Position Title: Communications Specialist
Supervisor: Operations Manager
Position Overview: The Communications Specialist answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency telephone
lines in addition to providing emergency dispatch services. The Communication Specialist operates
complex communication systems to include a two-way radio system, multi-line telephone system and
computer aided dispatch (CAD). This position is in the public sector, is non-exempt and represented
by the collective bargaining unit.
Qualifications & Experience:
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Education – High school graduate or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance
• Possess at least 1 year of customer service-related employment
• Type 35 WPM, NET
• Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required
knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.
• No disqualifying criminal history
(Applicants with a felony conviction will not be considered for the position)
Hiring Process:
Testing for this position consists of several steps, including but not limited to:
• Typing, aptitude & skills-based testing
• Dispatch observation
• Oral board interview
• Comprehensive background investigation
• Medical examination and drug screening, which includes screening for marijuana.
• Psychological examination
Job Duties:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Ability to learn CAD functions and commands, two-way communication radio systems, radio
paging systems, telephone operation, LEDS formats, common police fire and medical terms and
operation of basic office machinery.
• Appropriately triage and provide pre-arrival instructions to callers awaiting the arrival of
responding emergency units (Police, Fire & EMS).
• Accurately monitor and document status of public safety field units and information on units’
activities and requests.
• Process, input and extract information to the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).
Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District
Essential Functions and Skills:
• Ability to use a telephone, computer, and radio simultaneously.
• Ability to perform and prioritize multiple simultaneous tasks.
• Ability to collect required information quickly and accurately.
• Adapt to frequently changing workloads.
• Study and maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, industrial areas, public buildings and
general geographic locations of cities, towns, and landmarks in the response jurisdiction of the
partners of the District.
• Receive and relay information from other public and private organizations; notify or activate
other service agencies.
• Adherence to C911CD and State of Oregon policy and procedures for confidentiality, ethics and
professional standards.
• Maintain a positive customer service attitude with citizens, partners, co-workers and
management.
• Ability to learn new techniques, learn to operate new equipment and software programs.
• Regular and consistent attendance. Ability to work shifts that span a 24-hour period (i.e. day,
swing, and graveyard shifts) including weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to work unscheduled and/or mandatory overtime as required.
• Achieve and maintain the following certifications:
o Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification through
the State of Oregon.
o Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) & Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
o Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) & First Aid