Emergency Communication Specialist Trainee

Located in the Department of Public Safety – Hawthorne: Under direct supervision in the Department of Public Safety or Department of Emergency Services, incumbents of this class receive both professional certification(s) and on-the-job training in monitoring and operating two-way radio communication systems, call taking on a telecommunication systems and call entry and retrieval utilizing a computer aided dispatch systems as part of an information network designed to enable effective response to reported emergency situations. Good communication skills, the ability to multitask, and the ability to work well under pressure, are essential functions of this position. Incumbents learn to exercise good judgment in prioritizing calls and dispatching appropriate and assigned resources. This work-training program is for a period not to exceed one year. Subsequent to satisfactory completion of one year of service and having earned certifications appropriate for their department, incumbents are eligible for promotion to the full performance Emergency Communication Specialist I title without further examination. Incumbents may be assigned to one of multiple shifts, which operate on a 24-hour, 7-day basis. Supervision is not a responsibility of this position. Does related work as required.

High school or equivalency diploma, current CPR certification and either:

(a) two years of full time (35 hours a week) paid experience in a law enforcement agency, fire department or, emergency medical services agency which involved utilizing computers, radios and 911 telephone equipment for emergency response dispatching; or

(b) two years of active duty within a branch of the United States Military; or

(c) current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician; or

(d) completion of the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) Firefighter I training or equivalent; or

(e) completion of the Basic Peace Officers course approved by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services;

(f) Satisfactory completion of sixty credits toward a degree in Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services or closely related field.

Verifiable experience as an active volunteer member of a law enforcement agency, fire department, emergency medical services agency or emergency communication center which involved utilizing computers, radios and 911 telephone equipment to dispatch emergency response personnel and assets, may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to two years of the required experience in (a). Part time experience will be pro-rated to a 35-hour work week.

1. Only experience gained after attaining the minimum education level indicated in the minimum qualifications will be considered in evaluating experience.
2. The number of years of experience required in the minimum qualifications is based upon the presumption of full-time employment. Part-time experience will be prorated based on a 35 hour workweek.
3. Verified and documented volunteer (unpaid) experience will only be credited when specifically allowed by the job description or examination announcement.

Education beyond the secondary level must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

Filing an application for a posting does not substitute or relieve you of the requirement to file appropriate application and fee when the civil service exam may be announced.