The City of Norman is searching for a new Communications Officer I! We are committed to our mission of "Working Together to Deliver Exceptional Service" for the residents and businesses of Norman.  Our employees enjoy competitive pay and benefit packages, generous leave and retirement plans, and the satisfaction of doing work that helps make Norman a great place to live, work and play. If you are ready to join our team, please read position details below and apply today!

Salary:$18.10/per hour. Work Period: Work Shift Varies. Shift assignments based on the needs of the department and seniority. Recruitment Period: Open Until Filled.

Education and Experience:  High school diploma or equivalent. 

License and Certifications: Must obtain and maintain Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications Terminal Operator, Emergency Medical Dispatch, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certifications.  

Skills:  Effective interpersonal skills to elicit information and remain calm in highly stressful situations where human safety is at risk.  Following oral and written instructions.  Reading maps and relating to specific call data.  Making critical and expedient decisions within established guidelines.  Speaking clearly and concisely, using proper English.  Responding appropriately in emergency situations.  Entering data in an accurate and timely manner.  Extracting information from irate and irrational individuals. 

Essential Functions:  Answers 9-1-1 lines; determines caller’s needs; and enters information into a computer system or card system for appropriate response, frequently handling several calls simultaneously. Operates central communications equipment answering non-emergency phone lines to include after hours calls to the City of Norman offices.  Operates the radio for non-emergency assignments for city services that requires the upkeep of records in the computer system and other various components. Enters data into the National Crime Information Center’s computer and supplements police reports with information from performed actions.  Performs law enforcement type queries on various systems including but not limited to the State Computer Records System and Internet.  Obtains additional information from callers who may be argumentative or mentally or emotionally upset to gather more information about the emergency. Notifies departments regarding emergency messages, damage to traffic signs or lights, or any other hazards reported.  Enters and verifies data into the OLETS, NCIC, and NPD computers.  Maintains log of entries, locates, modifications, and clear and cancels placed into the NCIC computer.  Maintains other logs as required.  Updates street locations and new streets for response purposes.  Performs related duties as required. 

Mental and Physical Abilities:  Ability to concentrate, handle multiple calls, and pay close attention to detail under stressful conditions caused by the nature of emergency calls and human suffering.  Ability to maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance. 

Working Conditions:  Works in a busy office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, and dirt.

Additional Information:  Final candidates will undergo data entry skills assessment. Selected candidate must pass extensive background investigation, psychological test, polygraph, and drug screen.