Certified Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Summary

Serve Your Community. Make a Difference Every Day.Valencia Regional Emergency Communications Center (VRECC) is seeking dedicated and resilient individuals to join our team as Public Safety Telecommunicators. As the critical first point of contact during emergencies, telecommunicators play a vital role in protecting life and property by coordinating police, fire, and emergency medical response across Valencia County.This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, high-stress environments and are committed to public service, professionalism, and teamwork. Telecommunicators must be able to think critically, communicate clearly, and remain calm under pressure while handling emergency and non-emergency calls.VRECC offers a meaningful career in public safety, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to support first responders and your community when it matters most.Summary: Under the direction of PST supervisors, the Public Safety Telecommunicator I is responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and processing emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching appropriate police, fire, and emergency medical resources. This position requires the ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-stress, 24/7 emergency communications environment while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and adherence to established protocols.Essential Job Functions: The following functions are essential as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act. An employee must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE Only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.Must be able to receive, process, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls using a multi-line telecommunications system while obtaining accurate, complete, and timely information from callers, including those in crisis or distress.Must be able to coordinate and dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and allied agency resources using radio and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems while maintaining situational awareness and accuracy.Must be able to simultaneously manage multiple tasks—including call-taking, radio monitoring, and data entry—while maintaining accuracy, composure, and rapid response times in high-pressure and time-sensitive situations.Must be able to effectively operate multiple public safety systems, including CAD, radio communications equipment, and criminal justice databases (e.g., NCIC/NMLETS), to obtain, verify, and document information.Must be able to perform all duties in accordance with local, state, federal, and industry standards, including emergency dispatch protocols, CJIS requirements, and agency policies.Must be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively with callers, responders, and team members, including eliciting critical information from individuals in traumatic or high-stress situations.Must be able to analyze incomplete, conflicting, or rapidly evolving information and make sound, timely decisions that affect responder safety and public outcomes.Must be able to maintain emotional control and effective performance during exposure to emergencies, traumatic events, and sustained high-stress conditions.Must be able to work collaboratively within a team environment, follow direction, and participate in training, coaching, and quality improvement processes.Must be able to work a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and mandatory overtime with little or no notice, as required to maintain minimum staffing and ensure continuous emergency communications operations. Hear and distinguish audio communications across multiple channelsSpeak clearly and effectivelyView and interpret multiple computer screens simultaneouslyPerform continuous typing and data entryMaintain sustained attention and alertness for extended periodsNon-Essential/Marginal Functions Participate in meetings, training sessions, and continuing educationAssist with administrative or support tasks as assignedParticipate in community outreach or agency initiatives as directedSupervisory Authority: This position is a non-supervisory position.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of: Emergency communications procedures and protocolsRadio communications systems and proceduresLaw enforcement, fire, and EMS operationsApplicable laws, regulations, and CJIS requirementsCounty geography and mapping systemsSkills and Abilities: Effective decision-making under pressureClear and concise verbal and written communicationMultitasking and prioritizationAccurate data entry and system navigationMaintaining confidentiality and security of sensitive informationEstablishing and maintaining professional working relationshipsMinimum Qualifications: Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of hireMust successfully pass a national fingerprint-based criminal history record check in accordance with CJIS requirements and maintain eligibility for continued access to criminal justice information systems as a condition of employmentMust possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's licensePre-Employment Screening Requirements As a condition of employment, the candidate must successfully complete and pass all required pre-employment evaluations, including:A computer-based aptitude assessment (e.g., CritiCall)A pre-employment drug screening in accordance with VRECC policyA hearing test sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position, including the ability to accurately receive and interpret multi-channel audio communicationsA psychological evaluation to assess suitability for employment in a public safety communications environmentFailure to successfully complete any required pre-employment screening shall result in disqualification from the hiring process or withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.Certification and Training Requirements Possession of a valid New Mexico Department of Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification at the time of hireEmergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certificationNCIC/NMLETS certification and authorizationAdvanced Training for Continuing Education as required by applicable New Mexico statutes and regulatory standardsFailure to obtain or maintain required certifications may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.Work Requirements Must be physically and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodationMust be able to work holidays, weekends, irregular hours, and shift work, including mandatory overtime and extended shifts, at times with little or no notice, as required to maintain operational staffing levelsPhysical Demands: Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and equipment operationAbility to hear, speak, and process auditory information continuouslyAbility to maintain visual focus across multiple screensAbility to remain seated for extended periodsWork Environment: Primarily a secure, access-controlled communications centerContinuous exposure to high-stress and emergency situationsWork is performed in a seated position for extended periods with frequent use of computer and communication equipmentADA Statement: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, provided such accommodations do not create an undue hardship or compromise public safety operations.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Job Description

