Communications Officer

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

City of Unalaska

UNALASKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

COMMUNICATION DIVISION

 

OPEN DATE:                             February 19, 2026

CLOSE DATE:                            Until Filled

POSITION:                                 Communications Officer
SALARY:                                      $33.70 -$39.09 / hour (Steps 1-6)

 

The City of Unalaska is accepting applications for the position of Communications Officer in the Police Department (Communications Division). Located in the central Aleutian Islands, Unalaska, Alaska, is a multicultural coastal community of approximately 4,250 full-time residents and is home to the number one commercial fishing port in the United States, the International Port of Dutch Harbor.

 

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all employee tasks in this classification.

The duties shown are designed to provide a representative summary.

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Under the supervision of the Communications Sergeant, the Communications Officer serves as a central communications link for public safety operations. The position receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls, applies International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) protocols, and dispatches Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, and Marine Response personnel as needed. Responsibilities include maintaining public safety records and databases, conducting State and Federal database inquiries, monitoring emergency and security systems, and issuing emergency alerts, notifications, and traffic advisories. The Communications Officer also performs clerical and data support duties while engaging professionally with the public by phone and in person across all divisions of Public Safety.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a job history that includes the following:

·          Knowledge of proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

·          Professionalism in an office environment, including adherence to established practices and procedures and proficient use of office equipment such as a multiline telephone system.

·          Ability to accurately collect, summarize, and relay highly sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.

·          Minimum typing proficiency of 40 words per minute.

·          Ability to multitask and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

·          Ability to access, navigate, and work effectively within a variety of databases.

·          Ability to interact professionally and effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and demeanors.

·          Ability to remain calm, focused, and effective while working in a potentially high-stress environment.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

·          High school diploma or GED required.

·          College degree preferred.

·          A combination of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.

·          Proficiency with computers and basic office equipment required.

·          Minimum of one (1) year of experience in public-facing roles and/or communications required.

 

LICENCES & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

·          Must be at least 18 years of age.

·          Must have or have the ability to obtain an Alaska Driver’s License within 90 days of hire.

·          Required to work 8-hour shifts to provide 24/7 dispatch coverage, including occasional emergency or non-traditional work hours.

·          Ability to work in an environment that includes exposure to firearms.

·          Must work around potential non-cooperative, intoxicated, and/or agitated people.

·          Required to complete a thorough criminal investigation and all pre-employment requirements.

·          Be certified in the use of state and federal criminal justice information network systems, including APSIN, NCIC, and NLETS.

·          Within the first year of employment, must become certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch, and Emergency Police Dispatch through IAED.

·          Must be eligible to work in the United States and, if hired, complete federal employment eligibility verification (Form I-9).

 

BENEFITS:

·          If applicable, the employee will receive a lump sum sign-on bonus (taxable) not to exceed $5,000

·          If applicable, the employee will receive a relocation payment (taxable) of $5,000, plus one (1) way airfare for the employee and one (1) family member

·          Work out incentive pay up to $500 /month

·          100% employer-paid medical premiums (employee & dependents)

·          100% employer-paid basic life/AD&D insurance (employee & dependents)

·          100% employer-paid LifeMed insurance (employee)

·          13 Floating Holidays per year

·          Personal Leave starting at 18 hours a month

·          Eligible for State of Alaska Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement

·          Eligible for 457 Plans with MissionSquare

·          Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Employees can utilize the Health FSA and the Dependent Care FSA up to IRS max

·          Voluntary options include Optional Term Life and Aflac plans

·          Up to 100% tuition reimbursement (must be taken while employed; refer to Title III)

·          Education Incentive per month: $200 Associate’s degree, $300 Bachelor’s degree, $400 Master’s degree

·          Annual travel allowance of $2,500 after the first year of employment.

·          Retention bonus start after the first year of employment

·          Free Membership for Parks, Culture, and Recreation (PCR) (employee only)

 

TO APPLY:

Submit the following application documents:

1.   City of Unalaska Application Form
2.   Pre-employment Info. & Voluntary Identification of Disability Form (optional)

 

All necessary forms are available at City Hall, Administration Department, or by downloading at https://www.unalaska.gov/hr/page/employment-application-forms.

 

Please return the completed forms to the City of Unalaska: Administration P.O. Box 610, Unalaska, AK 99685, or email hr@unalaska.gov or fax (907) 581 4469.

Questions? Please call us at (907) 581-1252.

 

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER