Communications Officer

Job: Communication Officer

Department: Sheriff

FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt

Grade: L13

Reports to: Communications Supervisor

HR Approved: Lisa Seddon – August 2026

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.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and/or Experience

High school education or G.E.D.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• 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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Perform Essential Functions

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Proficiency in the use of Windows-based computer programs.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties is required.
• Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance is required.
• Ability to work overtime and work beyond the scheduled workday is required.

Equipment Used

Computer, printer, telephone, copy machine/scanner, systems including CAD and 911, multi-channel radio, voice data recorder, jail and administrative security monitors

Supervision

No supervision of direct reports.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen, insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Involves some exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations. Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as required.

Pay: $25.51 - $26.15 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• On-the-job training
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person