📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Emergency Communications Operator (ECO)
🔹 Company: Bernalillo County
🔹 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Government Administration
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Handling emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency calls
- Dispatching fire, rescue, and support service units
- Providing emergency medical and fire pre-arrival instructions
- Working various shifts, holidays, and overtime
- Maintaining accurate records and communicating precise information
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, quick thinking, and the ability to work well under pressure. It also involves a significant amount of shift work and may require overtime.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Receive and respond to emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency incoming calls
✅ Dispatch units in response to emergency and non-emergency calls for service
✅ Enter and maintain accurate records of the location and status of all applicable field units
✅ Respond to and assist callers with pre-arrival instructions
✅ Access information systems to provide units with database information
✅ Provide general information as requested by the public
✅ Work collaboratively with other team members
✅ Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities of an Emergency Communications Operator are highly sensitive and require a high level of accuracy and professionalism.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or GED
Experience: Two (2) years of related experience involving data entry, call center, computer applications, and/or telephone communications
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Strong computer skills
- Familiarity with emergency communications protocols
- Ability to work various shifts, holidays, and overtime
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience in emergency communications
- Bilingual or multilingual skills
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having previous experience in emergency communications or a related field would be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $25.59 per hour while on probation, $26.10 per hour thereafter. This is an industry-standard range for an Emergency Communications Operator in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Benefits:
- Generous leave accruals
- Career development opportunities
- Remote and flex-work options as appropriate
- Longevity pay
- Education assistance program
- Health benefits
- Lucrative retirement
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with shift work, overtime, holidays, and weekends required
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role and location. Benefits are comprehensive and reflect the county's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Bernalillo County operates within the Government Administration industry, focusing on public safety, community development, and economic growth.
Company Size: Bernalillo County has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: 1852, making Bernalillo County one of the oldest and most established government entities in New Mexico.
Company Description:
- Bernalillo County is New Mexico’s most populous county, home to over 676,000 residents.
- The county spans 1,167 square miles, featuring diverse landscapes like the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley.
- Bernalillo County serves as a major economic and cultural hub in New Mexico, with industry strengths in space technology, directed energy, smart community technologies, and film and digital media.
Company Specialties:
- Animal Care
- Accounting
- Aquatics
- Budget
- Behavioral Health
- Community Centers
- Corrections
- Economic Development
- Emergency Management
- Human Resources
- Land Management
- Natural Resource Management
- Parks and Recreation
- Open Space
- Permits
- Public Works
- Public Safety
- Solid Waste
- Sports
- Zoning
Company Website: bernco.gov
ASSUMPTION: Bernalillo County offers a wide range of services and employment opportunities, reflecting its large size and diverse responsibilities.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is typically at the entry to mid-level career stage, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the field of emergency communications.
Reporting Structure: Emergency Communications Operators typically report to a Communications Manager or Supervisor.
Work Arrangement: This role requires on-site work, with shift work, overtime, holidays, and weekends being a regular part of the schedule.
Growth Opportunities:
- With experience and demonstrated proficiency, Emergency Communications Operators may advance to supervisory or management roles within the department.
- Cross-training opportunities may be available in related fields, such as dispatching or emergency management.
- Professional development opportunities, such as workshops and conferences, may be available to enhance skills and knowledge.
ASSUMPTION: While growth opportunities may vary depending on the specific department and its needs, Emergency Communications Operators typically have opportunities for career advancement within the field.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Bernalillo County operates a centralized Emergency Communications Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Office Location(s): 10401 HOLLY AVE NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
Geographic Context:
- Albuquerque is the most populous city in New Mexico, with a diverse cultural scene and a growing economy.
- The city offers a range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes, with median home prices around $250,000.
- Albuquerque has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters, and an average annual precipitation of about 9 inches.
Work Schedule: Emergency Communications Operators work in shifts, with varying start and end times to ensure 24/7 coverage.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment for Emergency Communications Operators is fast-paced and high-pressure, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and professionalism.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen
- In-person interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and medical examination
- Final offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Familiarity with emergency communications protocols
Application Tips:
- Highlight any relevant experience in emergency communications, call centers, or related fields.
- Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and experiences that match the required qualifications.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your ability to handle stress, multitask, and communicate effectively.
ATS Keywords: Emergency Communications, 9-1-1, Dispatch, Public Safety, Shift Work, Overtime, Teamwork, Record Keeping, Emergency Medical Instructions
ASSUMPTION: The application process for Bernalillo County may vary depending on the specific department and role, but typically involves a combination of online application submission, phone or video screens, and in-person interviews.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Multi-line telephone
- Multi-channel two-way radio
- Enhanced emergency 911 equipment
- Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) system
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
- National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS)
- New Mexico Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NMLETS)
- Warrants Information Tracking System (WITS)
- New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicle (NMDMV) files
ASSUMPTION: Emergency Communications Operators use a variety of tools and technologies to effectively handle emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch units.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Accountability
- Excellence
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Team-oriented
- Adaptable to changing priorities and demands
- Committed to public service and community safety
- Professional and customer-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments?
- Are you able to maintain a calm and professional demeanor under stress?
- Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to multitask?
- Are you committed to public service and community safety?
ASSUMPTION: Bernalillo County values employees who are dedicated to public service, professional, and committed to working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working irregular hours, including shifts, holidays, and weekends
- Handling high-pressure, stressful situations
- Maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism in a fast-paced environment
- Adapting to changes in protocols, procedures, and technologies
ASSUMPTION: While Emergency Communications Operators face unique challenges, their role is critical to public safety and the well-being of the community.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Emergency Communications Operators differ from Dispatchers in that they handle both emergency and non-emergency calls, while Dispatchers typically focus on emergency situations only.
- Compared to Customer Service Representatives, Emergency Communications Operators handle more high-pressure, high-stakes situations and require a higher level of training and certification.
- Career progression for Emergency Communications Operators may include roles such as Communications Supervisor, Emergency Management Specialist, or Public Safety Administrator.
ASSUMPTION: While Emergency Communications Operators share some similarities with other roles in public safety and customer service, their unique responsibilities and work environment set them apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Handling a high-volume emergency situation, such as a natural disaster or large-scale event, and coordinating the response of multiple agencies
- Implementing a new emergency communications system or technology and training staff on its use
- Developing and presenting a training program on emergency medical or fire pre-arrival instructions for new hires or existing staff
ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for Emergency Communications Operators may involve high-pressure, high-stakes situations, as well as opportunities for training, development, and process improvement.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What is the typical shift schedule for this role, and how often do shifts change?
- How does the department support work-life balance for employees working irregular hours?
- What opportunities are available for professional development and growth within the department?
- How does the department handle high-pressure, stressful situations, and what resources are available to support employees?
- What is the department's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does that impact the work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the work environment.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills, such as emergency communications, call center work, or customer service
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your ability to handle stress, multitask, and communicate effectively
- If invited to an in-person interview, dress professionally and arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
