Communications Specialist

Job Responsibilities: Operate a multi-talk group communications system; field calls and dispatch law enforcement and emergency personnel; monitor patrolling activity and request additional support when needed; monitor computerized systems for buildings and facility alarms; monitor multiple video and security systems; provide customer service to the public; research, interpret, compile, and disseminate information from various law enforcement databases to provide data to personnel in the field.

Benefits: SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of: Communications systems. Dispatch operating procedures. Basic law enforcement and emergency response procedures. Stress and conflict management techniques. Computer applications and systems. Geography, buildings, roadways on campus, and in the city and county of Brookings. Skill & Ability to: Prioritize radio and telephone calls while remaining calm during emergencies. Respond appropriately concerning the urgency of the situation. Operate a communications system, multi-line telephone system and computer terminal simultaneously. Read maps, multiple computer terminal and printouts quickly and accurately. Accurately record both alpha and alpha-numeric figures; locate and use reference sources. Follow oral and written instructions. Speak using good clarity, tone, volume, syntax, grammar and inflections/modulations. Organize, condense and transmit large amounts of information into brief, concise summaries. Maintain logs, manuals and reference materials in accordance with agency or institution policy and within Federal Communications Commission regulations. Listen to and exercise patience with callers. Manage calls regarding threats of emergencies (i.e., suicide) effectively. Remain calm in tense or emergency situation. Deal tactfully with and work effectively with law enforcement officers, emergency response personnel, field units, agency personnel and the public. Work independently. Required License: Valid driver's license is required. Obtain NCIC Certification within 3 months of hire, SD 911 Telecommunications certification, and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification within one year of hire are required. Must successfully complete Dispatch Communications Training program. Comments: Per SDCL 02:05:01:01 applicants must be a US citizen and be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment. Travel is required to complete required training, job duties and court appearances. Must be able to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check, psychological evaluation and polygraph test, and medical examination (includes drug and alcohol testing).Application Procedures: This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.SE5855, SE8538; 40392