About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Receives, prioritizes, and transmits first notification of calls for 24/7/365 service for police, fire and medical assistance from the campus community. Dispatches non-emergency and 911 calls for service to the campus community. Transmits messages by radio from the Communications Center to multiple mobile and portable units in accordance with strict rules and regulations. Communicates via state and national criminal databases to other police departments to report on criminal activity. Extensively documents actions and outcomes from all police, fire and medical incidents occurring on campus into a computer-aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

Essential Functions

• Receives, prioritizes, transmits and documents first notification of calls for service for police, fire, and medical assistance from the University community.
• Acknowledges, records and dispatches appropriate Police, EHS, and Amherst and Hadley Fire Departments to fire, intrusion and hold-up alarm calls received via the Simplex Tru-Site and GTRI systems, and outside alarm companies.
• Receives and disseminates information through various technologies, i.e., police radio broadcast system, teletype system, CJIS Web RMV and statewide police telecommunications, and Televent weather system.
• Disseminates information to appropriate department personnel on routine and emergency incidents, complaints, crimes-in-progress and medical emergencies via radio, telephone, and LAN technologies.
• Disseminates and records information provided to numerous federal, state, municipal law enforcement and other emergency response agencies at the scene of an incident.
• Records and disseminates information to assist sworn personnel in the co-ordination of activities of law enforcement personnel who are engaged in significant, high-stress law enforcement and fire service actions such as high-speed chases, domestic abuse, medical assistance, natural disasters, motor vehicle accidents with injuries, psychological commitments, drug surveillance, restraining orders and search warrants, etc.   
• Provides, at the direction and discretion of a senior command staff member, campus-wide critical emergency notifications via RAVE email and text system and the ATI Outdoor Warning System (OWS), following established federal, state and Clery Act guidelines.
• Disseminates and records information provided by other law enforcement agencies relative to missing or wanted individuals, criminal history checks, stolen property and sensitive intelligence such as drug interdiction and terrorist activities, etc., in a prompt fashion to appropriate department personnel.
• Responds to requests for information from the public and other agencies, providing general, non-critical information concerning travel directions, general hazards, construction work, weather, and road conditions.
• Enters appropriate data records via Leaps/CJIS/NCIC systems to assure proper recording in compliance with State records retention standards.
• Responds to requests for, and disseminates, student information retrieved via the University’s records program (Spire) to appropriate department personnel.
• Uses the Genetec Security Desk and Live Viewer camera systems to open/close sally ports and lot/emergency gates, and may assist, upon request, police personnel in the monitoring of booking room and cell blocks.
• Receives, records and dispatches appropriate Police, EHS and Amherst fire units to all elevator, “Area of Refuge” and campus help phones.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the FVMS University wide camera system, to provide assistance to investigating Officer(s) when necessary, and to provide a visual means of monitoring areas impacted by emergencies, i.e. Riots, motor vehicle accidents and emergency weather conditions.
• Maintains ability to retrieve previous radio transmissions or telephone calls through the Media Agent and Media works playback systems.
• Receives and coordinates requests for Life Flight transport for critical medical emergencies.
• Utilizes the Language Link interpreter service for the non-English speaking public.
• Serves as a liaison between University mental health staff (CCPH) and off-campus resources (ProtoCall, CSO) outside of normal business hours for people in crisis.
• Keeps abreast and complies with all Dispatch Center guidelines, directives, announcements, special orders, policies, and procedures.
• Completes mandatory annual training in handling callers experiencing mental health emergencies.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties, consistent with position, as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Ability to successfully pass a thorough background investigation.
• Knowledge of geographical directions (north, south, east, west).
• Typing/keyboarding skills.
• Computer skills including skills in handling multiple computer monitoring systems.
• Ability to read and speak the English language in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to multi-task to a high degree of efficiency and prioritization using multiple forms of technology including multiple computers, phones, radios and/or security/fire monitoring systems simultaneously.
• Ability to take charge and exercise sound judgment in real-time, life or death circumstances.
• Strong communications skills with the ability to read, write and comprehend the English language, including correct spelling and grammar.
• Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, policies, procedures, and shift guidelines governing assigned unit activities to ensure dispatching of proper information.
• Ability to operate video display terminals and keyboards.
• Ability to accurately type 45 words per minute.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to take direction and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to gather information through questioning individuals and by examining records and documents.
• Ability to deal tactfully and professionally with others.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Communications experience preferred.

Additional Details

• Communications Dispatcher II positions are considered essential personnel for purposes of staffing.
• Required to work inverses (forced overtime) to maintain staffing minimums.
• Required to work holidays and weekends as needed. 

Work Schedule

40 hours per week.

Salary Information

Grade 14

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete online application, submit resume and contact information for three (3) professional references. Posting will remain open until filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.