Dispatcher

Position Overview

The Police Department at Merrimack College seeks to add a Dispatcher to their team. The purpose of the position is to provide clerical and technical support to the department by monitoring and operating various radio frequencies, dispatching department and other college personnel to calls for service and emergencies, maintaining accurate records and logs of shift activity, operating several types of computer systems, providing telephone and in-person assistance to the public, and other related duties as assigned.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintains effective and efficient communication between the Police Department, its employees, the public, other college departments and personnel, outside emergency and law enforcement agencies by receiving and dispatching general and emergency information.
• Receives information, complaints, signals and requests from a variety of communications equipment such as radio transmitters/receivers, telephones, alarms, and emergency signaling devices.
• Identifies the location where assistance is required, determines the availability and location of the nearest emergency equipment and personnel, dispatches the necessary units into service, and coordinates any communication necessary.
• Maintains accurate written and computer records of shift activity. Duties must be performed in a clear and orderly manner, often under stressful and/or emergency situations.
• Answers business/emergency phones - including the college's switchboard outside regular business hours - providing information, direction, and services. Handles a wide variety of in-person--services--such as issuing temporary-visitor/parking permits, accepting citation appeals, signing keys in/out under strict key control policy.
• Operates, with proficiency, several computer systems such as ID card system, card access system, E911 call notification system, CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System), police computer aided dispatch and report management program, surveillance camera system, CARS, Cognos, and a personal computer with software programs such as MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel, and Google Apps.
• A variety of clerical duties to include filing, record-keeping, and lost and found records.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a High School Diploma
• Must be able to obtain ENS certification (from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts) a hire and retain this certification as a condition of continued employment.
• Must attend all department meetings as well as any other training/meetings required by law and/or the college.
• Knowledge of police dispatching practices and a willingness to keep self up-to-date on current practices and maintain department-sponsored training, to include: CPR/First Responder, Acadis, and other annual requirements.
• Proficiency in multi-tasking. Ability to analyze requests for both emergency and non emergency services and make independent decisions in communicating with and dispatching department personnel and other campus personnel and/or outside agencies.
• Ability to adjust to changing situations to meet emergency or rapidly changing requirements with a clear mindset, to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to disseminate the College's Rave Alert Emergency Notification System in emergency situations.
• Ability to become familiar with the College's emergency protocols (Emergency Preparedness Plan).
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with members of the college community, the public, and local agencies/officials.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to become proficient in computer systems and electronic equipment used by the department.
• Must be honest and able to be trusted with confidential information. Work-related dishonesty or disclosure of confidential information will be grounds for termination.
• Prior experience in police dispatching is preferred but not required.
• Must have a commitment to and experience with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Vaccinations and Work Location

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack's Catholic and Augustinian mission and values and advance our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Catholic and Augustinian mission and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students from 43 states and 42 countries. The College features more than 100 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has five schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy and the Girard school of business. The College's suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master's Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 33rd in the Regional Universities North category in 2024. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.