Description

General Information

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have – our three airports, four marine terminals, five business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them – to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region.

We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our Emergency Communications team. In this crucial role, you will dispatch police, fire, medical, and operations personnel for a variety of incidents. We are seeking a highly communicative, problem-solving person with excellent customer service skills and can work well under pressure.

Working as a Communications Dispatcher at an international airport, our dispatchers play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of travelers from all corners of the globe. As the first point of contact responding to different incidences, you'll make a real difference in people's lives.
 
We are looking for someone that will share the Port's commitment to valuing differences among individuals, has a passion for being inclusive and advancing practices, strategies and behaviors that promote inclusion, equity and opportunity for all. If you are team-oriented, enjoy helping others and embrace the value of providing suburb service please read on.

SELECTION PROCESS: 
1)  Application Material/Qualification Review
2) Panel Interview
3) Background Investigation
4) Psychological Exam
5) Medical Exam  
6) Pre-employment Drug Test  
7) Employment Confirmation

SALARY INFORMATION:
Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service (with no breaks in service) as an emergency telecommunicator.  NOTE: Lateral-entry pay is determined by the continuous number of previous full-time, complete years of service, up to five (5) years.

Contract Salary Scale FY 22/23
Start:     $33.093
1  year:   $34.967
2 years: $36.885
3 years: $38.569
4 years: $40.587
5 years: $42.506

NOTE: Premium pay may be available to Dispatchers who possess an Oregon Department of Public Safety and Security Training (DPSST) Intermediate Certification or Advanced Certification and is applicable to their positions.

Summary of Essential Responsibilities

• Provide emergent and non-emergent dispatching and communication services in support of first responders and airport operations communications through a vast array of technological resources.
• Monitor and operate numerous radio talk groups and answer phones, providing information to public and airport employees. 
• Monitor and operate multiple computer systems simultaneously, including: computer-aided dispatch (CAD), fire alarms, access/security/duress alarms, and law enforcement data and retrieval systems, and a complex array of other technological tools.
• Monitor security surveillance cameras for perimeter gates, terminal doors, security checkpoints, numerous areas of the airport terminal, garage, and roadways, and take appropriate action as necessary.
• Be a liaison for communication, customer service, and support both external and internal customers.
• Coordinate effective response to support critical infrastructure at Portland International Airport and General Aviation facilities.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements/Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Applicant must pass a post-offer comprehensive background check, pre-employment drug test, psychological evaluation, and medical examination (required).
• Ability to pass and maintain a Criminal History Records check and Security Threat Assessment required for a PDX Security Badge (required).
• Must be able to qualify for CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) clearance (required).
• Experience working in a 911 emergency communications center or airport communications center (preferred). 
• Experience with computer aided dispatch (CAD) system (preferred). 

The successful candidate must be able to meet requirements of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) within the probationary period including acquiring and maintaining the following certifications:

• Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) Certification
• Emergency Medical Dispatch and Telecommunicator Certification
• Must possess and maintain a valid First Aid and CPR card
• Comply with Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) requirements within 30 days of hire is mandatory.  This includes successfully completing CJIS Security Awareness Training and successfully passing a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.
• Available to work overtime, holidays, weekends, and flexible shifts outside of usual schedule.  

SKILLS:

• Highly skilled at communicating effectively under stressful situations while maintaining composure and conveying clear concise information.
• Able to build key partnerships with strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Skilled at intake/output of data and maintaining accurate typing of at least 45 words per minute.

ABILITIES:

• Demonstrate the Port's commitment of valuing differences among individuals and passion for being inclusive.
• Work efficiently in a complex environment, with rapidly shifting and conflicting priorities.
• Effectively solve problems, while applying complex procedures under high-pressure circumstances.
• Monitor several operational systems, listen, and paraphrase important information in a timely manner.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work.
• Show the utmost respect for others and be a proven team player.