Public Safety Telecommunicator

The incumbent in this class serves as the vital communications link between the public needing help and emergency services response. As members of the public safety ecosystem, PSTs are typically the first point of contact when a person reaches out for help. This entails a candidate to be able to work independently in a high-stress environment while receiving and evaluating incoming emergency and administrative requests for emergency services, including but not limited to law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS); triaging those requests for service; providing guidance and assistance to the public in life-safety situations; and coordinating appropriate responses to high-risk, high-stress operations, with the objective of keeping all participants safe.

The incumbent operates a sophisticated workstation comprised of multiple computer systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software and geographical information systems (GIS), call handling including teletypewriter (TTY) and text-to-911 sessions, as well as communications systems such as radio dispatch consoles and recording systems. These systems are used to acquire, relay and dispatch emergency personnel and equipment, as well as inquire, enter, and maintain public safety related databases.  An employee in this class will be familiar with and fully capable of operating such equipment at each operational position of the communications center.

An employee in this class exercises independent judgment, alertness, and responsiveness within the parameters of established operating policies, procedures and guidelines which aid in reacting to incidents which may involve danger to life and/or damage to property. The employee in this class prioritizes multiple events based on available resources using critical thinking skills.  The work is performed under the general supervision of a Senior Public Safety Telecommunicator, Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator, or other authorized personnel.

Areas of assignment may include: answering telephone requests for emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public and associated public service providers; the dispatching of police, fire/rescue, EMS and public service provider personnel and equipment to emergency and non-emergency incidents; database inquiries, entries, and maintenance; training; and public relations events.

The job involves an unusual working environment.  There can be sudden changes in work activity.  High stress conditions may exist when dealing with life and death situations.  The ability to remain calm in emergency situations, and the ability to be polite, especially when dealing with angry and abusive people, is needed.  Employees are required to work shifts which cover both day and night hours, weekends, and holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage.  Employees in this class may be required to assist with training, development, and evaluation of new personnel.  The job also requires employees to always maintain a clean and tidy work environment, thus promoting a clean, safe, and healthy workplace. Supervision of subordinate employees is not exercised in this class.  The incumbent performs related work as required.

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Candidates shall be subject to a background investigation, including a fingerprint based criminal history search, medical examination to include a hearing test, and a psychological examination/personality assessment, prior to appointment. All such assessments shall be in conformity with New York Executive Law article 15 (Human Rights Law).

This position runs 24/7 365 days a year. The shifts cover the whole spectrum from Days to Overnights to Weekends. The 12 hour shifts either run from 6pm to 6am or 6am to 6pm, and operate on a 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off basis.

To apply, go to https://oneida-portal.mycivilservice.com/post/jobopps and create an account. Then you can apply to whichever position(s) you are interested in.

If you have any questions please reach out to rhoran@oneidacountyny.gov or call the Personnel office at 315-798-5726