COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR I
The Ocean City Department of Emergency Services is actively seeking qualified candidates for the position of Communication Operator I. This is entry-level communications work at the full performance level, receiving, routing and transmitting information via radio, computer terminal and other communications equipment. The primary assignment of a Communication Operator I is to monitor, maintain and manage an assigned public safety operations radio channel and to facilitate communications between public safety personnel, other public safety agencies, other city departments and the residents and visitors of the community. This position requires the employee to work various shift schedules including days, nights, weekends and holidays.
Salary and Benefits
$38,837.00 starting salary
Step increments with acceptable performance appraisals
Overtime for special detail assignments
Paid/accrued holidays, accrued sick, and annual leave
All uniforms furnished
Eligibility for promotion after two (2) years of employment
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan/Deferred Compensation Plan/Credit Union
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance/Prescription Drug Plan
Tuition Assistance for continuing education
In-service Training and specialized career opportunities
3.5 day work week (3 twelve hour days and 1 six hour day)
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED recognized by the Maryland Board of Education
18 years of age at the time of training completion
Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
The ability to speak clearly and distinctly
United States Citizen
Candidates must successfully complete a written examination, a structured interview and a thorough background investigation.
Testing Information
The Ocean City Department of Emergency Services will be holding several test dates for interested candidates applying for seasonal and full time Communications Operators. Successful candidates will remain on the eligibility list for 18 months.
Testing Dates:
November 19, 2022
December 17, 2022
January 7, 2023
January 28, 2023
February 18, 2023
Location:
Public Safety Building, 6501 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Time:
Testing begins promptly at 8AM….doors will open at 7AM
Pre-Registration:
If you are interested in testing, please make a reservation by emailing [email protected] with the date you wish to attend and the position you are applying for (Seasonal or Full Time Communications Operator).
We recommend you review the Automatic Disqualifiers before applying.
Hotel:
If you need to make hotel reservations, we recommend The Grand Hotel located at 2100 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland. You can make reservations by calling 1-800-447-6779 or (410)-289-6191. When making the reservations please ask the representative for the “OCPD Training” discount and provide the date you wish to stay. (Discount does not apply for the July 26 or October 22 testing dates.)
Dress Attire:
• Business Attire
What do I need to bring?
• Driver’s License
Testing Componets
Written Test:
The written examination measures the basic skills necessary to perform successfully as a Communications Operator/Dispatcher and is the first step in the applicant process. The test is divided into 5 separately timed sections which measure reading comprehension, listening, problem solving, prioritizing, and multi-tasking skills. Applicants must achieve a minimum average score of 75% to advance in the selection process. The written examination takes two (2) hours.
Structured Interview:
The interview consists of a list of standardized questions to determine qualifications based upon: skills, experience, competency, the ability to work in a team environment, problem-solving skills, being dependable, organized, proactive, flexible, and resourceful. The interview board is a panel of two (2) Communications Operators and takes approximately thirty (30) minutes.
SEASONAL COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
Seasonal Communication Operators are temporary employees whom supplement the year-round emergency communication staff in its mission to the community. This assignment gives qualified and interested persons the chance to experience first-hand the duties and responsibilities of a public safety emergency communication operator. The duties include receiving telephone requests for public safety service, monitoring, maintaining and managing an assigned public safety operations radio channel and facilitating communications between public safety personnel, other public safety agencies, other city departments and the residents and visitors of the community.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma
18 years of age at the time of training completion
Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
The ability to speak clearly and distinctly
United States Citizen
Must be able to attend a training academy session held in May and must be available to work until August 15th of the summer season.
Seasonal Pay Rate
Seasonal Communication Operator: $17.91 per hour
Candidates must successfully complete a written examination, a structured interview, and a thorough background investigation.
Testing Information
The Ocean City Department of Emergency Services will be holding several test dates for interested candidates applying for seasonal and full time Communications Operators. Successful candidates will remain on the eligibility list for 18 months.
Testing Dates:
November 19, 2022
December 17, 2022
January 7, 2023
January 28, 2023
February 18, 2023
Location:
Public Safety Building, 6501 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Time:
Testing begins promptly at 8AM….doors will open at 7AM
Pre-Registration:
If you are interested in testing, please make a reservation by emailing [email protected] with the date you wish to attend and the position you are applying for (Seasonal or Full Time Communications Operator).
We recommend you review the Automatic Disqualifiers before applying.
Hotel:
If you need to make hotel reservations, we recommend The Grand Hotel located at 2100 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland. You can make reservations by calling 1-800-447-6779 or (410)-289-6191. When making the reservations please ask the representative for the “OCPD Training” discount and provide the date you wish to stay. (Discount does not apply for the July 26 or October 22 testing dates.)
Dress Attire:
• Business Attire
What do I need to bring?
• Driver’s License
Testing Components
Written Test:
The written examination measures the basic skills necessary to perform successfully as a Communications Operator/Dispatcher and is the first step in the applicant process. The test is divided into 5 separately timed sections which measure reading comprehension, listening, problem solving, prioritizing, and multi-tasking skills. Applicants must achieve a minimum average score of 75% to advance in the selection process. The written examination takes two (2) hours.
Structured Interview:
The interview consists of a list of standardized questions to determine qualifications based upon:
skills, experience, competency, the ability to work in a team environment, problem-solving skills, being dependable, organized, proactive, flexible, and resourceful. The interview board is a panel of two (2) Communications Operators and takes approximately thirty (30) minutes.