Casual Communication Officer In-Training

Job Title: Dispatch OperatorKlickitat County is offering a casual position with a salary range of $52,353.60 - $64,230.40 annually. The job is located in Goldendale, WA. The job number is 2024-00029 and is within the Dispatch department. The opening date is 02/01/2026. The basic job purpose/function involves receiving and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and dispatching appropriate police, fire or emergency units when needed. It also includes operating multi-frequency radio equipment, computer terminal and associated data recording equipment to retrieve, enter, receive and/or transmit law enforcement and public safety information. Essential job duties include: Receiving and evaluating incoming emergency calls from the public or agencies served and requesting medical information, geographic locations or other pertinent information in order to dispatch appropriate police, fire or emergency units or provide agencies with information necessary for such assistance. Receiving inquiries and providing information and assistance to the public; referring complaints, reports of incidents and other matters as appropriate to patrol deputies or command personnel. Responsible for completing numerous outgoing calls on own initiative and at the direction of others. Ensuring that thorough and accurate information is taken so that proper action can be taken. Having basic knowledge of criminal and civil law. Operating computer, radio, telephone, paging systems, tape recorders and other related communications equipment. Responsible for radio procedures as prescribed by F.C.C. Ability within six months to become certified on ACCESS/WACIC computer consoles to make inquiries or entries of relevant law enforcement data such as vehicle registration, identifications, criminal records, warrants, outstanding and stolen property. Capability and speed to retrieve information from terminal when requested by field officers. Maintaining log of all radio transmissions, phone calls and action taken. Must accurately reflect all business performed while on duty. Ability to spell and compose comprehensive statements. Responsible for a complaint form that reflects nature of complaint and all relevant information available which will aid the officer and/or agency in resolving the complaint. Monitoring the activities and location of police, fire and emergency units in the field and maintaining radio contact if necessary. Knowing the whereabouts of all officers in the field and anticipating potential dangers to those officers; ability to calmly and efficiently pursue the prescribed course of action when the situation dictates. Relaying and receiving critical information to units working for/with the Klickitat County Emergency Management Department (KCSO, Washington State Patrol, Game and Fisheries patrols, etc.). Also, cooperating and coordinating efforts for other agencies operating on the common radio frequency (Wasco County, Sherman County, Oregon State Patrol, Hood River County, etc.) Assisting walk-in traffic from various social and economical backgrounds at counter by taking complaint information and/or directing persons to proper agencies. Performing a variety of clerical duties, including typing forms and reports and filing records. Performing other duties as assigned. Requirements/minimum qualifications include knowledge of local public agencies in general and of the law enforcement, fire and emergency departments served. Basic law enforcement principles and techniques in crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence and other relevant aspects of law enforcement. Medical and first aid to assess the nature of incoming calls and dispatch the appropriate units. Local geography, streets, buildings and landmarks in the County and the ability to read maps. Ability to learn and carry out explicit orders and to follow critical sequences of procedures. Operating the telephone, radio and related communications equipment in a clear, well-modulated voice using good diction. Exercising independent judgment in evaluating, prioritizing and acting upon routine and emergency requests and the ability to handle several situations simultaneously. Maintaining accurate records of assigned activities and operations. Communicating firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of citizens. Physically performing the essential functions of the job. Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: High School diploma or G.E.D., and one year of work experience in emergency or health services, law enforcement or a related field with experience receiving, evaluating, transmitting and monitoring emergency requests via telephone or radio preferred. Licenses, certificates and other requirements include a valid state driver's license. Klickitat County offers a generous benefit package which includes vacation, sick and paid holiday leave along with medical, dental, vision and life and LTD insurance and substantial County contributions towards premiums and a retirement package through the Washington State Department of Retirement System. Additionally, employees are offered a flexible spending account, two Deferred Compensation programs, voluntary life and LTD insurance, AFLAC coverage and a variety of on-going training programs.