Radio Dispatcher

Full Job Description

About Seattle Parks and Recreation: Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens, and swimming pools.

Our mission is to equip employees and the public for their well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment, and a vibrant community.

We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate, and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors.

Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Equity and Inclusion: Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities.

#OneSeattle

About the Division: Seattle Parks and Facility Maintenance Division performs maintenance at over 25 miles of boulevards, 465 parks, including 26 community centers, 8 indoor swimming pools, 2 outdoor (summer) swimming pools, 4 environmental education centers, 2 small-craft centers, 4 golf courses, and an outdoor stadium.

We place a strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service to the public, clients, and staff to ensure public safety and enjoyment while they are at SPR facilities and parks.

Position Description: Seattle Parks & Recreation Facilities Division is seeking Radio Dispatchers, whose job is to efficiently multi-task using a number of technologies such as answering emergency and business phone calls, enter and update calls for service in a computer aided dispatch system and transmit and receive communications from field personnel.

This position will support crews responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, support the Facilities, Access, Automation, Security Systems, and Technology (FAST) unit operations, receive calls and service requests from the public, answer complex emergency calls that require the call receiver to use appropriate de-escalation and interviewing skills to gather necessary information before routing the information to crews or field personnel, check the status of field activity and perform related administrative duties.

The unit works 365 days a year on multiple shifts and operates 24 hours a day.

We are currently recruiting for one (1) regular, benefited position, variable shift

Requirements

• Answer phone calls regarding public safety hazards or conditions in the community that need attention; evaluate nature of call to determine response needed; and dispatch field personnel or contact other agencies as appropriate.
• Provide information regarding work in progress and answer questions.
• Relay information or requests from citizens to work crews, field personnel or supervisors.
• Receive and route information among field crews.
• Write or type work orders; code and assign project numbers; send and distribute requests to appropriate department units or field offices; and maintain logs of department activities.
• Compile payroll information, maintenance statistics and/or personnel information for processing and records maintenance.
• Coordinate emergency responses by relaying critical information to supervisors, safety personnel, and external agencies when needed.
• Respond to door arrivals by confirming visitor identity and appointment status, escorting individuals as appropriate, and receive and process deliveries.
• Monitor various equipment such as building alarms and water level alarms and dispatch information as needed.
• Follow departmental protocols and safety procedures to ensure consistent and compliant communication practices.
• Perform data entry (e.g., timecards and equipment time).
• Type simple correspondence and reports.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years of clerical work experience including one year of public contact or communication, such as radio communications, switchboard operation, reception work, or clerical office work that requires receiving and relaying information. Ability to type is required for most positions.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively prioritize and schedule maintenance tasks, aligning them with departmental needs.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in logging calls and entering data.
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to prioritize calls.
• Ability to interpret maps, park layouts, and geographic information to assist field staff.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and accurate during emergencies or high-stress situations.
• Be highly motivated and able to work as a team member in a demanding work environment, meeting tight deadlines.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use standard office software and work order/asset management systems for tasks such as record-keeping, reporting, and communication.
• Competence in maintaining clear and comprehensive written and/or digital records.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including clear radio etiquette and professional phone demeanor.
• Experience in interacting with the public coupled with a high level of proficiency in customer service.

Additional Information

Compensation:

This position is part of the 4-Step Compensation program; The full salary range for this position is $33.10 (Step 1) – $37.06 (Step 4) hourly.

Union Information:

This position is represented by WSCCCE, Local 21 - Truck Drivers.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, consistent with the terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Other:

• May be required to be on call 24 hours/day to respond to emergencies, work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Work schedules fluctuate and are subject to change depending on departmental requirements.

Application Process:

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

*Incomplete Applications will not be considered*

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check.

The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 (Download PDF reader).

A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR’s Core Competencies are:

• Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.
• Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
• Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
• Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
• Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.