SUPERVISING RADIO DISPATCHER

Code: 08048 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, supervises and works with Radio Dispatchers in the receiving/relaying of radio messages to various non-emergency vehicles and personnel; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Supervises and oversees the activities of subordinate radio dispatchers in all phases of their job responsibilities.
• Assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of subordinate employees.
• Supervises and relays information via a two-way radio and dispatches buses, vans, or other vehicles in response to request for transportation services.
• Supervises and relays work orders, messages, and information to or from work crews, field inspectors, Bus Drivers, Mechanics, and/or other bus maintenance personnel.
• Answers questions from the public and directs requests for other information to designated personnel.
• Maintains daily log of work orders, messages, routing schedules or changes or reports received and relayed.
• May contact substitute bus driver's in the event of an emergency.
• Trains new radio dispatching personnel.
• Prepares work plans and/or schedules and formulates operating procedures to implement/facilitate the work of the program or unit.
• May oversee minor repairs/adjustments to radio equipment.
• Supervises and operates a two-way radio to receive/transmit information essential to official activities.
• May dispatch work crews for routine maintenance or to make repairs to inoperable buses or electric power transmission and distribution lines and equipment.
• Records time, location, and nature of problem and relays information to work crew assigned to area using a two-way radio.
• May dispatch workers to answer service calls.
• Assigns and modifies security access as required.
• Receives complaints and information concerning problems that occur.
• Supervises and maintains records of incoming/outgoing communications.
• May oversee clerical work including reviewing/checking work reports for corrections and completeness; sorting/indexing vouchers, requisitions, or other materials numerically, alphabetically, or using other predetermined classifications; assembling/sorting materials for distribution; maintaining employee time records; opening, time stamping, sorting, and numbering mail; and maintaining records of equipment transfers.
• May oversee and/or make entries, inquiries, cancellations, and modifications of records in various systems and databases such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIS), State Crime Information System (SCIC), Stolen Vehicle File, Stolen License Plate File, Stolen Missing Gun File, Stolen Article File, Wanted Persons File, Counterfeited or Missing Securities File, Stolen Boat File, Hazardous Material database, Hospital Status Files, etc.
• May receive and answer telephone, radio and video display inquiries of the NCIC and the SCIC for law enforcement agencies of the State.
• May respond to inquiries regarding the application of regulations or policies.
• May supervise the monitoring of security cameras or other related security equipment.
• Requests police, fire or medical units to areas where needed.
• Supervises maintenance of records, reports, and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in performing radio dispatching work; one (1) year of which must have been in a lead worker capacity.

Possession of a Commercial Radio Operator Permit/License of any level issued by the Federal Communications Commission may be substituted for six (6) months of the required experience.

LICENSE:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of procedures for dispatching non-emergency equipment and personnel.
• Knowledge of procedures for receiving information and relaying messages by means of a two-way radio.
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and policies required to operate a two-way radio system.
• Ability to operate two-way radio and telephone equipment.
• Ability to carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to recognize and report situations/conditions which are potentially dangerous.
• Ability to perform repetitive operations including answering inquiries without loss of equanimity, patience, or courtesy.
• Ability to organize assigned telephone and radio dispatching work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to perform tasks after receiving written or oral explanations and demonstrations.
• Ability to supervise the work operations in a communication center.
• Ability to write accurate/comprehensive reports.
• Ability to work harmoniously with associates, superiors, and others.
• Ability to ensure that calls are sent accurately/promptly.
• Ability to make entries in and maintain the records of the National Crime Information and State Crime Information Center.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.