About our Organization
At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds, and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service while controlling the caller, collecting event specific information, assessing the information, selecting the proper call type and causing the appropriate response;
• Interacts with the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system including accurate data entry, effective screen navigation, prompt information retrieval and system integration;
• Communicates with emergency personnel on the City’s 800 MHz radio system by the appropriate use of talk groups or frequency coordination;
• Demonstrates an understanding of the applicability of the incident command/management system, as authorized by the Joint Communications Agency /Police and Fire policy / procedure;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Graduation from High School or GED; and
• Experience in dispatching or in customer service, preferred.

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Must be able to obtain National crime Information Center (NCIC) within six months from date of hire
• Must successfully complete NCIC background check, polygraph examination and be fingerprinted upon acceptance of offer of employment
• Pass and maintain the following within on year: CPR, Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch and Emergency Police Dispatch

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

• During training, new hires will rotate through all three shifts (7:00 AM–3:00 PM, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM–7:00 AM). After training, shift assignments are determined through the departmental shift bid process based on seniority, and schedules may vary depending on operational needs;
• Applicants should be prepared to work weekends, holidays, and varied shifts, including evenings, overnights, and overtime, as needed;
• Flexibility is essential, as this is a 24/7/365 operation and all staff must be willing to work any shift.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities
We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

The City of Cedar Rapids provides outstanding pay, benefits, time off, including:

• Medical co-insurance for participating providers of 90% plan / 10% employee
• Competitive pay
• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plans (IPERS) with a 9.44% City contribution and 6.29% employee contribution
• 457 deferred compensation employer match program (City will match up to 0.05% of your annual income each calendar year—learn more here.)
• Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care Accounts- learn more here)
• An average of 11 paid holidays per year
• Up to $3,000 per year in educational assistance
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – (The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more info here. )
• Annual pay increases
• Fiscal year pay increases as determined by bargaining contract
• Employees are eligible for longevity pay after 5 years of continuous service
• 100% City paid basic life insurance
• Dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• View our Bargaining Benefits Summaries
• Expansive job growth opportunities
• Commitment to professional development
• Private health & wellness coaching partnerships