Telecommunicators, also knows as 9-1-1 dispatchers or emergency dispatchers, are in great demand across north Texas.

The Grapevine Police Department is proud to announce a new hiring incentive to encourage qualified candidates to apply with GPD as a Telecommunicator. The hiring bonus is $1200 for new hires: $600 upon hire, $300 upon successful completion of the initial probationary period, and $300 upon completion of a successful 1-year period. Success is measured by a passing evaluation. Part-time new Telecommunicator hires are eligible for a $600 hiring bonus (broken down in increments of $300, $150, and $150.)

Applicants are encouraged to visit the "Recruiting" section of the Grapevine Police website. A link to apply, as well as requirements and city benefits are listed. The following is part of the official job posting:

Job Summary

Receives citizen and other incoming 9-1-1 emergency or non-emergency calls; analyzes nature of call depending on life and death status as circumstances are described by conversation; provides verbal emergency or non-emergency assistance or information and, depending on situation priority, directs or dispatches call information to appropriate City individuals/departments for immediate or follow-up action.

Essential Functions

1. Answers calls and, as appropriate, provides verbal instructions, assistance and information; directs for action all 9-1-1 lines, and Police and Fire emergency lines according to standard procedures.
2. Quickly assesses type, nature and status of emergency or non-emergency call and dispatches for priority follow-up to Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, and other City departments.
3. Answers and relays teletype messages, radio messages, mobile data messages, intercom messages and interoffice messages.
4. Monitors multiple radio frequencies and operates equipment within standard and non-standard emergency and non-emergency situations and conditions.
5. Monitors City and other security alarm systems and, when an emergency occurs, notifies and dispatches the appropriate City assistance.
6. Operates computer systems to enter City and Criminal Investigation Division (CID) warrants; logs in to Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and regional and Tarrant County computer systems to monitor and maintain up-to-date records on stolen items, vehicles, checks and wanted individuals, etc.
7. Records and maintains department activity records.
8. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
9. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
10. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

Required Skills

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
 

• Must be able to use judgement (developed through education, training and experience) and standard operating procedures to segregate calls by their emergency or non-emergency status.
• Ability to elicit information from callers who are under considerable stress. 
• Good typing skills, particularly with numbers, and prefer familiarity with computer and radio operations and communications equipment.
• Requires consistent use of analysis, mental judgment, and discretion often at a very rapid pace due to workload demands that can result in a high pressure/high stress work climate. 
• Must have the ability to multi-task. 
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written communication, leadership, and decision-making/problem solving skills.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or equivalent. Requires Basic Telecommunicator License and passing of State licensing test issued by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) within one year of hire.
Must never have been convicted, put on court-ordered community supervision, or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order.

All applicants must pass department required testing, oral interview board, and drug/physical screening. Must pass a Federal/National criminal background investigation and credit check, psychological screening, and polygraph exam.

 Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy and the ability to obtain a Texas driver’s license in accordance with Texas State law.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.

Telecommunicator New Hire Incentive

The following program is being implemented by the City of Grapevine: 

• $600 Paid upon hire ($300 for part-time)
• $300 Pain upon completion of a successful (passing evaluation) initial probationary period ($150 for part-time)
• $300 Paid upon completion of a successful (passing evaluation) 1-year period ($150 for part-time)

New hires who receive this incentive and voluntarily leave City employment on or before completion of six months’ employment shall repay the City the full $600 new hire incentive ($300 for part-time).