JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, operates radio systems to dispatch public safety emergency vehicles and personnel, answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and provides pre-arrival medical emergency instructions.  Performs a variety of clerical activities and related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Employees in this line-level classification perform the full range of assigned duties. They must be able to work in an independent manner, receiving only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Communications Technicians are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City and the Police and Fire Departments. They are responsible for responding to a wide variety of calls and requests in an appropriate and timely manner. This requires a thorough knowledge of public safety dispatch procedures and standards as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This classification is distinguished from the Communications Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of the Communications Technicians.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Works under the general supervision of the Communications Supervisor and the Watch Commander.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Receives information and requests for services from the public via telephone and Text to 9-1-1.
• Receives information via radio over numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies.
• Uses various computer programs to provide resource information to field units, other agencies, and the public.
• Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System  and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems.
• Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and citizen safety.
• Communicates in a calm, clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Dispatches emergency police, fire, and other City resources/vehicles to scenes of requests for service in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources for emergency and non-emergency service calls.
• Provides medical pre-arrival instructions using established emergency medical dispatch protocols.
• Maintains computerized and paper indexes of information in the communications center.
• Disseminates information on wanted persons, property, warrants, etc.
• Responsible for proper care of communications equipment. Maintains security for confidential or restricted information.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

• Current computer and cellular telephone technology.
• California law and City of San Luis Obispo ordinances.

• Learn the standard broadcasting procedures of a law enforcement radio system.
• Learn and utilize established emergency medical dispatch protocols to provide pre-arrival instructions.
• Simultaneously use  the computer keyboard effectively while speaking on the phone and radio.
• Communicate in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Apply acquired knowledge to new situations in order to make effective decisions.
• Demonstrate social intelligence combined with quick thinking and decisive action. 
• Accurately type at a rate of net 30 words per minute.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.