911 Telecommunicator I

This is a full-time, non-exempt position within the Public Safety department, reporting to the Shift Supervisor or Operations Manager. The next hiring class will start in September 2026. This role is safety-sensitive, requiring successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

About the Role

This is the first level of the 9-1-1 Operations series, responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public, emergency services providers, and other public safety agencies. The role involves efficiently and accurately gathering information and making appropriate notifications for emergency services dispatch in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Maintains confidential files, procedure records, and log sheets for the department.
• Operates computer and technical equipment and provides basic equipment maintenance.
• Interacts daily with the public, government and public agencies, departments, and field staff.
• Enters incident information into computer files.
• Processes various forms, reports, and other department paperwork as required.
• Keeps updated on all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations regarding emergency services and related areas.
• Possesses basic knowledge of geographical areas throughout the County.
• Operates telephone and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems and a variety of other communications equipment.
• Operates playback audio recorders.
• Makes quick and accurate decisions.
• Proficient in using back-up dispatch methods including, but not limited to: cards, logs, telephone, and Mobile Communications Unit (MCU).
• Maintains a positive customer service attitude at all times with the public and public safety partners.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism.
• Becomes certified as a Commonwealth of PA Call-taker, IAED Emergency Medical Dispatch, IAED Emergency Police Dispatch, IAED Emergency Fire Dispatch, IAED Emergency Telecommunicator, and CPR within six months of hire.
• Passes the Cumberland County Call-taker examination.
• Obtains and maintains emergency management training or certifications required by the Commonwealth of PA or Cumberland County, including:
  • IS – 100; (ICS 100) Introduction to Incident Command System
  • IS – 200; (ICS 200) ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
  • IS – 700; National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
  • IS – 800; National Response Framework, An Introduction
  • IS – 906; Workplace Security Awareness
  • IS – 907; Active Shooter: What You Can Do
  • Mandatory ADA Training
  • Mandatory Harassment Training
  • OPSEC – Operations Security
• Attends training, seminars, and in-services as required.
• Assists in keeping the office neat and orderly.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required within 3 months of hire.
• Additional training in computers and emergency medical services/police services/fire services is desired.

Pay

• Starting pay as Telecommunicator I: $20.20/hour.
• After successful completion of initial training, employees may test for promotion to Telecommunicator II: $21.41/hour (typically over $50,000 per year).
• Future promotion opportunities include:
  • Telecommunicator III (Grade 107): ~$53,000/year
  • Assistant Supervisor (Grade 110): ~$64,000/year
  • Supervisor (Grade 112): ~$72,000/year

Benefits

• Medical Benefits:
  • Capital Blue Cross Medical Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Wellness program with wellness incentives
  • Capital Blue Cross Vision Insurance
  • United Concordia Dental Insurance
• Retirement Benefits:
  • County Retirement Pension (5% minimum pre-tax contribution required; option to increase up to 15% post-tax; fully vested after 5 years of credited service)
  • Normal Retirement Options:
    • Age 55 with 20 years of credited service
    • Age 60 with any amount of credited service
  • Voluntary 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Military Time Buy Back Options
• Paid Time Off:
  • Vacation
  • Personal days
  • Sick leave
  • Premium Holiday Pay
• Additional Benefits:
  • Educational Assistance: 80% of cost of tuition and books up to the annual IRS limit per calendar year (after 6 months of full-time employment)
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – certain eligibility requirements must be met
  • Employee Assistance Program (resources for childcare, eldercare, legal, financial, and coaching)
  • First Responder Assistance Program (specialized mental health care for Public Safety staff)
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Account
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance