/Revised: 03/2026 Position Summary: The Telecommunications Specialist – Dispatcher I serves as a critical link between the public and emergency services by receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching calls for service for the City of Milton Polic Department. This position requires the ability to remain calm under pressure, gather and relay accurate information, and ensure a timely and appropriate response to incidents, while maintaining compliance with State of Florida telecommunicator certification requirements and criminal justice information system standards. This position is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance, dispatching appropriate public safety personnel, and maintaining a variety of departmental records and communications logs. Work involves a combination of emergency dispatching and technical support duties, requiring accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The nature of the work requires responsiveness to dynamic and often unpredictable situations, contributing to the complexity and critical importance of the role. Successful performance directly supports the safety of the community and the effective coordination of emergency and non-emergency response services. The primary purpose of this position is to receive and process incoming calls for service and to dispatch appropriate emergency response personnel. Effective performance ensures efficient communication, coordination, and response during routine and life-threatening situations. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Essential Duties: Conducts driver’s license, vehicle registration, warrant, and criminal history checks; maintains and releases motor vehicle registration information to law enforcement agencies; monitors officer-initiated activity such as traffic stops Coordinates communication and information-sharing with neighboring jurisdictions and regional agencies to support mutual aid and interoperability Dispatches law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel; monitors unit status and location; maintains continuous communication with field units to ensure officer safety and effective response Maintains alarm system records and contact databases; monitors alarm activations and coordinates appropriate response Monitors multiple radio frequencies and communication channels; relays critical and time-sensitive information, including officer safety alerts, to field personnel Operates the department radio system to communicate with patrol units and other emergency personnel Provides pre-arrival instructions to callers, including emergency medical guidance and telecommunicator CPR, in accordance with established procedures Receives and processes incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public and public safety agencies; evaluates, categorizes, and prioritizes calls in accordance with established protocols Receives, assigns, and tracks complaints; assigns complaint numbers; dispatches patrol units and other emergency vehicles; notifies news media of serious accidents or disasters Essential Responsibilities: Adheres to all departmental policies, procedures, CJIS security requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations Assists officers and other personnel by gathering, relaying, and documenting information for incident, arrest, booking, crash, and other reports Maintains accurate and complete records of all telephone, radio, and CAD activity; prepares reports and assists with the compilation of operational statistics and monthly activity summaries Operates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, FCIC/NCIC systems, and other communications technologies to document, track, and manage calls for service and unit activity Performs administrative and clerical duties related to communications operations, including filing, typing, data entry, records maintenance, and documentation Performs other related duties as assigned Prepares and mails Florida citation abstracts to the state, and prepares departmental payroll and other specialized records and reports Processes background and records checks, including Firearm Eligibility system (FES) and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) inquiries, in accordance with applicable laws and agency policies Sends and receives messages via computer, teletype, or other department communications systems; communicates statewide and nationwide as required Minimum Qualifications: To be considered for the position of Dispatcher I – Communications Specialist, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including criminal history review, in accordance with agency and CJIS requirements Ability to type 50 words per minute with > 80% accuracy. Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as required Demonstrated knowledge and competency typically acquired through specialized training in emergency communications, public safety, or a related field, in addition to foundational skills associated with a secondary education High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent Must be at least eighteen years of age Must obtain and maintain State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within twelve months of hire Must possess, or have the ability to obtain within a specified timeframe, certification and access to state and national criminal justice information systems, including FCIC/NCIC Additional Qualifications: Experience operating computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and law enforcement databases is preferred Familiarity with the Florida Incident-Based Reporting System (FIBRS) and related reporting standards is preferred One of two years of relevant experience, or completion of an accredited training program, internship, or apprenticeship in emergency communications or a related discipline, is highly desirable Prior experience in emergency communications, public safety dispatch, or a closely related field is preferred Working knowledge of local geography, roadways, landmarks, and jurisdictional boundaries Substance Abuse Testing: This position is assigned to a Drug Screening Class under the City’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy. The classification determines whether the position is subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, or other required testing. Classifications are based on the actual duties of the position, applicable federal and state law, and the level of safety risk associated with the work performed. This position is classified as CATEGORY II: Special-Risk, which includes positions that require certification under Florida Statute Chapter 943 for law enforcement or Chapter 633 for fire personnel. These positions are designated