Serve Your Community. Make a Difference Every Day.Valencia Regional Emergency Communications Center (VRECC) is seeking dedicated and resilient individuals to join our team as Public Safety Telecommunicators. As the critical first point of contact during emergencies, telecommunicators play a vital role in protecting life and property by coordinating police, fire, and emergency medical response across Valencia County.This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, high-stress environments and are committed to public service, professionalism, and teamwork. Telecommunicators must be able to think critically, communicate clearly, and remain calm under pressure while handling emergency and non-emergency calls.VRECC offers a meaningful career in public safety, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to support first responders and your community when it matters most.Summary: Under the direction of PST supervisors, the Public Safety Telecommunicator I is responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and processing emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching appropriate police, fire, and emergency medical resources. This position requires the ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-stress, 24/7 emergency communications environment while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and adherence to established protocols.Essential Job Functions: The following functions are essential as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act. An employee must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE Only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.Must be able to receive, process, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls using a multi-line telecommunications system while obtaining accurate, complete, and timely information from callers, including those in crisis or distress.Must be able to coordinate and dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and allied agency resources using radio and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems while maintaining situational awareness and accuracy.Must be able to simultaneously manage multiple tasks—including call-taking, radio monitoring, and data entry—while maintaining accuracy, composure, and rapid response times in high-pressure and time-sensitive situations.Must be able to effectively operate multiple public safety systems, including CAD, radio communications equipment, and criminal justice databases (e.g., NCIC/NMLETS), to obtain, verify, and document information.Must be able to perform all duties in accordance with local, state, federal, and industry standards, including emergency dispatch protocols, CJIS requirements, and agency policies.Must be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively with callers, responders, and team members, including eliciting critical information from individuals in traumatic or high-stress situations.Must be able to analyze incomplete, conflicting, or rapidly evolving information and make sound, timely decisions that affect responder safety and public outcomes.Must be able to maintain emotional control and effective performance during exposure to emergencies, traumatic events, and sustained high-stress conditions.Must be able to work collaboratively within a team environment, follow direction, and participate in training, coaching, and quality improvement processes.Must be able to work a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and mandatory overtime with little or no notice, as required to maintain minimum staffing and ensure continuous emergency communications operations. Hear and distinguish audio communications across multiple channelsSpeak clearly and effectivelyView and interpret multiple computer screens simultaneouslyPerform continuous typing and data entryMaintain sustained attention and alertness for extended periodsNon-Essential/Marginal Functions Participate in meetings, training sessions, and continuing educationAssist with administrative or support tasks as assignedParticipate in community outreach or agency initiatives as directedSupervisory Authority: This position is a non-supervisory position.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of: Emergency communications procedures and protocolsRadio communications systems and proceduresLaw enforcement, fire, and EMS operationsApplicable laws, regulations, and CJIS requirementsCounty geography and mapping systemsSkills and Abilities: Effective decision-making under pressureClear and concise verbal and written communicationMultitasking and prioritizationAccurate data entry and system navigationMaintaining confidentiality and security of sensitive informationEstablishing and maintaining professional working relationshipsMinimum Qualifications: Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of hireMust successfully pass a national fingerprint-based criminal history record check in accordance with CJIS requirements and maintain eligibility for continued access to criminal justice information systems as a condition of employmentMust possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's licensePre-Employment Screening Requirements As a condition of employment, the candidate must successfully complete and pass all required pre-employment evaluations, including:A computer-based aptitude assessment (e.g., CritiCall)A pre-employment drug screening in accordance with VRECC policyA hearing test sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position, including the ability to accurately receive and interpret multi-channel audio communicationsA psychological evaluation to assess suitability for employment in a public safety communications environmentFailure to successfully complete any required pre-employment screening shall result in disqualification from the hiring process or withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.Certification and Training Requirements Possession of a valid New Mexico Department of Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification at the time of hireEmergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certificationNCIC/NMLETS certification and authorizationAdvanced Training for Continuing Education as required by applicable New Mexico statutes and regulatory standardsFailure to obtain or maintain required certifications may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.Work Requirements Must be physically and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodationMust be able to work holidays, weekends, irregular hours, and shift work, including mandatory overtime and extended shifts, at times with little or no notice, as required to maintain operational staffing levelsPhysical Demands: Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and equipment operationAbility to hear, speak, and process auditory information continuouslyAbility to maintain visual focus across multiple screensAbility to remain seated for extended periodsWork Environment: Primarily a secure, access-controlled communications centerContinuous exposure to high-stress and emergency situationsWork is performed in a seated position for extended periods with frequent use of computer and communication equipmentADA Statement: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, provided such accommodations do not create an undue hardship or compromise public safety operations.#J-18808-Ljbffr