43-5031.00Apprenticeship

Public Safety Telecommunicators

Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

Career Cluster:Public Service & Safety
Job Family:Office and Administrative Support
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Government
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Technology Tools

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

  • Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
  • Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
  • Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
  • Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.
  • Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
  • Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
  • Monitor various radio frequencies, such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense, to stay apprised of developing situations.
  • Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
  • Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
  • Operate and maintain mobile dispatch vehicles and equipment.
  • Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
  • Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
  • Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
  • Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
  • Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
  • Monitor alarm systems to detect emergencies, such as fires and illegal entry into establishments.
  • Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls, such as personnel rosters and emergency call-out and pager files.
  • Test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.

Skills

Active Listening
85%
Speaking
78%
Social Perceptiveness
72%
Service Orientation
69%
Coordination
69%
Critical Thinking
69%
Reading Comprehension
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Complex Problem Solving
56%
Persuasion
53%
Active Learning
53%
Monitoring
53%
Writing
50%
Instructing
50%
Time Management
47%
Negotiation
47%
Learning Strategies
44%
Systems Analysis
41%
Management of Personnel Resources
38%
Operations Monitoring
38%
Troubleshooting
28%
Mathematics
25%
Operations Analysis
25%
Management of Material Resources
25%
Operation and Control
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Quality Control Analysis
25%
Programming
22%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Technology Design
19%
Repairing
16%
Equipment Selection
13%
Equipment Maintenance
13%
Science
10%
Installation
3%

Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
98%
Law and Government
89%
English Language
87%
Telecommunications
86%
Customer and Personal Service
85%
Geography
81%
Communications and Media
79%
Computers and Electronics
76%
Administrative
71%
Education and Training
63%
Psychology
59%
Personnel and Human Resources
57%
Therapy and Counseling
55%
Administration and Management
53%
Sociology and Anthropology
41%
Production and Processing
40%
Medicine and Dentistry
36%
Transportation
35%
Philosophy and Theology
30%
Foreign Language
25%
Mathematics
22%
Economics and Accounting
20%
Mechanical
18%
Chemistry
15%
Design
13%
History and Archeology
12%
Engineering and Technology
12%
Sales and Marketing
11%
Physics
8%
Building and Construction
7%
Biology
5%
Fine Arts
0%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Oral Expression
85%
Oral Comprehension
81%
Speech Clarity
78%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Speech Recognition
72%
Selective Attention
72%
Deductive Reasoning
69%
Written Comprehension
69%
Information Ordering
69%
Inductive Reasoning
63%
Near Vision
56%
Time Sharing
56%
Written Expression
56%
Auditory Attention
53%
Category Flexibility
50%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Speed of Closure
50%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Memorization
47%
Hearing Sensitivity
44%
Originality
44%
Far Vision
41%
Reaction Time
38%
Finger Dexterity
38%
Visualization
31%
Manual Dexterity
31%
Visual Color Discrimination
31%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
28%
Control Precision
28%
Trunk Strength
28%
Response Orientation
28%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Multilimb Coordination
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Number Facility
25%
Extent Flexibility
22%
Static Strength
16%
Stamina
13%
Gross Body Equilibrium
13%
Gross Body Coordination
13%
Explosive Strength
10%
Speed of Limb Movement
10%
Dynamic Strength
10%
Rate Control
10%
Spatial Orientation
6%
Glare Sensitivity
3%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Working with Computers
97%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
95%
Documenting/Recording Information
94%
Getting Information
91%
Processing Information
87%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
85%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
85%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
85%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
84%
Assisting and Caring for Others
80%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
79%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
78%
Performing Administrative Activities
76%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
74%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
73%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
70%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
68%
Training and Teaching Others
66%
Analyzing Data or Information
65%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
65%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
65%
Coaching and Developing Others
64%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
59%
Staffing Organizational Units
58%
Developing and Building Teams
58%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
58%
Scheduling Work and Activities
57%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
56%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
55%
Thinking Creatively
54%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
51%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
49%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
42%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
41%
Controlling Machines and Processes
39%
Selling or Influencing Others
35%
Handling and Moving Objects
30%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
30%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
26%
Performing General Physical Activities
25%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
12%

Work Context

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

100%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

100%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

100%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

100%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

100%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

97%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

96%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

96%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

95%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

93%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

93%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

93%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

92%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

90%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

85%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

83%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

81%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

79%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

76%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

74%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

70%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

70%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

68%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

67%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

65%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

63%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

58%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

45%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

43%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

35%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

32%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

28%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

20%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

19%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

10%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

10%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

10%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

5%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

4%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

4%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

2%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

1%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

1%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

1%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

1%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

1%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

1%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

1%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

1%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

1%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

1%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

0%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

0%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

63%

Post-secondary certificate

11%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

76

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

54

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

43

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

32

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

31

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Self-Control
100%
Stress Tolerance
100%
Dependability
98%
Integrity
98%
Attention to Detail
92%
Cautiousness
86%
Cooperation
77%
Self-Confidence
61%
Empathy
57%
Achievement Orientation
52%
Sincerity
52%
Perseverance
44%
Social Orientation
44%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
38%
Adaptability
33%
Optimism
31%
Initiative
28%
Intellectual Curiosity
25%
Leadership Orientation
25%
Humility
18%

Work Values

Relationships
83%
Support
83%
Achievement
50%
Independence
50%
Working Conditions
47%
Recognition
45%

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