Job Summary

To assist in the protection and safety of the citizens, visitors, businesses and institutions of Aitkin County and their property by receiving requests for emergency and non-emergency services within Aitkin County. To promptly dispatch law enforcement, fire, ambulance or other emergency services as are appropriate. To provide radio communication and other communication support to County, City and State law enforcement and other agencies as required. To serve as primary/master control of the Aitkin County Jail from within a secured area within the jail facility, responsible for direct security, custody and control of the county correctional institution and its inmates. 

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.  

Supervision Exercised

No formal supervisory authority.

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

    1.    Closely monitors all means of communication including, but not limited to: radio, telephone, fax and email. Receives calls for emergency and non-emergency public safety and correctional services, serving as the first point of contact for such services within Aitkin County.  Dispatcher/Jailers also monitor all two-way radio communications within the jail facility as well as emergency inmate intercoms located in each jail cell. 
    2.    Prioritizes requests for emergency and non-emergency services by following policies and procedures established by the Dispatch Supervisor, Jail Administrator and Sheriff.
    3.    Determines the necessary information to collect for 911 emergency, non-emergency and administrative requests for service according to policies and procedures established by the Dispatch Supervisor and Sheriff; organizes, verifies and accurately records information and generates reports (IRs).
    4.    Identifies and dispatches the appropriate agencies to respond to calls for services; effectively and professionally communicates critical information to those agencies responding and ensures communication between responding agencies.
    5.    Is responsible for the direct security, custody, and control of the county correctional institution and its inmates, as well as expected to respond to incidents within the jail when necessary.
    6.    Ensures operation and functionality of all public safety communications systems in the dispatch area including required tests of radio systems and civil defense systems. 
    7.    Ensures operation and functionality of all jail doors, electronically and keyed, all interior jail and exterior campus cameras, and report any issues to the Dispatch Supervisor or Jail Administrators to ensure the safety of all jail staff and inmates. 
    8.    Monitors weather conditions and provides weather updates to field personnel and jail staff regarding severe weather and sounds civil defense sirens when directed during major emergencies and natural disasters. 
    9.    Follows policy and procedure to update, monitor, query, generate reports and communicate information to field personnel from federal, state and local computer systems and databases including, but not limited to: NCIS, MINCIS, stolen/wanted vehicle file,  missing person file, Verifies information for all calls, warrants, missing persons/items, OFP's/DANCO's, and criminal history and background databases 
    10.  As needed, perform pat downs of same gender inmates, escorting visitors and/or inmates in facility or to court, transport inmates between facilities and respond to any emergency within the jail as staffing allows.
    11.  Monitor operation and functionality of county security system monitoring all alarms and cameras within the Aitkin County Government Center, Aitkin County Judicial Center, and other county facilities so equipped and to coordinate response with Courthouse   Security Deputy/Bailiff and/or Law Enforcement.

    •    Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Prior experience as a 911 Dispatcher or a 911 dispatch certification within the last five years is desirable, but not required. Current CJIS certification is also desirable. Must have the ability to focus and work productively with continual interruptions.  

Must have clear speech, excellent verbal communication skills, ability to hear normal range of radio and speech, and ability to visually observe persons and conditions. Must have ability to work independently, maintain a calm and professional manner at all times, and have the ability to physically restrain inmates if necessary. Must be able to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) Certification issued by MN BCA required within 6 months of hire. Also, must pass a tuberculosis screening and receive Certificates of Training in CPR, First Aid, and AED within 6 months of hire. 

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks, a criminal background check, and pre-employment physical and drug test will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

Ability to:

Language Skills

High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
 

Mathematical Skills

Basic Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Skills

High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
 

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software:  
                                 
County Payroll Software/E-time, ESRI Link platform, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Law Enforcement Software: Zuercher Suite CAD JMS RMS and Mobile, Verint Impact 360 audio logger, Portals, DVS, Statewide Supervision, Recordkeeping Software: POR, Odyssey, ARMER Radio, Vesta 911 & phone system, and multiple other sites, Internet, and other job-related software.
 

Ability to Travel

Occasional travel is required to attend trainings and meetings in and out of Aitkin County. 
 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, problem solving,  technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, and initiative.
 

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equipment and Tools

Computer, telephone, radios, fax, copier, printer, calculator, shredder and other job-related tools and equipment, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).
 

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.


07/6/2015 – Revised and Board approved 8/10/21

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism