Gonzaga University Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment
Communications Officer
Gonzaga University Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Communications Officer
VP Area: Campus Security & Public Safety
Department: Security
Work Schedule: On-campus Position
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)
Hours per week: 40
Months per year: 12
Job Purpose Join the Gonzaga University Team as a Security Communications Dispatch Officer. Gonzaga University is looking for a calm, dependable, and service-oriented individual to join our Campus Security & Public Safety team as a Security Communications Dispatch Officer. In this vital role, you’ll be the first point of contact during emergencies and day-to-day operations—supporting the safety of our campus community 24/7. If you're passionate about helping others, thrive in high-pressure situations, and have a knack for clear communication and attention to detail, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a dynamic campus environment. Be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and community, and help us ensure Gonzaga remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
Essential Functions 75% - Communications & Systems
Communications:
Answer and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls
Dispatch officers or route to appropriate departments
Use proper radio protocol and multitask effectively while coordinating service calls
Dispatch Plant Services after regular business hours
Answer University switchboard calls during closures, holidays, or coverage gaps
Assess and triage after-hours maintenance, custodial, IT, and grounds issues at campus properties
Notify on-call staff and campus departments of emergencies or unusual incidents after hours
Patch officers through to Spokane Police/Fire radio channels as requested
Alarms & Access:
Monitor fire, burglary, panic, temperature, and intrusion alarms
Operate and monitor the Persona card access system to secure or unlock buildings, including emergency lockdowns
Track and respond to Fire Pager and 911 calls
Systems – Surveillance:
Conduct real-time and post-incident video surveillance using campus security camera system
Monitor for suspicious activity and alert officers as needed
Export video footage upon request by officers or law enforcement
Systems – Dispatch Records:
Log all dispatch activity in Omnigo, including calls for service and daily reports
Run reports from both Dispatch and Officer Modules
Systems – Parking & Lost/Found:
Use T2 system to locate campus affiliates and manage parking records
Record and track lost & found items in Crowdfind system - (Essential)
20% - Resource Liaison
Coordinate services for the campus community with external agencies such as Safe Ride, Uber Health, Detox, Spokane Police/Fire, Spokanimal, Avista, and Lutheran Services
Maintain up-to-date emergency and non-emergency contact lists for staff, faculty, and students
Provide access to student health information during emergencies, following appropriate protocols
Utilize internal systems such as EMS and StarRez to support communication and service coordination - (Essential)
Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department
Educational Requirement Vocational, Associates, or Technical Degree
Years Of Related Experience Requirement 1 year
In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education.
Skills & Abilities
Ability to pass a background check.
Previous experience in dispatch, security, or emergency services is preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, including in emergency or high-stress situations.
Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in word processing and data entry.
Availability to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Communications, Emergency Management, or a related field. Work experience in higher education.
Proficiency with security and surveillance technologies, including video monitoring systems and card access control.
Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio dispatch systems, and records management software.
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.
Knowledge of Clery Act reporting requirements and/or familiarity with campus safety policies and procedures.
Physical & On-Campus Requirements
In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 4 days/week
Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)
Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)
Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)
Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)
Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)
Pay Range Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): $20
Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): $22.30
Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): $24.63
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Department: Security
Work Schedule: On-campus Position
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)
Hours per week: 40
Months per year: 12
Job Purpose Join the Gonzaga University Team as a Security Communications Dispatch Officer. Gonzaga University is looking for a calm, dependable, and service-oriented individual to join our Campus Security & Public Safety team as a Security Communications Dispatch Officer. In this vital role, you’ll be the first point of contact during emergencies and day-to-day operations—supporting the safety of our campus community 24/7. If you're passionate about helping others, thrive in high-pressure situations, and have a knack for clear communication and attention to detail, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a dynamic campus environment. Be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and community, and help us ensure Gonzaga remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
Essential Functions 75% - Communications & Systems
Communications:
Answer and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls
Dispatch officers or route to appropriate departments
Use proper radio protocol and multitask effectively while coordinating service calls
Dispatch Plant Services after regular business hours
Answer University switchboard calls during closures, holidays, or coverage gaps
Assess and triage after-hours maintenance, custodial, IT, and grounds issues at campus properties
Notify on-call staff and campus departments of emergencies or unusual incidents after hours
Patch officers through to Spokane Police/Fire radio channels as requested
Alarms & Access:
Monitor fire, burglary, panic, temperature, and intrusion alarms
Operate and monitor the Persona card access system to secure or unlock buildings, including emergency lockdowns
Track and respond to Fire Pager and 911 calls
Systems – Surveillance:
Conduct real-time and post-incident video surveillance using campus security camera system
Monitor for suspicious activity and alert officers as needed
Export video footage upon request by officers or law enforcement
Systems – Dispatch Records:
Log all dispatch activity in Omnigo, including calls for service and daily reports
Run reports from both Dispatch and Officer Modules
Systems – Parking & Lost/Found:
Use T2 system to locate campus affiliates and manage parking records
Record and track lost & found items in Crowdfind system - (Essential)
20% - Resource Liaison
Coordinate services for the campus community with external agencies such as Safe Ride, Uber Health, Detox, Spokane Police/Fire, Spokanimal, Avista, and Lutheran Services
Maintain up-to-date emergency and non-emergency contact lists for staff, faculty, and students
Provide access to student health information during emergencies, following appropriate protocols
Utilize internal systems such as EMS and StarRez to support communication and service coordination - (Essential)
Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department
Educational Requirement Vocational, Associates, or Technical Degree
Years Of Related Experience Requirement 1 year
In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education.
Skills & Abilities
Ability to pass a background check.
Previous experience in dispatch, security, or emergency services is preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, including in emergency or high-stress situations.
Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in word processing and data entry.
Availability to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Communications, Emergency Management, or a related field. Work experience in higher education.
Proficiency with security and surveillance technologies, including video monitoring systems and card access control.
Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio dispatch systems, and records management software.
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.
Knowledge of Clery Act reporting requirements and/or familiarity with campus safety policies and procedures.
Physical & On-Campus Requirements
In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 4 days/week
Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)
Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)
Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)
Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)
Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)
Pay Range Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): $20
Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): $22.30
Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): $24.63
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