Communications Officer

About the role

Jackson County is accepting applications to establish an eligibility list to fill future Full Time and Limited Term Communication Officer positions. These are non-sworn positions in the Communication Division of the Sheriff's Office.

Responsibilities

• Answers calls by radio and telephone and dispatches public safety personnel as required, and provides information to callers and public safety responders
• Listens to radio communications and responds with voice quality that transmits with clarity
• Logs calls and actions taken in accordance with prescribed procedures
• Operates high speed electronic teletype with either printer or CRT readout
• Ascertain the nature of calls to assure correct information to determine necessary action to be taken
• Operates all equipment and monitors its operation to assure proper functioning
• Makes out reports as prescribed by established procedure
• Performs clerical support services, such as filing, searching files through data processing equipment or other related clerical functions
• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously
• Deals with the public and public safety personnel courteously and in a business like manner, even under stress
• Performs a variety of tasks associated with the operation of a computer aided emergency communication center
• Acts courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times with the public, public officials, service vendors, inmates, peer employees, all county related departments and supervisors

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's degree or job-related course work and/or knowledge of public safety and security preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with the public in enforcement situations required
• Utilize effective communication skills; be polite, courteous, and professional in manner
• Problem Identification skills – identifying the nature of problems
• Social Perceptiveness skills – being aware of other' reactions and understanding why they react the way they do
• Critical Thinking skills – using logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Speech skills – talking to others to effectively convey information
• Active Listening skills – listening to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate
• Exercises good judgment in dispatching and answering inquiries
• Possess clear, concise and pleasant radio and telephone voice for clarity and enunciation to assure understanding of related message
• Proficient in keyboarding skills

Education and Experience

• Knowledge of police communication methods and techniques
• Knowledge of weaponry, public safety, and security operations, rules, regulations precautions, prevention, and the protection of people, data and property
• Knowledge of laws, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and the democratic political process
• Knowledge of state statutes, county ordinances and other regulations which apply to county lands and facilities
• Knowledge of specific locations within Jackson County and surrounding areas
• Knowledge of all operations of an emergency dispatch center

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Employee Contribution 2026: Non Union Employees Premium Employee Share - 11%, Family - $2,477.85/month $ 136.28/pay period Single - $1,086.78/month $ 59.78/pay period Sheriff's Deputies Union Premium Employee Share - 12%, Family - $2,477.85/month $ 148.67/pay period Single - $ 1,086.78/month $ 65.21/pay period Vision: VSP 2026 Family - $11.22/ pay period Employee + 1 - $6.82/ pay period Employee & Child - $ 6.96/ pay period Single Plan - $ 3.83/ pay period Dental Insurance: 2026: Employee Share – 50% Premium Employee Share Family Plan - $84.98/month $21.25 / pay period Single Plan - $29.82/month $7.10 / pay period Life Insurance: County paid for employee equal to yearly salary. Additional coverage and coverage for spouse and dependents are available at additional cost.

Deferred Compensation Plans

• Voluntary Accident/Cancer/Critical Illness Insurance: Employer will contribute $10 per month towards the plan.

ID Protection State Retirement

• Employer match 50%

PTO

• General Employees: 22 days during years 1 & 2 to a maximum of 37 days
• Managers: 27 days per year during 1st – 6th years of service; to a maximum of 37 days
• Jail/Dispatch: 24 days during years 1-5 to a maximum of 37 days

Holidays

• Non-Law Enforcement: 9 specific and 1 floating
• Law Enforcement: 10 personal days in lieu of holidays

Why have you chosen to apply for this position?

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What type of position are you interested in?

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• Full Time Only
• Limited Term Only
• Both Full Time and Limited Term