Communication Specialist

Communication Specialist

Salary

$21.88 - $26.26 Hourly

Location

Police Department, Appleton, WI

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2026-151

Department

Police

Division

Police - Clerical

Opening Date

11/04/2026

Closing Date

11/22/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The City of Appleton is seeking a full-time Communication Specialist. This is a responsible front line service position, which involves moderately complex work methods and problems. Work involves performing a wide variety of administrative, customer service, building security and clerical functions which require the application of sound judgment and self-initiative in the interpretation of policies. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Administrative Support Supervisor.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Screens non emergency phone calls to determine if an emergency exists and/or if an officer response is needed.
• When the circumstance requires it, handles emergency situations on the phone and in the lobby.
• Monitors in excess of 60 cameras and 35 duress/door alarms within and around the building. Issues visitor passes according to department security policy. Operates controls for the sally port, booking room doors and secured lobby doors.
• Takes complaints and completes reports not requiring an officers response.
• Monitors and performs two way radio communications.
• Upon state certification, utilizes the State of Wisconsin TIME computer system Monday - Friday 6 AM - 10 PM. Responsible for entry and cancelation of APD warrants, missing persons, stolen vehicles, etc.
• Performs bookkeeping tasks that involve revenue collection. Must reconcile accounts for various city departments and counties. Opening and closing procedures.
• Updates lists, manuals, forms, statistical data, and schedules used regularly by police employees.
• Works with and is responsible for a vast amount of confidential information.
• Runs criminal history checks and on-line database inquiries on all confinements and referrals to the District Attorneys Office; as well as all employment candidates, ride-along applicants, and solicitor/bartender applicants for the City of Appleton.
• Data entry of various police reports in multiple databases.
• Interprets current city ordinances & state statutes for the general public.
• Responsible for paging out the SWAT team, CRASH teams, Translators, and Transport teams.
• Approves/denies overnight parking requests.
• Buffers complaints for all departments within the city.
• Compiles and distributes daily, weekly & monthly reports.
• Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Answers designated phone lines and relays messages for officers and other department employees via voicemail.
• Index accident reports.
• Coordinates use of meeting rooms within the department.
• Issues animal licenses.
• Explains various city & state forms/permits to the general public. (e.g. DOT & DNR registration forms, accident reports, parking permits) and refers to online resources.
• Operates in house paging system.
• Performs miscellaneous staff support functions as required in a timely fashion.

Typical Qualifications

Considerable related experience; graduation from high school, plus additional training of one to two years of college, business or technical school, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Considerable knowledge of business English, spelling, vocabulary and arithmetic.
• Considerable knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite programs (primarily Excel, Word and Access).
• Ability to think and act promptly in emergency/pressure situations while performing multiple, essential job functions simultaneously.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with laws and regulations and take appropriate action.
• Ability to prioritize based on the severity of the issues at hand and to continue to re prioritize with constant interruptions.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to retain a wide range of information.
• Ability to work as a team in a fast paced environment maintaining effective relationships with coworkers, supervisors and peers.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the general public.
• Ability to work independent of direct supervision in an effective and efficient manner.
• Skill in operating telecommunications equipment, surveillance cameras, audio/video recording devices, computers, printers, telephones, teletypes, photocopiers and other standard office equipment.

Supplemental Information

COMPETENCIES

Communication

Customer Focus

Handling Difficult People

Problem Solving

Adaptability/Flexibility

To learn more about these competencies click here

Employees in this class are afforded full benefits including, but not limited to:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
• Vacation/Paid Time-Off
• Paid Holidays

To view the current Benefits Booklet online, click here.

For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, click here.

01

Are you able to work 10am to 6pm?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires flexibility to assist with coverage. Are you able to work 6am-2pm or 2pm-10pm when needed?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Appleton

Address 100 North Appleton Street

Appleton, Wisconsin, 54911-4799

Phone 920-832-5890

Website http://www.appleton.org/government/human-resources