Job Announcement:

CIVILIAN DISPATCHER

Ho-Ho-Kus POLICE DEPARTMENT

Per Diem Position

Deadline 04/30/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

General Definition and Conditions of Work

Perform various duties to process requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance and dispatch appropriate service unit(s) in a timely fashion.

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means for the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks

• Receiving calls for service, dispatching personnel and equipment, maintaining records; entering data, and preparing reports.
• Receives calls for both routine and emergency service requests; determines the response level required and dispatches appropriate police, fire, or medical units.
• Monitors each call unit's arrival of emergency personnel and updates responding units as the situation changes.
• Speaks to and calms both suicidal and mentally disturbed persons and dispatches emergency units as required.
• Logs all calls for service in the department computer and updates information as required; logs dispatch, arrival, and finish times of each responding unit.
• Assists field units in investigations by contacting suspects and gathering information requested by officers.
• Makes computer entries into the National Crime Information Center computer system regarding stolen vehicles, articles, firearms, securities and wanted persons and verifies validity of entries to other law enforcement agencies.
• Performs criminal history checks and computer lookups of motor vehicle registrations and driver licenses, and relays confidential information to authorized personnel.
• Dispatches Animal Control Officer according to established procedures.
• Notifies state, county, and city road departments and public utilities of conditions affecting public safety
• Performs routine maintenance on communication room equipment and maintains computer entry records and emergency contact information for business and city personnel.
• Helps train new employees in the performance of duties.
• Monitors road conditions and notifies state, county, and city officials of road conditions; performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of the methods of operating two-way communications systems; general knowledge of radio code system and teletype procedures; general knowledge of the geography of the borough and location of important buildings or landmarks; ability to type at a reasonable rate of speed; ability to speak distinctly; ability to deal with the public under stressful conditions and remain calm; ability to operate standard office, data entry and computer equipment and communication consoles; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a valid New Jersey driver's license.
• Preference given to those who possess State Emergency Medical Dispatch and 911 Dispatch certifications. 
• Must be of sound moral character verified by a background investigation.
• Must pass an oral interview with the Chief of Police and Administrative Commander. 
• Must be able to work shift work.

Special Requirements

• Police dispatching experience of a minimum of six (6) months preferred, but we are willing to train new applicants
• Preferred - Possession of basic telecommunicator certification; access foreign language line; cell phone traces; operate telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY/TDD)
• Preferred - Possession of EMT-D Certification.
• Preferred - Possession of CPR Certification.

Starting Salary

$25.00 per hour

The Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus is an equal opportunity employer.

Please direct questions regarding this position to mcbaing@ho-ho-kusboro.com