Part-Time Communications Officer
- Full-Time
- Posted: August 21, 2026
- Closes: August 31, 2026 at 4:30 pm
- Status: Non-Exempt
- Salary Range: $25.51 to $26.15
- Hours: Days, afternoon, and night shifts as needed/scheduled
Job Summary
Serves as the vital communications link between the public and Marion County public safety agencies by answering emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS personnel as needed. Operates multi-channel radio systems, enters and retrieves data from the IOWA/NCIC system, and provides support to jail operations to ensure efficient and effective emergency response services.
Job Duties
- Receives and answers emergency (911) and non-emergency calls, gathers essential information, interprets caller data, and dispatches appropriate law enforcement, fire, and EMS units promptly and accurately, and enters information into CAD system.
- Maintains continuous radio communication with responding personnel, providing updates, safety checks, and coordination among multiple agencies (Deputies, Officers, State Patrol, DNR, Conservation Officers, US Corps of Engineer Officers, Fire, EMS, other Communication Centers and the National Weather Service).
- Operates the Iowa/NCIC and CAD systems to enter, retrieve, verify, and relay information related to calls for service, warrants, protective orders, weapons permits, wanted or missing persons, stolen property, and other law enforcement data.
- Monitors and documents all incoming and outgoing communications, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of information transmitted.
- Coordinates paging and notification of emergency responders and support personnel using appropriate radio codes and dispatch protocols.
- Provides emergency medical dispatching to callers in need.
- Assists with female transports and inmate searches as assigned, maintaining proper observation and documentation to ensure safety and compliance with procedures.
- Monitors courthouse and civil office panic alarms, security cameras, and building access systems, alerting deputies and officers to respond as needed.
- Provides backup support for Master Control operations in the jail when required, ensuring secure area oversight and coordination with jail staff.
- Assists in training new Communication Officers, providing instruction on call handling, dispatching, and system use in accordance with office standards.
Job Qualifications
- High school education or G.E.D.
- Valid Iowa Driver’s License
- Telecommunicator Certification from Iowa Department of Public Safety
- Technology Service Division (within six months of hire)
- BIST – Basic Iowa System Training (within six months of hire)
- BASIC – Beginning Telecommunicator Training (within one year of hire)
- NCIC Certification (within six months of hire)
- Emergency Medical Dispatch (within one year of hire)
- Notary Public
- Ability to pass a background check
