**Veterans Preference:To ensure compliance with the Jobs for Veterans Act, this job posting will be available only to veterans for the first 24 hours. After this period, the job will be released to all job seekers.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The position of Communications Officer reports to an immediate supervisor and the Lieutenant. This employee is responsible for the prompt, accurate, and courteous dispatch of incoming and outgoing messages by radio and telephone for all emergency personnel in the city and county. Communication Officers are required to answer requests for service from phone calls, first responders approved to use radios, 9-1-1 calls, and when properly licensed to operate on the amateur band frequencies. Additionally, Communications Officers must be able to use multiple computer applications to document information received and or requested. This position requires the Communications Officer to work irregular hours, evening or night shifts, weekends, holidays, and special assignments.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Although the following are typical of the tasks and responsibilities routinely performed, additional duties and/or responsibilities requiring comparable or lesser skills, knowledge, or dexterity may be assigned. 1. Become proficient in operating radio equipment and procedures utilized in the Communications Center. To include receiving a Technicians Class certification for amateur band radio when designated to do so (FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT ONLY.) 2. Become certified as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher 3. Become certified as a National Crime Information Crime Terminal Operator. 4. Dispatch emergency personnel such as police, firefighters, and EMS for the City of Portales, Roosevelt County, ENMU Police and other Emergency Services. 5. Process, organize, and maintain criminally sensitive files to include, warrants for arrest, domestic violence orders and sex offender files. 6. Monitor and report information to the National Weather Services Office, State Emergency Operations Center, and agencies having joint powers agreements with local agencies. 7. Must attend and successfully complete a three week Communications Officer course sanctioned by the State of New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy. 8. Applicants are subject to and must pass a pre-employment background check. **