Communications Officer

About the role

The Emergency Dispatch Center (EDC) Communications Officers are responsible for receiving, processing, and disseminating calls for service efficiently to achieve an appropriate and timely public‑safety response. Officers must be willing to work during any declared Office of Emergency Management event and accept varying hours and days off based on EDC demands. They also carry out additional assignments as directed by supervisory personnel.

Responsibilities

• Answer telephone calls and radio communications, resolve issues, provide information, and communicate effectively.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information in a discreet manner.
• Receive, process, and disseminate calls for service efficiently to attain an appropriate and timely public‑safety response.
• Independently initiate action consistent with existing policies and procedures, based on observed situations, using sound judgment.
• Type correspondence and reports and assist in the processing of documents as required.
• Communicate and liaise with Command Staff, employees, other agencies, and the public in a knowledgeable, efficient, and courteous manner.
• Perform other assignments and duties as required or necessary.

Requirements

• Ability to handle and work in stressful situations.
• High School Diploma or GED from a U.S. accredited school.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• U.S. citizen or holder of a Certificate of Naturalization (exceptions noted).
• Valid Texas driver’s license or state‑issued ID by the hire date.
• Pass an extensive background investigation, TB skin test, and drug screening.
• Pass pre‑employment testing and demonstrate essential job skills.
• Willingness to work different shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Chapter 49 Penal Code and Transportation Code.
• Proficiency in correspondence, report writing, and document processing.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and liaise with Command Staff, employees, other agencies, and the public in a knowledgeable, efficient, and courteous manner.
• Skill in creating, maintaining, and updating critical files in an organized manner.
• Capability to multitask while answering calls, resolving issues, and providing information.
• Sound judgment to independently initiate actions consistent with policies.
• Excellent attendance record and ability to work overtime and varying duty hours.
• Successful completion of Telecommunicator training and attainment of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator certification within one year of employment.

Preferences

• Previous experience in emergency dispatch or 911 operations.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Proficiency with computer systems such as CAD, JIMS, ARS, OMNIXX, or similar dispatch software.

Schedule

40 hours per week on a shift work basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory overtime may be required to meet operational needs. New‑hire orientation runs 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on the first day and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. for the next two weeks (Saturday/Sunday off). On‑the‑job training lasts approximately seven weeks on one of three shifts (6 a.m.–2 p.m., 2 p.m.–10 p.m., or 10 p.m.–6 a.m.) with the same days off as the trainer. After training, employees are placed on the 2 p.m.–10 p.m. or 10 p.m.–6 a.m. shift; days off are determined by availability.

Pay

• Salary paid biweekly on 26 pay periods per year, plus benefits.
• Starting salary: $44,470.40 annually ($1,710.40 biweekly).
• After 24 months: $47,964.80 annually ($1,844.80 biweekly).
• Up to 14 years of credit for service as a TCOLE‑certified Telecommunicator upon hire (restrictions apply).

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits are offered by Harris County. Detailed information can be found on the county’s benefits page.