Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleCommunications Specialist 2-NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $54860 to $66634 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
"Other" Explanation Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Workday
Minimum Qualifications “This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.”
Minimum Qualifications for NY HELPS appointment: High school graduation or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and three years of experience as a police, emergency services, or public safety dispatcher; or member of a fire company or emergency medical services squad; or radio dispatcher of a mobile fleet; or search and rescue position; or active duty service and an honorable discharge under conditions in the New York State Restoration of Honor Act from the United States military; or military duty in the United States Armed Forces National Guard or Reserve.
Promotion Qualifications: One year of service as a Communications Specialist 1.
Individuals may also be eligible via the following:
Reassignment Eligible - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC.
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 12 or higher and eligible for transfer under Civil Service Law.
Duties Description Performs all duties of a Communications Specialist 2 as described below. Supervises Communications Specialists 1 by performing the full range of supervisory responsibilities including training, completing performance evaluations, and developing staff schedules. Directs staff in the operation of communications systems and equipment. Monitors Emergency Medical Dispatch certification status and continuing education progress of staff. Reviews tape recordings for quality assurance. Ensures technology outage plans (radio, telephone, network and equipment trouble) for dispatch and non-dispatch locations within the Region are updated. Reviews radio logs or computerized radio log entries to ensure that radio checks are being conducted. Assists regional Captains with any matters necessary for the operation and effectiveness of dispatch functions. Implements and tracks testing procedures for communications devices. Maintains and prepares logs for communications devices.
Answers emergency and non-emergency telephone calls for services; identifies scope and type of assistance needed, and relays information to appropriate personnel for handling.
• Obtains all necessary information on the situation and location from the caller.
• Calms the caller in order to elicit required information.
• Utilizes Emergency Medical Dispatch System when required.
• Provides weather and road condition information.
Operates and understands the technical operation of fixed and mobile communications equipment. Operates and maintains digital tape logging devices utilized in recording radio and telephone transmissions. Monitors all radio equipment and frequencies in dispatch area. Provides first-line troubleshooting for telephone systems and initiates repairs when required. Operates networked and standalone computer equipment; handles problems with computer software and hardware, and initiates repair procedures. Maintains inventory and repairs file databases and computerized and handwritten logs. Reconciles information received from other law enforcement agencies with data in New York State Police and Department of Environmental Conservation files. Uses the integrated justice portal (e-Justice) to conduct checks for warrants. May conduct training sessions of e-Justice procedures, Emergency Medical Dispatch, and related programs. May provide administrative support to Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Forest Rangers.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel may be required. Overtime may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be available for emergency response. Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies. Must provide 24-hour response on a rotational basis and work during normal business hours. Per federal government requirements, if you are appointed to this position, you may be required to undergo fingerprinting and a state and federal criminal background check. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.