The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner, is seeking a Park Police Dispatcher to work at the Park Police Headquarters, Montgomery County Department of Parks, Silver Spring, Maryland.

Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery Park system that hosts 424 parks and encompasses nearly 37,000 acres of parkland, there is a robust team within the Park Police Division dedicated to protecting the park system and residents of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Under general supervision, the Park Police Dispatcher will receive calls for Park Police assistance, respond to inquiries, and provide routine information to citizens as appropriate. A successful candidate will also demonstrate strong reliability, and excellent communication and customer service skills to perform at an exceptional level.

Learn more about the Montgomery County Park Police online at: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/park-police/

DIVERSITY STATEMENT: Montgomery County Department of Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, ideology or status as a Veteran.

Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/

Please Note: The listed salary range represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Very competitive and flexible benefits program available!

• Receive calls for Park Police service. Obtain pertinent and accurate information from callers to determine exact nature of services required and forward calls to the appropriate agency as needed. Determine the type of call based on limited or fragmented information, assign the call type and appropriate emergency or routine response code. Dispatch appropriate Park Police unit based on location. Enter and code information in computer systems (e.g., computer aided dispatch (CAD) in real time).
• Operate two-way radio to monitor and communicate emergency and routine radio traffic with Park Police units and records officer activity. Maintain current location and status of each unit and dispatches closest available unit to calls for service. Provide emergency services notification as needed (e.g., fireboard, ambulance or hazmat). Monitor Commission, County Police, and emergency service radio channels.
• Operate computer terminal and various computer systems (MILES, NCIC, MVA) to obtain information (e.g., criminal history, wants, warrants, MVA data). Send, receive and respond to communications with other law enforcement agencies. Enter and maintain files for arrest warrants and stolen property. Ensure confidentiality and security regulations are followed when accessing and disseminating information. Maintain impound data.
• Contact Commission staff and external agencies to provide information and relay messages. Operate alphanumeric and computerized paging systems to provide emergency notifications and incident updates to division and other Commission staff.
• Monitor alarm systems and closed-circuit cameras of assigned Commission facilities and notify Park Police units as appropriate.
• Serve walk-in visitors requesting Commission and/or Park Police assistance. Issue visitor passes and answer questions regarding Commission programs and functions and refer citizens to appropriate division or facility. Receive deliveries for Park Police personnel.
• Assist in the maintenance of communication equipment and calls for service and repair.
• Log data (e.g., alarms, messages, volunteer logs, part-time employment logs for officers, impounded vehicles) and maintain confidential files.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

• Knowledge of: (a) Commission activities, organization, policies, and procedures; (b) Dispatching; (c) federal, state and county laws and procedures pertaining to public safety communications; (d) law enforcement; and (e) geography of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. *Developed primarily after employment.
• Skill in operation of: (a) personal computer with applicable software (e.g., CAD, MILES, NCIC); (b) communications equipment; and (c) general office equipment.
• Ability to: (a) understand a system of procedures; (b) apply principles to solve practical problems; (c) perform basic arithmetic; read technical reports and correspondence; (d) write routine records and correspondence; (e) speak clearly; (f) analyze problems and take appropriate action under stress; (g) organize and prioritize work; (h) quickly receive and record accurate information using automated systems; (i) read a map and provide directions to citizens and officers; (j) provide courteous service; (k) perform multiple tasks simultaneously; and (l) maintain confidentiality.

1. High school graduation or GED; and

2. Successful completion of proficiency exam.

3. Good characater (i.e., must pass background investigation)

4. Ability to obtain Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification.

Class/Specification: Park Police Communications Technician

This position is open continuously. Once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates has been obtained, it will close. This advertisement will be used to fill current and future vacant openings.

Person(s) hired for this position must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (with limited religious or medical exceptions).

Supplemental Information:

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  Successful candidates must satisfactorily complete formal instruction and on-the-job training within one year of hire.
• Performs duties under electronic monitoring to include the recording of all telephone conversations and radio transmissions.
• Performs work assignments in a 24/7 environment and is expected to work rotating shifts (days, evenings, midnights), weekends and holidays.