Experience Required
One (1) year of customer service/public contact/clerical
Minimum Education Required
High School Diploma/GED
Compensation
$20.30 - $20.30 / yearly
Hours Per Week
40
Number Of Positions
1
Job Description
STILLWATER COUNTY
Job Description
CLASS TITLE: Communications Officer
DEPARTMENT: Sheriff’s Office
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Communications Officer/Undersheriff
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
REVISION DATE: September 10, 2025
JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision, the Communications Officer receives and processes emergency and non-emergency requests for service through telephone, radio, and computer-aided dispatch systems. The position is responsible for dispatching law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency responders; monitoring unit status and safety; maintaining accurate records; and providing the first point of contact for the public during urgent and often stressful situations. Work requires the ability to make rapid decisions, multi-task under pressure, and follow established procedures while exercising sound judgment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Receive and evaluate emergency and non-emergency calls for service; determine priority and dispatch appropriate personnel and resources.
- Operate communications systems, including radios, telephones, computer terminals, paging, and teletype equipment, following established protocols.
- Monitor unit location and status to ensure responder safety and timely support.
- Maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation of calls, responses, and activities.
- Provide clear, concise, and professional communication with responders, other agencies, and the public.
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Perform control room housekeeping and other duties as assigned.
- May serve as Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) or Alternate TAC.
- May assist in training new employees.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS: This position does not regularly supervise others but may provide training or guidance to new employees or trainees.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- One (1) year of work experience involving public contact, clerical/office work, or customer service requiring multi-tasking preferred.
- Basic computer skills required; familiarity with county geography helpful.
- Ability to remain calm under stress, communicate clearly, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Must obtain and maintain the following certifications within one (1) year of hire:
o Montana POST Basic Communications Officer Certification
o CJIN Certification
o Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification
o CPR Certification
- Must possess and maintain a valid Montana driver’s license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work is performed primarily in a dispatch center under moderate to high stress conditions.
- Requires extended periods of sitting, with frequent bending, stooping, and turning of the head.
- Must have sufficient vision, hearing, and speech clarity (with or without correction) to perform duties effectively.
- Requires ability to multi-task, concentrate, and make rapid decisions under pressure.
- Requires frequent contact with the public and multiple agencies, requiring tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
- May be subject to long or irregular hours, rotating shifts, holidays, and call-outs.
- Must occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds (greater with assistance).
- Work may involve mental and physical stress due to exposure to life-threatening emergencies and critical incidents.
Is this a registered apprenticeship?
False
Place of Work
On-site
Requisition ID
202605
Application Instructions
Application can be found online at www.stillwatercountymt.gov
Or pick up an application at 400 E 3rd Ave N-4th Floor