Public Safety Telecommunicator Training Specialist

City of Grand Forks

Grand Forks, ND, USA

Posted on Apr 24, 2026

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Description: Grand Forks' 911 team is only as prepared as the person who trained them. That's where you come in.

Searching for the right person to develop and implement multiple level training programs for Emergency center personnel; to maintain personnel training records and track required certifications and licenses; to coordinate and provide emergency communication related training for all emergency center personnel; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Interviews will be held Jun 9, 2026. With a follow-up presentation on June 18,2026.

Position will begin July 20,2026.
Examples of Duties: Essential Functions:
1. Perform all functions of a Communications Specialist as needed.
2. Develop, deliver and monitor basic on-the-job and advanced training programs; determine subject matter to be taught; provide for and schedule other instructors, training aids and materials; evaluate and adapt training sessions as necessary.
3. Assess, analyze and determine required skills and capabilities of all departmental personnel to meet requirements of job descriptions; maintain training records on all personnel.
4. Participate in the selection of Emergency Dispatch Center staff, work with new personnel to correct deficiencies, implement disciplinary procedures, and provide evaluations to training personnel.
5. Maintain awareness of new developments and equipment in the field of emergency communications and training; incorporate and/or develop new training material as appropriate into programs.
6. Prepare, submit and implement the training budget.
7. Participate in the development of policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures to ensure safety of citizens and public safety responders.
8. Prepare analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities and offer technical support to the Director; compile statistics for the 911 Center or user agencies. 9. Perform supervisory functions in equipment operation, security, and shift management in the supervisor’s absence; provide input to performance evaluations of communication specialists.
10. Assist with developing, implementing, presenting, scheduling, and tracking training for communications center staff; ensure all certifications remain current.
11. Participate in developing, implementing, and maintaining emergency communication and mapping projects/systems.
12. Participate in developing and maintaining information flow for the transfer of intelligence between agencies at the Emergency Operations Center; plan for future duties associated with involvement with emergencies or disasters involving coordination with Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
13. Maintain current, up to date training records on all employees in a manner that is readily available to director, supervisor, and team leaders. Create and maintain a multi-year training plan for staff. Project dates for recertification as part of the training plan..
14. Work with command staff, to include the director, supervisor, and team leaders, on a collaborative public awareness public relations campaign and training programs for educating citizens and responders about 911, communications, and related department services.
15. Establish and maintain training and reference library; determine appropriate subject materials to inventory; store, control, use and dispense materials as appropriate.

Marginal Functions:
1. Serves as training liaison, as assigned, between the Emergency center and other departments, outside agencies and organizations; assists in public education.
2. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of emergency service dispatch.
3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Typical Qualifications: Knowledge: Operations, services and activities of a multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction emergency communications center; Principles and practices of training program development; Principles and practices of training and assessment; Duties, responsibilities and requirements of emergency center positions; Basic procedures, methods and techniques of budget preparation and control; Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and safety regulations; Recent developments, current literature and information related to emergency communications training; Communications equipment, procedures and techniques; Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation; Modern and complex principles and practices of radio communications and emergency dispatch.

Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Make command decisions concerning the operation of the 911 Center; Supervise, organize and review the work of subordinate staff; Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff; Interpret and explain City policies and procedures; Prepare clear and concise reports; Understand and respond to multiple conversations, manage and prioritize critical situations on a daily basis.

Abilities: Develop, implement, direct and evaluate training programs; Use instructional methods, techniques and materials; Analyze and select appropriate training materials; Train, test and evaluate student progress; Maintain professional qualifications standards of APCO Communications Training Officer Certification; Maintain confidential records on training programs; Operate all emergency communications equipment in a safe and efficient manner; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Supplemental Information: Experience: Three years of emergency dispatch experience including two years of lead or administrative responsibilities in a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional center.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, law enforcement, public safety or a related field, or a combination of education and experience to equal four years.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid emergency medical dispatch certificate. Possession of an appropriate, valid APCO 40 hour course certificate. Possession of an appropriate, valid NCIC license. Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid APCO Communications Training Officer Certificate. Possession, or ability to obtain, of a CPR certification. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.