Communications Specialist

The City of Lebanon is looking for a motivated professional to join the Police Department as a Communications Specialist. The Communication Specialist provides skilled communications services for the Police Department’s Communications Center as well as general communication services for the City outside of business hours. The Communications Specialist receives, routes and transmits emergency and general information via a variety of methods (including but not limited to telephone, computer and radio) for City public safety and highway departments, as well as the State Police and other public safety agencies.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operate and monitor a variety of communication and alarm equipment, including but not limited to telephones; radio networks; local, state and national computer networks; and burglar, fire and ambulance alarm systems.
• Receive requests for police, fire, ambulance and other emergency assistance; ascertain nature of request and dispatch appropriate service unit in accordance with established procedures; determine urgency of call and elicit necessary information.
• Exercise tact and judgment in calmly assessing and addressing emergency situations, including but not limited to, de-escalating violent or suicidal individuals; calming upset or distraught individuals; and providing communications and instructions to employees and others at crime or emergency scenes.
• Answer calls for City departments outside regular business hours; answer requests for general information from the public, City departments and other municipalities or agencies; provide general assistance to citizens with questions about City operations.
• Provide clerical assistance to the Police Department and Communications Center, including but not limited to completing a Call for Service form for each incident and maintaining information systems to aid in locating individuals, places, services and procedures in the event of emergencies in other municipalities.
• Coordinate radio traffic on multiple frequencies during regional or local emergencies; determine priority traffic and coordinate appropriate responses.
• Assist in maintaining headquarters security via buzzer lock doors and CCTV network; maintain security log of individuals entering Police Department.
• Monitor and supervise the Lebanon Police Incarceration Facility via CCTV network; monitor the prisoner processing area for the safety of police officers.
• Maintain records as required, including but not limited to Domestic Violence Order file; NCIC files of stolen vehicles, articles, plates, and missing and wanted persons.
• Maintain alarm monitoring system.
• Simultaneously operate several computer networks, including the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems and local multi-file systems.
• Maintain voice recording system of all telephone and radio communications for all public safety and public utilities.
• Substantial contact with public; assist with walk-in and telephone requests, complaints and questions; route information requests to appropriate individuals, departments and agencies.
• Enter misdemeanor and felony warrants into the National Crime Information Center database.
• Provide after-hours records department services, such as receiving parking ticket payments; receiving and distributing requests for pistol permits and reports.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates, or as may be assigned by the Communications Supervisor or Deputy Police Chief.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training, and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• At least one year of prior experience with communications systems preferred
• The Communication Specialist must successfully complete a thorough background check, including a polygraph, drug screening test, and a psychological examination.

Other combinations of education and experience that qualify an individual to perform the requisite job duties and responsibilities may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must have or become certified as a State Police On- Line Telecommunication System Operator.
• Must complete specialized training in Law Enforcement Dispatch, Fire Service Dispatch and Emergency Medical Dispatch.

Physical Requirements:

• Remain Stationary: More than 2/3
• Move: Up to 2/3
• Communicate: More than 2/3
• Operate: More than 2/3
• Ascend/Descend: None
• Position Self: Up to 1/3
• Reach: Up to 1/3
• Distinguish: More than 2/3
• Vibration: None
• Move up to 10 pounds: Frequently
• Move up to 30 pounds: Occasionally
• Move up to 60 pounds: Never
• Move up to 100 pounds: Never
• Move more than 100 pounds: Never

Summary of Occupational Exposures

• Outdoor weather conditions: None
• Work in high, precarious places: None
• Work with toxic or caustic chemicals: None
• Fumes or airborne particles: None
• Extremes of heat/cold (not related to weather): None
• Work near moving mechanical parts: None
• Risk of radiation: None

Hours of Work:
This position works an assigned shift schedule that includes days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Work schedules may vary based on operational and staffing needs.

If you are interested in applying, please submit an employment application via the City's employment portal at https://lebanonnh.gov/1414/Employment-Opportunities.