Lead Dispatcher (Public Safety)

About this role

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards) To qualify for the GS-07 grade level, you must have one-year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-06 grade level performing the following: 1) serving as a senior operator to receive and transmit law enforcement communications on a multi-frequency radio network; 2) navigating the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database; and 3) maintaining records of radio transactions, law enforcement actions, and reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Incumbent must function efficiently in a confined space for extended periods with no breaks and no opportunity to leave the confines of the Communications Center. The dispatcher is considered an "essential employee" meaning he/she is required to work most holidays, report for duty during adverse weather conditions and be expected to work for long hours exceeding normally scheduled shifts in case of emergencies.

Position is sedentary with high amounts of stress. Incumbent is subject to shift work rotating shift work and uncommon tours of duty. Work requires use of the voice in vocal communications for periods of hours at a time. Voice must be clear, audible, and tone effective with words plainly spoken and understandable. Incumbent must be able to hear clearly and discern a variety of audible communications and signals simultaneously.

The work is of an emergency nature and is emotionally stressful. Incumbent must possess manual dexterity sufficient to operate computer terminals/keyboards and related equipment and to maintain written logs. Work involves occasional lifting of boxes and supplies up to weights of 50 pounds, i.e., boxes that contain 10 reams of typing paper (5,000 sheets of paper). WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is normally performed in a well-lighted and temperature-controlled room.

Noise levels are routinely high due to electronic equipment, telephones, radios, and other discussions ongoing in the performance of duties. The setting is typically confined and secure, and entrance and egress is controlled. The incumbent may be assigned to accompany field law enforcement personnel in patrol vehicles or aircraft to assist in and maintain proficiency during agency field operating procedures and jurisdictional boundaries.