POLICE COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR I

**REPOST, previous applicants do not need to reapply**

ASTD14

ANNAPOLIS, MD

The main purpose of the Police Communications Operator (PCO) is to facilitate officer safety by monitoring police radio transmissions and utilizing all communications equipment to that end. PCOs prioritize, process, and dispatch information accurately, clearly, and concisely over phones and two-way radios in a manner that avoids information error/omissions. Errors and/or omissions could put responders and/or citizens in unnecessary danger. Police Communications Operators utilize CAD/METERS/NCIC systems to process/dispatch information. Police Communications Operators facilitate the sharing and dispatching of information during emergency situations involving allied agencies and handle forwarded 911 emergency calls. They assist citizens with the following: reporting potential violations of the law, requests for law enforcement and emergency services, and requests for general information. Their position requires the ability to multitask and perform well under stressful conditions. PCOs must successfully complete APCO Training, Meters Training, 700 Mhz radio training, and complete yearly in-service training and re-certification requirements. Additionally, PCOs provide administrative support to all Agencies of the Department of Natural Resources.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Natural Resources Police, is currently accepting applications at the Police Communications Operator I level for vacancies located at the DNR Communications Center at 1072 E. College Parkway in Annapolis, Maryland.  Police Communications Operators are required to multi-task, have excellent verbal communication skills, and be highly motivated.  Police Communications Operators are responsible for receiving, reviewing, transmitting, tracking, and recording law enforcement communications and ensuring the safety of Natural Resources Police Officers, DNR employees, park visitors, and users of the State’s natural resources. The essential job functions include operating a 700MHz statewide multi-channel radio system; operating the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer system; operating a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system; answering a multi-line telephone system; effectively communicating with internal and external personnel as well as providing excellent customer service to all callers; and maintaining accurate documentation of all incidents, accidents, and requests for service.  These duties are performed in a fast-paced environment that is periodically stressful in nature.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: None.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Operations Specialist classifications or Signal Corps, Cyberspace Support, or Communications specialty codes in the communications field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

1. One year of dispatching experience in a 9-1-1 (police/emergency) services environment utilizing a CAD (computer aided dispatch) system.
2. One year of experience in a multi-faceted work environment using data entry keyboard functions and a multi-line telephone system.
3. A combination of one year of emergency dispatch training, education and/or experience.

1. Applicants for this classification may be subject to an extensive background investigation prior to appointment.

2. Employees in this classification will be required to provide a telephone number at which they can be reached.

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you provide all the experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application is preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Emilee Knott at Emilee.Knott@maryland.gov.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.