Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatcher

Vacancy expired!

Duties

Summary

Several positions are permanent, full-time year round. Positions may also be filled as permanent career-seasonal. They include all benefits as permanent employees but do not provide year-round work. Selectee will be in a non-pay status for at least 2 weeks but no more than 6 months based on agency workload. The non-pay time for this position is expected to be 16 weeks during the months of November through March but can be variable due to project requirements or training schedules.


Responsibilities

• Dispatch complex multi-jurisdictional all-risk incidents for law enforcement, wildland and structural fire, aviation, intelligence, medical, search and rescue, and other emergency service functions with federal, state, county and local cooperators.

• Coordinate initial emergency response, evaluating incidents, soliciting all necessary information, and applying judgment according to interagency guides, protocols and pre-plans.

• Receive and evaluate all public emergency calls, soliciting information to initiate an appropriate response of emergency services personnel, acquiring critical information (law enforcement, fire, medical search and rescue, etc.) from the public and other public safety agencies.

• Interview hostile, irate, or distraught individuals reporting criminal activity, lost or overdue persons, fires, and other incidents.

• Assess situations (emergency or routine) and apply agency plans.

• Mobilize and demobilize resources from incidents, maintaining personnel accountability.

• Operate a multi-frequency, multi-agency radio console.

• Record and maintain all radio transmissions and significant number of telephone calls.
• Disseminate appropriate law enforcement crime data to law enforcement via radio system.

• Monitor the status of law enforcement officers when making violator contacts, initiating immediate dispatch of backup personnel to assist law enforcement officers when directed by the officer, when communications have been lost with the officer, or when in the determination of the incumbent, additional assistance is in the best interest of the officer and/or the officer's personal safety.
• Perform office duties to include office organization, file maintenance, data entry utilizing a number of specialized computer programs such as NCIC (National Criminal Information Center), NLETS (National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System), WCJIN (Wyoming Criminal Justice Information Network), ROSS (Resource Ordering and Status System), WIMS (Weather Information Management System), and WildCAD.

• Perform flight following and scheduling helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in support of fire, search and rescue, project and administrative travel.

At the GS-6 and 7 level the incumbent will:

• Provide training and mentoring to staff. Assist in the development of protocols and training tools.

• Arrange Temporary Flight Restrictions.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

At the GS-7 level, incumbent is expected to be proficient in all aspects of All-Hazard emergency dispatch services and wildland fire dispatching operations.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

7

• Job family (Series)

  2151 Dispatching

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• Requirements

  Requirements

  Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • If you are a new employee in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

  Qualifications

  To qualify for this position at the GS-5 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
  
  EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: dispatching information for public safety in a communications center, information desk, recreation area, or on a wildland fire; working as a switchboard operator or other job involving the concurrent answering of multi-line telephone systems; working as a security guard or law enforcement officer; or producing criminal reports through a computer system. You must include hours per week worked.
  -OR-
  EDUCATION: Successful completion of four years of education above high school in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. You must include transcripts.
  -OR-
  

  Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above.
  
  

  To qualify for this position at the GS-6 grade level, you must possess the following experience by close of the announcement:
  
  EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of specialized experience for this position includes but is not limited to: providing dispatch services for medical emergencies, law enforcement, aviation, or fire operations; utilizing computer systems related to dispatch such as National Criminal Information Network (NCIC), computer aided dispatch (CAD) system or similar.

  
  
  

  To qualify for this position at the GS-7 grade level, you must possess the following experience by close of the announcement:
  
  EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-6 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of specialized experience for this position includes but is not limited to: providing dispatch services for medical emergencies, law enforcement, aviation, or fire operations; serving as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD); utilizing computer systems related to dispatch such as National Criminal Information Network (NCIC), computer aided dispatch (CAD) system or similar; coordinating responses to incidents; providing communications and logistical support to responders; training or leading others in proper dispatching techniques.
  
  Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
  
  You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies".

  Education

  To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
  
  

  If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
  
  There is no substitution of education for experience at grades GS-6 and GS-7 of this announcement.

  Additional information

  Promotion Potential: Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.
  
  

  Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
  
  Work Environment and Physical Demands: Must function efficiently in a confined space for extended periods with no breaks and minimal opportunity to leave the confines of the Dispatch Center. The dispatcher is considered an "essential employee", meaning he/she is required to work most holidays, report for duty during adverse weather conditions, may be subject to rotating shift work, and be expected to work for long hours exceeding normally scheduled shifts in cases of emergencies. During periods of heavy incident activity, 10 to 14 hour days are common, and at times the intensity of the current activity demands consecutive days without time off to rest and recuperate. The work is of an emergency nature and may be emotionally stressful.
  
  

  Work requires the use of the voice in vocal communications for long periods at a time. Work also requires the constant auditory monitoring of multiple radio frequencies and multiple internal/public telephone lines. Incumbent must be able to speak and hear clearly and discern a variety of audible communications and signals simultaneously.
  
  

  Must be able to read information from multiple sources, including computer screen, fax, and written log quickly and accurately. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to operate computer terminals/keyboards and related equipment and to maintain type-written logs.
  
  

  Must commonly adjust to rapidly changing situations while responding to simultaneous requests via multiple radio frequencies and ten or more telephone lines. Frequent interruptions and outside demands detract from the intense concentration required to make rapid, accurate decisions, and coordinate numerous activities simultaneously.
  
  

  The work is primarily sedentary, performing office tasks and typing at a computer workstation. Noise levels are routinely high due to electronic equipment, telephones, radios, and other discussions ongoing in the performance of duties. The setting is confined and secure, and entrance and egress is controlled.

  
  

  If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. Click the following link for more information, https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=AlternateApplicationInformation.
  

  How You Will Be Evaluated

  You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

  A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.
  
  

  Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

  • Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position

  • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job

  • Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.

  You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  

  • Public Safety and Security

  • Stress Tolerance

  • Teaches Others

  • Technology Application

  • Telecommunications

  • Writing

  
  

  Background checks and security clearance

  Security clearance

  Not Required

  Drug test required

  Yes

  Position sensitivity and risk

  Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

  Trust determination process

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/01/2020:

  • Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.

  • A complete Occupational Questionnaire

  • Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:

    • Veterans Preference Documentation:

      • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
      • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
      • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.

  • College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.
  • Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.

  Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
  
  Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.