Dispatcher

Department: Operations

Division: Operations

Reports to: Emergency Preparedness Manager

Classification: Non-Exempt

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) welcomes Internal and External applications for the role of Dispatcher until midnight Monday, February 17, 2025.

Job Summary

This is technical work in receiving and transmitting a variety of emergency and non-emergency calls within the Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC). Work requires knowledge of emergency communications operating procedures, with the ability to operate computers, telephones, and radio equipment. In this position, you will receive emergency calls from distraught and emotional individuals. It requires assertiveness, as well as sensitivity, to ensure appropriate information is gathered and transmitted to first responders. The work is governed by standard operating procedures, but the employee has the latitude to act according to the specific situation and must be able to adjust to situations not previously encountered. The employee must determine the nature of each call and follow the appropriate procedure based on training and experience. Work is performed at a console with a headset in a very controlled environment. Operates computer-aided dispatch software, alarm monitoring software, video surveillance equipment, two-way radios, and standard office equipment.

Essential Functions

• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the airport police department, airport employees, other law enforcement agencies, tenants and stakeholders.
• Operates emergency communications equipment to dispatch officers to calls for service, critical incidents, and emergencies.
• Identifies locations where assistance is needed, and coordinates interagency communications with other jurisdictions.
• Responsible for accurate data entry into the computer aided dispatch system (CAD).
• Receives emergency and/or routine requests to and from officers and enters these messages into the computer.
• Monitors security and fire alarm systems, and coordinates response to activations.
• Evaluates, disseminates, and provides criminal and/or confidential information to authorized personnel through the Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) terminal.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of airport policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of equipment utilized in law enforcement communications, including: radio, computer and dispatch equipment.
• Knowledge of airport geographical area, road systems, and the locations of landmarks.
• Ability to speak English rapidly, clearly and concisely.
• Knowledge of standard dispatch policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of record keeping and records management.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Ability to obtain information from hostile or emotional citizens and employees.
• Skilled in communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately.
• Skilled in remembering names, numbers and locations, and reading maps quickly and accurately.
• Skilled in working under pressure of deadlines, and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies and the general public.
• Skilled in public relations and customer service.
• Skilled in following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts and hours, based on the needs of the schedule.

Required Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent and
• Two (2) years of experience working for a law enforcement, fire, or EMS agency where the core job function is life safety and preservation of property OR two (2) years of experience working at a Part-139 commercial service airport in either Airport Operations or Airport Police.

Licenses & Certifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge.
• Must successfully complete an approved Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) training program and exam within six (6) months of hire and recertify every two years by completing a minimum of 20 continuing education credit (CEU) hours.
• Must be able to meet the requirements and qualify for Nation Crime Information center/Florida Crime Information Center (NCIC/FCIC) certification within one (1) year from date of employment.
• Florida Class E Driver’s License is required and must be maintained.
• Will be fingerprinted and must pass criminal background check.

Physical Demands

Work requires sitting for prolonged periods of time and the ability to simultaneously communicate with the caller and enter information into a computer. Employees work shifts to cover a 24 hours per day, seven days per week operation. Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.