Public Safety Officer/Dispatcher
St. John's University
Salary: $25.00 Hourly
Job Type: Public Safety
Job Number: [contact details available in the full listing]
Location: Queens Campus, NY
Department: Public Safety
Job Summary
St. John's, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University's outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John's University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate…
programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.
A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John's is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.
Department: Public Safety
Specific Job Title: Public Safety Officer/Dispatcher
Campus: Queens, Manhattan
Command Center Dispatcher is assigned to the Public Safety Command Center and serves as the first point of contact for all emergency and non-emergency calls across the St. John's University global enterprise. They serve as radio, telephone and computer based dispatchers of assignments, deployment of resources, and other support services (i.e. law enforcement, fire, medical, etc.). They operate and monitor multi-channel radio, security, CCTV, and warning systems for timely detection and response to local and global events and incidents. They also perform other clerical and administrative duties related to the Public Safety Mission. This role will report directly to Public Safety Supervisors.
This position supports St. John's University's campus safety and is the first point of contact in high-stress situations, playing a critical role in ensuring prompt, professional response to incidents.
Job Responsibilities
Emergency Communication and Dispatch
- Receive, prioritize, and document emergency and non-emergency calls from the St. John's campus community.
- Dispatch public safety officers and appropriate first responders using a two-way radio system and computer-aided dispatch software.
- Monitor and respond to campus fire alarms, intrusion alarms, and access control alerts.
- Provide exceptional customer service, information, support, and assistance to all University community members including students, staff, faculty, and guests. Additionally, ensuring that all requests for service or information are directed to the relevant person or office as required.
- Initiate mass notifications through the emergency notification system during certain incidents
Monitoring and Surveillance
- Continuously monitor campus CCTV systems, access control, and emergency notification systems.
- Report suspicious activity or safety hazards to appropriate personnel for immediate response.
- Assist in activating emergency response protocols and campus alerts as needed.
- Maintain continuous awareness of Department of Public Safety personnel in the field or on special assignments.
Information Management and Reporting
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of calls, officer activity, incidents, and responses.
- Assist with the preparation of incident summaries and reports for St. John's University officials and law enforcement.
- Perform data entry into public safety records management systems.
Campus and Community Support
- Provide information and support to students, faculty, staff, and visitors regarding public safety policies, resources, and procedures.
- Answer questions and route calls to appropriate university departments.
- Demonstrate empathy, calm, and professionalism in all interactions.
- Engage with the various campus community departments.
- Be mindful of current crime trends on and around the campus grounds and take appropriate action to deter such activity.
Operational Support
- Test and report equipment malfunctions (radios, alarm systems, surveillance monitors).
- Assist in training new dispatchers and student employees as assigned.
- Stay updated on university safety protocols and participate in emergency drills and exercises.
- Maintain continuous awareness of Department of Public Safety personnel in the field or on special assignments.
- Stay updated on the latest emergency response protocols, security procedures, technology, University and Public Safety policies and procedures.
- Participate in ongoing training sessions to enhance skills related to Public Safety Dispatcher duties.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. This role is additional responsibility to Public Safety Officer duties which include responsibility of a dispatcher.
- Command Center Dispatchers, on occasion, will be required to work operational and special event overtime assignments.
- Command Center Dispatchers could be asked to shift hours for a period of time to meet the minimum requirements for the department.
- During emergency situations, such as snow storms, Command Center Dispatchers may be required to stay past their assigned tour/hours.
Competencies, Education, Experience
- Clear, professional verbal and written communication.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask under pressure.
- Ability to maintain composure and critical thinking in high-stress situations.
- Discretion and adherence to confidentiality and data privacy standards.
- Familiarity with public safety technologies (CAD, CCTV, radio systems).
- Excellent computer skills and be proficient in the use of emergency communications systems, including computer aided dispatch systems, multiple two-way radio systems, alarm receivers, video monitoring systems, access control systems, emergency mass notification systems, and telecommunications systems.
- Ability to remain on duty until relief is available and work weekends and different shifts as required. The Command Center is operated 24/7 including weekends and holidays and requires regular attendance and punctual employee presence.
- Customer service oriented and provide excellent customer service in all interactions.
Required Education and Experience
- High School diploma or equivalent required (GED).
- Prefer a minimum of 5 years' security or dispatcher experience.
- Must obtain New York City Fire Department Certificate of Fitness (F-01) Fire Guard Impairment, to be obtained within six (6) months of employment; the certificate must be renewed by the Officer every two years and an updated copy provided to the Executive Director of Public Safety.
- Must obtain American Heart Association First Aid certification within ninety (90) days of employment. Must maintain certification while employed by St. John's University.
- Candidate must possess and maintain a current New York Sate Security Guard License.
- Candidate must posess and maintain a valid Driver License from their state of residence.
- Candidate must be able to perform their responsibilities while wearing an N-95 respirator mask as mandated by OSHA regulations.
- Candidates must be able to work on all shifts, during various hours, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Associates or Bachelors degree or equivalent experience.
- Bilingual skills are desirable.
Supplemental Information
Work Environment
This position is performed in a secure command center environment.
This position operates in a professional office environment and Command Center Dispatchers are required to use standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, copy machines, etc.
Physical Demands
- Able to sit for extended periods and work shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays.
- May occasionally lift or move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Conditions
Must be able to work during emergencies, including pandemics, active shooter, weather emergencies, etc.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full-time Command Center Dispatchers may be assigned different shifts 24/7, including holidays and weekends. Typical hours range from:
Day Shift: 7:00am-3:00pm
Nigh Shift: 3:00pm-11:00pm
Overnight Shift: 11:00am-7:00am
Travel
None required.
In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the hourly rate for this position is $25.00. St. John's University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Important Note- St. John's is NOT an E-Verify Employer
St. John's offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John's performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events
Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John's University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.
Important Note- St. John's is NOT an E-Verify Employer
St. John's offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. St. John's University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John's performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events
Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John's University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.
St. John's University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/stjohns/jobs/5451043/public-safety-officer-dispatcher
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!
