City of Los Altos
Invites you to apply for the position of:
Communications Officer
Annual Salary: $101,962.37- $123,935.90
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! The Police Communications Center is a fast-paced environment serving first responders and the community during emergency and non-emergency events. Communications Officers interact daily with the public and law enforcement personnel through phone calls, 9-1-1 events, in person and over the police radio system. We are looking for highly skilled professionals who can multi-task and react calmly during emergency situations, while making quick decisions and determining the nature and severity of service calls. If you are looking to make a difference in the City of Los Altos while working in the Communications Center, this position is for you!
ABOUT THE POSITION
Under general supervision, the Communications Officer, as a member of the Police Department, transmits and receives information over the police and public works radio system; dispatches routine and emergency calls for service; types, records, and files information; handles emergency and non-emergency telephone calls utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD), and performs related work as assigned.
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills; ability to multi-task in stressful situations. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small-town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE OF: Standard office methods, procedures, software and equipment; Geography of the local area; General public safety communications practices; Principles of customer service.
SKILL AND ABILITY TO: Multi-task and prioritize; Efficiently use radio and other communications equipment; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Analyze situations quickly and accurately; Maintain composure and work effectively under pressure; Understand and follow oral and written direction; Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties; Establish, maintain, and promote positive working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, & CERTIFICATES:
Any combination of the listed experience and education requirements may lead to a qualifying application. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Education:
Certificates:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS REQUIREMENTS AND GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS: This position will require the ability to work rotating shifts on an on-going basis, including irregular hours on short notice. This position will also be assigned a uniform to wear during work hours.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The salary range for this position ranges from $101,962.37 - $123,935.90 annually. Placement within the range will be DOE. This is a full-time, non-exempt and represented by Los Altos Peace Officers’ Association.
Retirement:
Certificate Pay:
Quality of Life Wellness Benefit: $1,300 annually towards quality-of-life wellness expenses, FSA, or 457 retirement plans.
Health Plans:
Dental/Vision: City also offers a dental and vision reimbursement plan.
Flexible Spending Plan: Dependent care and health care reimbursement plan available
Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in either Nationwide or Mission Square Retirement
Holidays: The Communications Officer classifications receives pay for the 14 City-observed holidays in the form of 5% percent of base pay for regularly scheduled hours each pay period.
Vacation: Starting at 14 days annually.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS: This recruitment is open until filled with the first review of applications on December 15th, 2022. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a complete background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in a disqualification or termination.
Tree-lined streets and a small village atmosphere characterize Los Altos, which is located in the heart of world famous Silicon Valley. Just 40 miles south of San Francisco, Los Altos is a residential community served by seven small retail districts. The seven square mile City is developed with small businesses, schools, libraries and churches.
Incorporated in 1952, Los Altos is a general law city with five elected council members who serve four-year terms. City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Appointed commissions and committees assist the Council in an advisory capacity. The Council appointed city manager is responsible for financial and operational management of the city's 130 employees.