We're Hiring!

Title: Communications Officer

VP Area: Campus Security & Public Safety

Department: Security

Work Schedule:

Telework Availability: On-campus Position

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 12

Job Purpose:

Join the Gonzaga University Team as a Security Communications Dispatch Officer

Gonzaga University is looking for a calm, dependable, and service-oriented individual to join our Campus Security & Public Safety team as a Security Communications Dispatch Officer. In this vital role, you’ll be the first point of contact during emergencies and day-to-day operations—supporting the safety of our campus community 24/7.

If you're passionate about helping others, thrive in high-pressure situations, and have a knack for clear communication and attention to detail, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a dynamic campus environment.

Be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and community, and help us ensure Gonzaga remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

Essential Functions:

• 75% - Communications & Systems
  • Communications:
    • Answer and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls
    • Dispatch officers or route to appropriate departments
    • Use proper radio protocol and multitask effectively while coordinating service calls
    • Dispatch Plant Services after regular business hours
    • Answer University switchboard calls during closures, holidays, or coverage gaps
    • Assess and triage after-hours maintenance, custodial, IT, and grounds issues at campus properties
    • Notify on-call staff and campus departments of emergencies or unusual incidents after hours
    • Patch officers through to Spokane Police/Fire radio channels as requested Systems
  • Alarms & Access:
    • Monitor fire, burglary, panic, temperature, and intrusion alarms
    • Operate and monitor the Persona card access system to secure or unlock buildings, including emergency lockdowns
    • Track and respond to Fire Pager and 911 calls
  • Systems – Surveillance:
    • Conduct real-time and post-incident video surveillance using campus security camera system
    • Monitor for suspicious activity and alert officers as needed
    • Export video footage upon request by officers or law enforcement
  • Systems – Dispatch Records:
    • Log all dispatch activity in Omnigo, including calls for service and daily reports
    • Run reports from both Dispatch and Officer Modules
  • Systems – Parking & Lost/Found:
    • Use T2 system to locate campus affiliates and manage parking records
    • Record and track lost & found items in Crowdfind system - (Essential)

• 20% - Resource Liaison
  • Coordinate services for the campus community with external agencies such as Safe Ride, Uber Health, Detox, Spokane Police/Fire, Spokanimal, Avista, and Lutheran Services
  • Maintain up-to-date emergency and non-emergency contact lists for staff, faculty, and students
  • Provide access to student health information during emergencies, following appropriate protocols
  • Utilize internal systems such as EMS and StarRez to support communication and service coordination - (Essential)

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

Vocational, Associates, or Technical Degree

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

1 year

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education. 

Certifications and/or Licensures:

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to pass a background check.
• Previous experience in dispatch, security, or emergency services is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, including in emergency or high-stress situations.
• Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in word processing and data entry.
• Availability to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Communications, Emergency Management, or a related field.
  Work experience in higher education.
• Proficiency with security and surveillance technologies, including video monitoring systems and card access control.
• Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio dispatch systems, and records management software.
• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.
• Knowledge of Clery Act reporting requirements and/or familiarity with campus safety policies and procedures.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 4 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $20 per hour

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): $20

Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): $22.30

Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): $24.63

Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement or a signing bonus?: False