Senior Communications Coordinator

Position Title Senior Communications Coordinator Job Description Receives and coordinates all incoming routine/emergency calls dealing with business, water maintenance, drainage, sewer, irrigation, or security matters. Performs dispatch duties, paging, and securing compliance information and documentation related to job safety, Blue Stakes, barricades, trench boxes, city, county and state road permits, and directing of intradepartmental information. Regulates building access and security systems. Operates, monitors, evaluates and responds to telemetry system. Serves as trainer and lead dispatcher when Communications Coordinator Trainee is on shift. This is highly responsible public relations, communications and security work, requiring extensive knowledge of Public Utilities’ operations. Position Salary Range $19.42 - $29.20 per hour Benefits Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city) Dental, Vision and Life Insurance Paid vacation and personal leave Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k) A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services Important Notes Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notice. Key Responsibilities Respond to business, water maintenance, drainage, sewer, irrigation and security calls. Provide information regarding operations, service and facilities to the public, department, other city departments, and outside agencies. Screen trouble calls, answer questions requiring extensive knowledge of departmental operations, determine the general nature of the problem, and dispatch emergency crews to the scene. Direct callers to the appropriate agency. Coordinate emergency activities, including locating crew members, dispatching crews to the scene, and compiling and tracking pertinent information (location and status of crews, property damage, etc.). Operate multiple two-way radio systems to provide communication to administration, supervision, and field workers. Document instructions and keep related logs. Operate, monitor, evaluate, and respond to telemetry systems/alarms for distribution, drainage, sewer, and irrigation systems. Evaluate telemetry computer information and charts. Report alarms (water level variations, pump or system failures, chlorine tank malfunctions, and seismic alarms) to distribution operators. Under the direction of distribution operators or other designated personnel, make adjustments to increase, decrease or stop water flow. Document any telemetry activities. Coordinate non-emergency information flow, including status and location of key personnel and crews, telephones and addresses of customers and tenants, and departmental user and related agencies to provide useful information to the public, Department and various City agencies. Perform a variety of clerical duties including: paging; originating Blue Stakes requests and various types of digging permits, trench box and other compliance-related information; typing, computer operation, filing and handling routine telephone inquiries. Compile and maintain extensive logs, rosters, reports and emergency call down list. Operate and monitor facility surveillance/security systems. Screen individuals requiring entry. Control access points through remote‑controlled gates and doors. Function as the central emergency information center for the department (i.e. alarms, call down lists, emergency procedures, etc.). Train or assist in training of Communications Coordinator Trainee. Serve as lead dispatcher when trainee is on shift. Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent. Three years’ paid experience performing duties related to dispatch, work order processing, customer service or office administration, or 18 months’ experience as Public Utilities Communications Coordinator. Proficiency in the use of a computer terminal to enter and retrieve data. Knowledge of other modern office procedures, including paging and filing systems. Knowledge of radio dispatching techniques including ability to be understood over two-way radio, understanding of phonetic alphabet and proper radio procedures. Ability to relate well with the general public under varying and potentially adverse circumstances. Ability to prepare routine reports or prepare forms. Desired Qualification Bi‑lingual – English/Spanish Working Conditions Generally light physical effort. Comfortable working conditions, handling of some light weights. Intermittent sitting, standing and walking. Considerable exposure to noise resulting from six separate telephone systems, three two‑way radio systems and long periods monitoring telemetry alarms and equipment. Subject to overtime or other duties call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of dealing with the general public under adverse circumstances and of the high volume of incoming calls and information. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Position Type Full‑Time Department Public Utilities #J-18808-Ljbffr