City of Burbank is hiring: Emergency Communication Specialist in Montrose

Emergency Communication Specialist

City of Burbank – In‑office position at WestCO Dispatch, 1140 N. Grand Avenue, Montrose, CO.

Summary

An Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS) receives, processes, relays, and dispatches emergency and non‑emergency calls via radio, telephone, text messaging, and other media. ECS operates telecommunications equipment (telephone, text, computer‑aided dispatch, radio, GIS) and maintains CJIS database records. ECS also performs radio dispatch for law enforcement, fire, and EMS.

Primary Duties

• Receive and prioritize emergency and non‑emergency calls and digital requests; gather, analyze, and report critical information during life‑or‑death situations and dispatch units according to policy.
• Administer care by providing pre‑arrival medical instruction or directing callers through procedures such as CPR, childbirth, or controlling blood loss while emergency medical services are en route.
• Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including multi‑channel radio, 911 telephone equipment, text‑to‑911, advanced location systems, CAD, instant recall recorders, paging and intercom systems.
• Read and interpret maps for the public, field personnel, and other agencies to locate geographical areas and interpret call locations from maps.
• Coordinate and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and fire‑fighting agencies; maintain contact with all units monitoring status and location of police, fire, and EMS units.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing with members of the public and internal team members; teamwork is vital.
• Retrieve criminal justice information from state and national computer networks and relay information to officers in the field via radio, phone, or messaging.
• Enter automated records of activity into the computer; maintain logs related to public safety dispatch activities and compile call statistics.
• Review policy and procedures with trainees; work directly with trainee on shift to ensure proper techniques, call routing, and appropriate level of response.
• May deploy to the scene of planned events, major emergencies, or ongoing incidents; attend assigned trainings and meetings.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications

• Accurately type 7,000 keystrokes per hour.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
• Establish priority of emergency situations.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Maintain composure, alertness, and concentration while working under mental and physical stress for extended periods.
• Work in an environment that requires rapid multitasking.
• Adapt instantaneously to changes in call events.
• Work all shifts of a 24‑hour period, rotating schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Remain subject to callback and holdover to maintain minimum staffing 24/7.
• Operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment.
• Read and interpret maps and other navigational resources.
• Establish and maintain accurate records, logs, and files.
• Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Education

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must pass a background investigation that meets all local, state, and federal requirements and be without felony convictions.
• High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
• Must complete Western Colorado Regional Dispatch Center communication training within one year of employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Emergency Medical Dispatch certification within one year.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Colorado Crime Information Center Computer Operator certification.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and health savings account.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Defined‑contribution retirement plan (8% matching).
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Employee Assistance Program and recreational memberships.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Marketing, Public Relations, Writing/Editing (Government Administration)