Dispatcher (24-70)

*24 hours/week*

Francis Marion University invites applications for a Dispatcher, who under general supervision, performs highly responsible duties involving various communications equipment. The Dispatcher provides information and assistance to campus police officers, other law enforcement agencies, internal campus departments and the public. Receives, evaluates, and transmits information via police radio and telephone. Responsible for dispatching officers to calls for service, relaying information and coordinating assistance from outside agencies. Monitors various radio channels. Logs all information regarding type of incident in police records management system.  Must be able to make decisions and act independently using own discretion in some situations and with minimal direct supervision. Must be able to follow oral and written instructions and comply with established policies and procedures.

Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Receives calls for assistance by phone or in person and determines appropriate response and alerts officers via radio and/or telephone or handles in another manner as appropriate.
• Answers all telephone lines and radios, records pertinent information regarding the nature and urgency of the situation and the disposition, dispatches officers promptly to incident location.
• Maintains contact with officers on patrol and while on calls by radio.
• Maintains a written/computerized log of all calls received and dispatched.
• Operates the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer terminal to obtain information as required.
• Monitors fire, intrusion, and supervisory/trouble alarms; without supervision, takes the necessary procedural actions when alerted of alarm system activation.
• Monitors security cameras, observing unusual activities and dispatching officers as required.
• Uses computers for entering incident information into reports, arrest and trespass records, and daily activity log for each shift; enters FMU vehicle registrations, campus citations etc. into the department’s records management program.
• Ensures found property items turned in are properly logged; ensures that any reports of missing items are properly logged for future reference.
• Participates in in-service training, field training, and off-campus training programs to maintain required certification and enhance professional skills and performance.
• Performs light word processing, typing, routine filing, collating, copying, and faxing of documents, alerts subsequent shifts of important information.
• Monitors space requests and space usage during the duty shift and issues temporary parking permits to students, faculty, or staff in accordance with standard procedure
• Trains new employees in dispatching and routine office responsibilities and duties

State Requirements: A high school diploma and work experience that is directly related to the area of employment. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the related work experience.

FMU Preferences: A high school diploma and work experience that is directly related to the area of employment. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the related work experience. Ability to exercise self-control and good judgment in emergency situations. Ability to calm individuals and obtain information during an emergency. Ability to operate radio and telephone while simultaneously logging information accurately. Ability to speak clearly and concisely. Ability to be calm and effective while handling calls, complaints, and emergency situations. Ability to type and operate computer equipment. Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public in routine and stressful situations. Willingness to train in the use of various communications equipment and protocols. Experience in the operation of a two-way radio in a police environment and NCIC certification is preferred.

*Must pass an extensive background investigation to obtain and maintain NCIC Terminal Operations Certification.

Normal Working Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (24 hours/week)

State Classification: Administrative Assistant

Band/Level: 4/1

Salary: $15.38 per hour.

Materials Needed:

1) Letter of Interest (Referencing Position Number 24-70).

2) Copies of all transcripts (official transcripts will be required of the successful candidate).

3) Resume.

4) The names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three references; and

5) FMU Staff Application

To obtain the FMU Staff Application, please click here.

Send Application Packet to: Dr. Charlene Wages, Vice President for Administration and Planning, Francis Marion University, PO Box 100547, Florence, SC 29502-0547 or FAX to (843) 661-1202.

Review of applications will begin immediately.

As Francis Marion University has continued to be recognized for its diverse student body, it especially welcomes applicants who can affirm and enhance its mission.

Applicants honorably discharged from a branch of the United States Armed Forces, who meet the minimum training and experience requirements, are given employment preference by all State agencies and higher education institutions in SC.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution