Job no: 530047
Work type: Staff Full Time
Categories: Other Staff Positions, Police, Public Safety, Security
POSITION TITLE: Communications Dispatcher II
AGENCY: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
SALARY: Grade 13
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Transmits messages from a radio communications base station; monitors various radio frequencies; operates radio transmitting and receiving equipment; maintains records and logs of messages; searches files to obtain information; coordinates radio communications; and performs related work as required. The basic purpose of this position is to transmit messages over a fixed radio based station system to and from mobile and fixed units in accordance with rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives direct supervision from other employees of higher grade who provide instructions, assign work and review performance through conferences and reports for effectiveness and compliance with procedures and applicable rules and regulations.
DIRECT REPORTING STAFF: N/A
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Transmits messages from a radio communications base station in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.
- Monitors various radio frequencies to receive, evaluate and forward information.
- Operates radio transmitting and receiving equipment comprising a system of fixed stations and mobile units.
- Maintains records and logs of information such as all messages received and transmitted, weather conditions and individuals or authorities to contact in emergency situations.
- Searches files to obtain information in response to inquiries.
- Coordinates all radio communications including emergency systems, relays messages and instructions to mobile or fixed stations concerned and operates public address systems and paging devices.
- Checks operating condition of equipment and reports malfunctions to proper authority.
- Observes, through a closed circuit television system, traffic movements and conditions such as accidents, fires and other hazards affecting traffic in tunnels and on highways or other related structures in order to monitor traffic flow.
- Monitors and records the operation of pumps, exhaust fans, carbon monoxide detection systems and related components and operates or makes minor manual adjustments to these systems as needed to maintain adequate ventilation in tunnels.
- Operates lane control devices, related traffic signals, videotape equipment and/ or public address systems; checks proper operation of lighting, signals and other devices as required in order to improve traffic flow.
- Maintains inventory of available snow/ice removal resources by recording assignments of workers and equipment and quantities of materials used.
- Operates teletype equipment to receive and transmit messages.
- Oversees and monitors communications activities in order to ensure compliance with governing laws, rules and regulations.
- Provides on-the-job training to employees.
- Maintains employee records to ensure compliance with agency requirements.
- Prepares employee work schedules to insure adequate communications.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:
- Ability to use proper English grammar, punctuation and spelling.
- Ability to read, write and comprehend the English language.
- Ability to understand, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
- Ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
- Ability to give oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
- Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, codes and/or symbols.
- Ability to gather information through questioning individuals and by examining records and documents.
- Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
- Ability to deal tactfully with others.
- Ability to adjust to changing situations to meet emergency or changing program requirements.
- Ability to maintain a calm manner, make decisions and act quickly in stressful and emergency situations.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
- Ability to operate teletype equipment.
- Knowledge of the terminology, coding, symbols and standard abbreviations used in radio telecommunications.
- Knowledge of the methods of operating fixed radio communications equipment.
- Knowledge of the methods of operating mobile radio communications equipment.
- Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing radio communications equipment.
- Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic review and/or evaluations; determining subordinates’ training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively; determining the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action.
QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB:
- Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
- Knowledge of the proper telephone procedures for making and receiving agency calls.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of teletype and related equipment in assigned unit.
- Skill in operating teletype equipment.
- Skill in operating pumps, exhaust fans, carbon monoxide detection systems, video monitors and related components.
- Skill in operating lane control devices, traffic signals, videotape equipment and public address systems.
- Knowledge of the terminology, coding, symbols and standard abbreviations used in radio communications.
- Knowledge of the methods of operating fixed radio communications equipment.
- Knowledge of the methods of operating mobile radio communications equipment.
- Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing radio communications equipment.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the operation of radio receiving and transmitting equipment.
LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Must remain up-to-date and in compliance at all times with current Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations pertaining to licensure and/or certification requirements.
DEPARTMENT: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Police Department
NO. OF POSITIONS: 2
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING: Yes
STATE FUNDED: No
SALARY: $49,589.48 - $65,224.08
HOURS: Variable hours Sun - Sat (100% on-site)
GRADE: 13
UNION: IBPO
UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:
- 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- State Pension Retirement Plan
- Optional Retirement Savings Plans
- Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
- Twelve (12) paid holidays
- Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
- And More!
Benefits for IBPO Union - IBPO
Applicants must be authorized for permanent employment in the United States. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and the contact information for three professional references.
The deadline for internal IBPO applicants is August 7, 2026.
The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.
Advertised: 30 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Organization
Located on the Massachusetts south coast, only a short drive from Cape Cod, Providence and Boston, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has been ranked among the top northern public universities by U.S. News and World Report. The quality of life on the south coast of Massachusetts is rich with cultural attractions, beautifully preserved and restored historic districts, museums, live theatre and an excellent educational system. Recreational opportunities include boating, beaches, rivers, golf courses, camping grounds, beautiful state parks, waterfront parks and a new zoo.
UMass Dartmouth offers a broad range of baccalaureate and graduate degrees vital to the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of the region. It has an enrollment of over 9,200 students in over 40 undergraduate and 36 graduate programs (including 11 at the Ph.D. level) offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Charlton College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the School for Marine Science and Technology. The main campus was designed by the eminent architect Paul Rudolf and is located on 710 acres in North Dartmouth. Other university sites include the Center for Marine Science and Technology on the waterfront in New Bedford, the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center in Fall River and the Star Store Center for the Arts in New Bedford.
While retaining its commitment to excellence in undergraduate education, UMass Dartmouth has increased dramatically its research and outreach activities during the past ten years. R&D spending has increased in the last five years from $20.1 million to $25.6 million and the university has established centers in Policy Studies, Portuguese Studies & Culture, Business Research, Marine Science & Technology and Indic Studies to significantly expand its research and public service activities in ways that meet regional needs but have global impact.