by the State of Florida as special-risk due to their involvement in emergency response, life-saving activities, use of weapons, physical confrontation, custodial supervision, and other high-risk public safety duties. Testing requirements for employees in this category are established by state law and cannot be modified by the City. Employees in this category are subject to all drug and alcohol testing types included in the City of Milton Drug-Free Workplace Policy, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing. Ability to: The successful candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Dispatcher I – Communications Specialist effectively: Knowledge of: Applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and departmental policies and procedures Department rules, regulations, and operational procedures Geographic layout, roadways, landmarks, and jurisdictional boundaries within the service area Operational requirements for public safety radio dispatching Principles and practices of record keeping and data management Public safety radio codes, terminology, and dispatching procedures Skills in: Communicating clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing Demonstrating strong interpersonal communication, collaboration, and teamwork Maintaining effective public relations and delivering customer service in a tactful, courteous, and professional manner Making sound and timely decisions in high-pressure and emergency situations Operating computer systems and job-related software, including computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems Operating radio, telecommunications, and related communications equipment Preparing complex reports, tabulations, and summaries from records Routine care, maintenance, and use of standard office equipment Utilizing audio and video monitoring or recording systems Ability to: Accurately enter, retrieve, and manage data across multiple systems Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in work schedules, assignments, and operational demands Establish and maintain simple and complex record-keeping systems Evaluate situations and make decisions quickly and accurately in accordance with procedures, regulations, and established policies Exercise sound judgment, attention to detail, and strong situational awareness Maintain professionalism, objectivity, and composure when interacting with the public, city officials, and public safety personnel Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive CJIS and criminal justice information Multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, high-demand environment Remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress and emergency situations Work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team environment Language Skills: The successful candidate must demonstrate proficiency in the English language, including strong verbal and written communication skills. This includes the ability to: Bilingual communication skills (e.g., Spanish) are desirable and may be considered an asset Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally with a diverse range of individuals, including supervisors, coworkers, members of the public, and representatives of other agencies Demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and professionalism in all communications Effectively convey and receive information in both routine and high-pressure or emergency situations Provide clear and accurate instructions to callers and field personnel Read, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, reports, and legal or technical documents Certifications, Licenses, Registrations: Complete CJIS Security Awareness Training and maintain compliance with all related policies and standards Employees must comply with all requirements outlined in Florida Statute §401.465 for 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators, including certification, continuing education, and medical/fitness standards Maintain compliance with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) policies and Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) regulations Obtain and maintain Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within twelve months of hire, in accordance with Florida Statute §401.465, including successful completion of an approved training program and state examination Obtain and maintain Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) / National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification within six months of hire, in compliance with applicable CJIS requirements Obtain and maintain Telecommunicator CPR Certification, with recertification required every two years Possess and maintain a valid State of Florida driver’s license Assignment Selection: All Dispatcher I – Communications Specialist are required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period following their appointment. Work hours for the Dispatcher I – Communications Specialist will be determined based on the operational needs of the department, as established by the Communications Captain and Chief of Police. Summary of Occupational Exposures: The position may involve exposure to various substances and environments, including but not limited to: Exposure to disturbing or graphic information relayed during emergency calls Exposure to high-stress and emotionally challenging situations Frequent use of headsets, radios, and computer equipment Prolonged periods of sitting, listening, and viewing computer screens Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodation Notice The City of Milton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal or state law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and the operational needs of the City. The City of Milton complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employees who need accommodation to perform the essential functions of their position should contact Human Resources at hr@miltonfl.org. Requests for accommodation will be reviewed on an individualized basis and handled promptly, fairly, and confidentially. ERP Classification Every City of Milton employee has emergency response responsibilities. Although not every position will require assignments during an emergency event, all employees may be subject to some requirements during or after emergency operations, which may involve irregular work hours, relocation to emergency sites, and duties beyond those specified in the official job description. Emergency assignments may involve physically and operationally challenging conditions with little or no advance notice. This position is classified as CRITICAL to emergency operations and will be required to remain on-duty during an emergency.