Communications Officer - City of Lynn Haven

Company Description

Lynn Haven is a city in Bay County, Florida, United States, north of Panama City. We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, we encourage you to continue with this job application!

EEO/AA Employer Drug-free Workplace 

Job Description

We encourage all qualified men and women to apply to the Lynn Haven Police Department. This is an entry level position, supervised by the Communication Manager while learning job tasks associated with dispatching police for service and entering secure data into the Computer Aided Dispatch System. The 911 communications center serves both emergency 911 and non-emergency calls.  The Communications Officer works a 12-hour shift assignment to meet the needs of a 24-hour, 7-day a week operation in an emergency response environment. To be considered for this position, candidates must be available for various shifts and various rotating days off. Duties may include various specialized assignments, and the work requires the use and exercise of independent judgment.  

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid Florida driver's license, and must successfully complete FCIC/NCIC Certification and Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within one (1) year of employment.  A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. A resume must be submitted, and will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please verify the employment history dates on your resume, ensuring that such dates exactly match this online application.  Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all testing requirements, including a background investigation, interview process, and other screenings as deemed necessary and appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works shifts of up to 12 hours or more depending on the assignment and operational needs of the department and may also work at any time during a 24-hour period, including shifts during the day, afternoon, or overnight.
• Acts as the voice of the police department and gathers important information that ensures the police will arrive at the scene of emergency as quickly as possible and the officer will have intelligence as to the situation to which they are responding.
• Reassures citizens, gathering and documenting vital information as quickly and accurately as possible.
• Assigns emergency calls to police officers in the field using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and relay call information through direct radio communications to police officers.
• Performs computer clearances and information searches for police officers and investigators using the National Crime Information System (NCIC) and Florida Crime Information System (FCIC).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Must have knowledge of modern principles and practices of police work, the criminal justice process, laws, and ordinances.
• Must be able to analyze disputed and complex situations objectively and to determine the proper course of action.
• Must be able to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, impartially, and with respect for the rights of others.
• Must be able to react quickly and calmly under dangerous and/or emergency conditions.
• Must be able to express oneself clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with peers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Must have skills in the use of personal computers and the programs and applications associated with assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Must be willing and able to work the required schedule, as outlined in the job description.
• Knowledge of the operations of a Police Emergency Communications Center.
• Skill in oral and written communication, handling conflict and uncertain situations, handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work in close quarters and to wear a telephone headset.
• Ability to apply telephone interviewing techniques, quickly and accurately obtain appropriate information, learn and communicate emergency pre-arrival instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
• Ability to type at least 35 net words per minute is required.
• Must be able to pass FCIC/NCIC Certification and the state mandated exam to obtain the Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within one (1) year of employment.

Benefits

The City of Lynn Haven offers a competitive, robust benefits plan, with the City covering 100% of the cost of various benefits to include MDLive, Life and Accident Insurance, and Long-term Disability.  In addition, the employee may opt to add additional insurance.  A list of all available benefits is as follows:

• MDLive - Virtual Medical Care (provided by the City)
• $50,000 of Life & $50,000 of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (provided by the City)
• Long-term Disability Insurance (provided by the City)
• Major Medical Insurance (Florida Blue-Blue Options)
• Dental Insurance (Florida Combined Life)
• Vision Insurance (MetLife VSP)
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance Options
• Critical Illness and Accidental Insurance Options
• Flexible Spending Account

Employees also earn Paid Time Off (PTO), Personal Paid Time Off (PPTO), 13 Paid Holidays, as well as time off for jury duty, bereavement, and military leave.

The City also provides a DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN, including a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP).  

Submittal deadline.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED