📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Part-Time Communications Officer
🔹 Company: Hamilton County, Indiana
🔹 Location: Noblesville, Indiana
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time
🔹 Category: Government Administration
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-02
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Handling emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching personnel, and maintaining communication with callers
- Coordinating with various agencies and maintaining accurate records in the Computer Aided Dispatch System
- Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with a focus on public safety
- Providing excellent customer service and maintaining confidentiality
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, multitasking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Previous experience in a similar role or related field would be beneficial but not required.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Receiving and handling emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering information, and dispatching personnel accordingly
✅ Maintaining communication with callers until units arrive, providing comfort and instructions as needed
✅ Monitoring radio and Talk Group activities, notifying and dispatching local emergency personnel as situations demand
✅ Verifying, entering, maintaining, and retrieving IDACS/NCIC information for law enforcement and related departments/agencies
✅ Coordinating with state and local highway/street departments and various institutions regarding impending severe weather
✅ Entering and maintaining accurate computer records of radio traffic calls, assigning units, and following up on dispositions
✅ Contacting wrecker services for towing services and entering vehicle information into the Computer Aided Dispatch System
✅ Regularly contacting and working with other agencies in the county, such as utility companies, telephone companies, and alarm companies
✅ Maintaining current knowledge of the county, including municipalities, subdivisions, and streets, and assisting in training new dispatchers
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and may vary based on the specific needs of the department and the county.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or GED
Experience: No prior experience required
Required Skills:
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to multitask and work well under pressure
- Knowledge of local area, including streets, businesses, and subdivisions
- Ability to use and understand various equipment, including two-way radios, computers, and printers
- Ability to work rapidly and accurately, with attention to detail
- Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and provide public access to department information/records according to state requirements
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience in a similar role or related field
- Certifications in CPR, emergency medical dispatch, and IDACS/NCIC computer systems
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it is assumed that candidates should have a clean driving record and be able to pass a background check, as they will be working in a public safety role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $26.92 per hour (not specified if full-time equivalent)
Benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life
- Long and Short-Term Disability
- Retirement Benefit Options
Working Hours: 20 hours per week, with the possibility of extended, weekend, and evening hours, including holidays
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is for the hourly rate and may not reflect the annual salary for a full-time equivalent position. The benefits listed are typical for government positions and may vary based on the specific employer and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Government Administration, focusing on public safety and emergency services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment
Founded: Hamilton County was established in 1823, with the current government administration in place
Company Description:
- Hamilton County is one of Indiana’s fastest-growing, highest-educated, and wealthiest counties in the state and the Midwest
- Two-thirds of the workforce lives and works in the county, contributing to a strong local economy
- The county is continually recognized in rankings ranging from “Best Cities to Relocate To” and “Best City to Raise a Family” to “Healthiest County in Indiana” and “Happiest Suburbs in the Nation”
Company Specialties:
- Public safety and emergency services
- Government administration and management
- Community development and planning
Company Website: https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov
ASSUMPTION: Hamilton County, Indiana, is a mid-sized county with a focus on providing essential services to its residents. The company values community engagement, public safety, and efficient government operations.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level position with opportunities for growth and advancement within the department and the county
Reporting Structure: The Communications Officer reports directly to the Communications Shift Supervisor
Work Arrangement: Part-time, on-site position with the possibility of extended, weekend, and evening hours, including holidays
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement within the Communications department, such as becoming a full-time employee or taking on a supervisory role
- Opportunities to work in other departments within the county government, such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, or fire services
- Potential to gain experience and certifications that can lead to careers in related fields, such as emergency management or public safety consulting
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the county government and related fields. The specific growth opportunities may vary based on the individual's skills, experience, and the needs of the department and the county.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a basement work environment that has no windows
Office Location(s): 18100 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, Indiana, 46060
Geographic Context:
- Noblesville is a city in Hamilton County, Indiana, with a population of approximately 60,000 residents
- The city is located approximately 20 miles north of Indianapolis, the state capital and largest city in Indiana
- Noblesville offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a strong sense of community
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this part-time position is not specified but may include extended, weekend, and evening hours, including holidays
ASSUMPTION: The work environment for this role is fast-paced and high-pressure, with a focus on public safety and emergency services. The specific work schedule and hours may vary based on the needs of the department and the county.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Submit application through the Hamilton County website or an external job board
- Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and basic qualifications
- In-person or virtual interview with the Communications Shift Supervisor and/or other department representatives
- Background check and reference checks
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to multitask and work well under pressure
- Knowledge of local area, including streets, businesses, and subdivisions
- Ability to use and understand various equipment, including two-way radios, computers, and printers
- Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions in high-pressure situations
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role
- Demonstrate your ability to work well under pressure and maintain a calm demeanor in high-pressure situations
- Show your familiarity with the local area and your understanding of the specific responsibilities of the role
ATS Keywords: Emergency response, communication, record-keeping, dispatching, problem-solving, teamwork, customer service, multitasking, attention to detail, technical skills, crisis management, confidentiality, listening skills, knowledge of local area, typing skills, adaptability
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is typical for government positions, with a focus on assessing the candidate's communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and relevant experience. The specific interview questions and assessment methods may vary based on the needs of the department and the county.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Two-way radios with multiple talk groups
- Computer-aided dispatching system
- IDACS/NCIC computer systems
- Various office equipment, such as printers, copiers, fax machines, and paper shredders
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary based on the needs of the department and the county. The listed tools and technologies are common for public safety and emergency services positions.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Public safety and community engagement
- Efficient and effective government operations
- Continuous learning and professional development
- Collaboration and teamwork
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and high-pressure work environment
- Focus on public safety and emergency services
- Team-oriented and collaborative work style
- Flexibility and adaptability in work hours and scheduling
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work well under pressure?
- Are you familiar with the local area, including streets, businesses, and subdivisions?
- Do you have experience working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, such as public safety or emergency services?
- Are you comfortable working extended, weekend, and evening hours, including holidays?
ASSUMPTION: Hamilton County, Indiana, values employees who are strong communicators, team-oriented, and adaptable to the specific needs of the department and the county. The company values a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the community it serves.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with a focus on public safety and emergency services
- Maintaining a calm and professional demeanor in high-pressure situations, such as emergency calls and crises
- Adapting to extended, weekend, and evening hours, including holidays, as needed
- Working in a basement environment with no windows, which may be challenging for some individuals
ASSUMPTION: The specific challenges of this role may vary based on the individual's skills, experience, and personal preferences. The listed challenges are common for public safety and emergency services positions and may be mitigated with proper training, support, and self-care.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to full-time Communications Officer positions, this part-time role may offer fewer benefits and less job security but provides more flexibility in work hours and scheduling
- Compared to other government administration positions, this role offers unique challenges and rewards, such as working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with a focus on public safety and emergency services
- Compared to related roles in private industry, such as emergency dispatch or customer service, this role offers a unique opportunity to work in a government setting with a focus on public safety and community engagement
ASSUMPTION: The specific comparisons between this role and related positions may vary based on the individual's skills, experience, and career goals. The listed comparisons are general and may not apply to all individuals or situations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Handling a high-volume emergency situation, such as a natural disaster or large-scale event, and coordinating the response of multiple agencies and departments
- Implementing a new computer-aided dispatching system or other technology, and training staff on its use
- Developing and implementing a new policy or procedure for the Communications department, such as a protocol for handling specific types of emergency calls or situations
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and initiatives undertaken by the Communications Officer may vary based on the needs of the department and the county. The listed projects are examples of the types of responsibilities and challenges that may be encountered in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of working as a Communications Officer, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does the Communications department collaborate with other agencies and departments within the county, and what role does the Communications Officer play in these collaborations?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Communications department and the county government?
- How does the county support work-life balance for employees, particularly those working extended, weekend, and evening hours, including holidays?
- What is the typical career path for a Communications Officer within the county government, and what opportunities are there for advancement?
ASSUMPTION: The specific questions asked during the interview may vary based on the needs of the department and the county. The listed questions are examples of the types of inquiries that may be relevant to this role and the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Hamilton County website or an external job board
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role
- Prepare for a phone or video screening to assess your communication skills and basic qualifications
- Prepare for an in-person or virtual interview with the Communications Shift Supervisor and/or other department representatives, focusing on your ability to work well under pressure and maintain a calm demeanor in high-pressure situations
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
