Introduction
This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Police. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.
GRADE
ASTD14
LOCATION OF POSITION
1072 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD (Anne Arundel County)
Main Purpose of Job
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 which 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.
POSITION DUTIES
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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- One year of dispatching experience in a 9-1-1 (police/emergency) services environment utilizing a CAD (computer aided dispatch) system.
- One year of experience in a multi-faceted work environment using data entry keyboard functions and a multi-line telephone system.
- A combination of one year of emergency dispatch training, education and/or experience.
LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION
*INTERNAL - CURRENT MDNR NRP EMPLOYEES ONLY*
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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 the employing agency with a telephone number where they can be reached.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your minimum 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.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
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.
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.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application is strongly 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, need to make adjustments to a submitted application or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management and direct your questions/comments/concerns to the Recruitment and Examination Division at
Application.Help@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.