Communications Officer

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
City of Unalaska
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

OPEN DATE:             August 27, 2024
CLOSE DATE:           Until Filled
POSITION:                 Communications Officer
SALARY:                    $31.92 -$33.86 / hour (Steps 1-3)                                                                   

The City of Unalaska is accepting applications for the Communications Officer position. Located 50 miles from the Great Circle route, Unalaska, the 12th largest incorporated city in Alaska, is 800 miles southwest of Anchorage in the heart of the healthy and robust North Pacific/Bering Sea fisheries.  Our community is a vibrant mix of industry and history connected by 44 miles of roads linking our port, harbors, and private docks with local businesses and our thriving residential community of 4,250. We work hard to support one of Alaska's busiest and most prosperous stretches of coastline.

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all employee tasks in this classification. The duties shown are designed to provide a representative summary.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  This position, under supervision from the Communications Sergeant, acts as an information source by transmitting information, receiving complaints and concerns by calls from the public or in person, and initiating appropriate action in both emergency and non-emergency situations concerning public safety and law enforcement activities. The officer will utilize International Academy of Emergency Dispatch protocols for all emergency calls and dispatch Police, Fire, and/or Emergency Medical and Marine Response Team personnel as required.  They will Prepare, review, and maintain departmental documents and databases.  Conduct computer research of State and Federal databases as requested by officers.  Enter current information into the Alaska Public Safety Information Network and verify accuracy.  Monitor various emergency systems, security systems, local road closures, controlled burns, and fire and intrusion alarms.  Provide clerical support and data retrieval for all divisions of Public Safety.  Send emergency alert tests, notifications, warning signals, and road and traffic advisories. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:  The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a job history that includes the following:

Knowledge of proper English use of spelling and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.  Professionalism in an office setting: following practices and procedures and utilizing office equipment including but not limited to multi-line telephone system. Ability to accurately collect, summarize, and relay highly sensitive data and maintain confidentiality. Typing ability of 40 words per minute at a minimum. Ability to multitask and perform several tasks at once. Ability to access and work with a variety of databases. Ability to effectively deal with persons of varied backgrounds and demeanors. Ability to work in a potentially high-stress environment and remain calm.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
A high school diploma or GED is required. A College Degree is Preferred. The combination of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.  Proficient with computers and basic office equipment. One (1) year of experience working with the public and/or communications is required.

LICENSES & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 18 years of age. Must have or have the ability to obtain an Alaska Driver’s License within 90 days of hire. Required to work 8-hour shifts to provide 24/7 dispatch coverage with occasional emergency or non-traditional work hours as necessary.  Must be able to work in an environment that includes working around firearms. Must work around potential non-cooperative, intoxicated, and/or agitated people. Required to complete a thorough criminal investigation and all pre-employment requirements. Be certified in the use of state and federal criminal justice information network systems, including APSIN, NCIC, and NLETS. Within the first year of employment, must become certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch, and Emergency Police Dispatch through IAED. Must be eligible to work in the US; requirements by federal law, if hired, must complete employment eligibility verification (I-9).

BENEFITS:
> If applicable, the employee will receive a lump sum sign-on bonus (taxable) not to exceed $5,000
>  If applicable, the employee will receive a relocation payment (taxable) of $5,000, plus one (1) way airfare for the employee and one (1) family member
> Work out incentive pay up to $500 /month
> 100% employer-paid medical and dental premiums (employee & dependents)
> 100% employer-paid basic life/AD&D insurance (employee & dependents)
> 100% employer-paid LifefMed insurance (employee)
> 13 Floating Holidays per year
> Paid Time Off starting at 16 hours a month
> Eligible for State of Alaska Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement
> Eligible for 457 Plans with MissionSquare or Mutual of America
> Up to 100% tuition reimbursement (must be taken while employed; refer to Title III)
> Travel allowance of $2,000 every year on your date of hire after 1^st year of employment
> Education Incentive per month: $200 Associate’s degree, $300 Bachelor’s degree, $400 Master’s degree
> Longevity bonus of up to $12,000 (refer to PSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement for further details)
> Free Membership for Parks, Culture, and Recreation (PCR) (employee only)                                                                                                                                                                    

TO APPLY: Submit a City of Unalaska Application. All necessary forms are available at City Hall, Administration Department at 907-581-1252 or by downloading Employment Application Forms. Return the completed form to the City of Unalaska: Administration P.O Box 610, Unalaska, AK 99685, or email [email protected]  or by fax at 907-581-4469.         

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Unalaska is an Employer of National Service and encourages AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and and encourages other national service alumni to apply.