Employment

A dispatcher is responsible for operating the communication system for the Marshall County / Marshalltown Communication Center. This includes the accurate and timely transmission of information, which frequently include emergencies affecting human welfare and personal safety. This work is done in close working relationship with law enforcement, other public safety agencies, and the general public.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Good knowledge of emergency public safety communications policies, principles, procedures, and related local, state, and federal rules and regulations
  • Good knowledge of the functions and operations of the City's public safety communications Center and its related equipment and capabilities
  • Thorough knowledge of the City's geography and layout, including streets, alleys, and public utilities
  • Good knowledge of the hardware and software applications of the in-house computer system
  • Skill in relating to and communicating with persons during high-stress emergency situations
  • Good knowledge of community functions and events, City ordinances, and current affairs that affect the public
  • Ability to communicate well with other employees, supervisors, and the general public
  • Ability to maintain perspective and good judgment in high stress and life-threatening situations
  • Ability to operate a computer using specialized communications equipment and related software
  • Ability to type at least 30 words per minute
  • Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions and on an inventive basis as necessary
  • Ability to multi-task in this position
  • Good knowledge of records confidentiality and release laws
  • Ability to perform a wide variety of difficult communication and technical tasks with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines and in high-stress emergency situations
  • Ability to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology
  • Ability to use a wide variety of office equipment and other technical machines including the eventide recorder, fax machine, alarm board, etc.
  • Ability to exercise ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks
  • Ability to communicate in English
  • Graduation from high school; and six to twelve months experience in customer-service area
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work