Communications Officer

About the role

Under direct supervision of a Communications Shift Supervisor, operates equipment and coordinates all emergency and non-emergency calls coming into the Police Department for Police/Fire/EMS services. Position requires constant contact with the public in stressful situations that require the ability to remain calm, think clearly, use good judgment, and have clear, understandable speaking skills.

Responsibilities

• Answers 911 emergency phones lines and non-emergency lines; obtains necessary information about emergencies or complaints;
• Determines what Fire or Police equipment is needed on the scene; contacts police officers and fire personnel in the field via two-way radio and relays emergency information and pertinent data;
• Maintains accurate dispatch records; transmits relevant information to field officers as requested;
• Notifies off-duty and on-call personnel when additional manpower is needed;
• Maintains various communication logs and records; monitors closed circuit television equipment;
• Updates and maintains various databases in the CAD system;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required;
• Related experience with computer aided dispatch systems in a public safety position preferred;
• Knowledge of two-way radio, multi-line telephone system, Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) phones, 911 equipment, and CAD;
• Ability to read, interpret and apply operating manuals and other reference materials;
• Speak clearly and concisely;
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under stress;
• Communicate effectively with and elicit information from distraught and irate citizens;
• Coordinate a number of activities at the same time under intense stress.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license required;
• Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards as established by the City of Rowlett;
• Must report all traffic citations to his/her departmental Director or his/her designee within two working days of receipt;
• Must obtain state dispatcher certification within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment;
• Must attend in-service training, which includes CPR, 40 hours of annual Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) training, and other mandated courses;
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts as assigned, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Benefits

• TMRS participation 2:1 match;
• 10 days of vacation/sick/holiday per year;
• Longevity Pay;
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance;
• Basic Life/AD&D 2x annual salary;
• Long- and Short-Term Disability;
• Deferred Compensation;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Annual Step/Merit Raises;
• FY2026 Step Pay Plan.