Public Safety Communications Operator

Under general supervision, the Public Safety Communications Operator provides police, fire, and animal control response to the public, as well as non-emergency assistance to citizens, interdepartmental staff, and outside agency members.

Posted range is the starting salary. Pay rate offered is based on experience.

Examples of Duties

• Shift work in a 24-hour operation, to include working weekends, holidays, and on-call
• Answer both administrative service telephone lines and 911 calls for emergency services
• Obtain information from callers regarding nature of incident, severity, location, and descriptions of individuals
• Transfer calls to other agencies or departments when necessary
• Exhibit proper use of the 911 system, including text-to-911; utilization of TTY and OMNIXX systems
• Exercise verbal skills to calm excited or abusive callers, obtain necessary information from callers, and relay information to public safety personnel in written format
• Listen to calling parties while typing information into the dispatch system and listening for updates from other communication personnel
• Utilize knowledge of city ordinances, city services, and departmental procedures to assist department personnel and citizens
• Utilize a multitude of databases and files to obtain necessary information
• Create calls for service in a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for citizens, police, and fire personnel
• Utilize radio channels and CAD systems to coordinate the work of police and fire personnel and other agencies on a constant basis and when managing crisis incidents
• Document events in a records management system
• Maintain professional radio, telephone, and CAD etiquette
• Maintain awareness of all public safety and emergency units assigned and any resources requested
• Prioritize events and continually adjust based on incoming calls and changing factors
• Utilize local/regional mapping
• Maintain awareness of events handled by other 911 personnel
• Update incidents with information from callers, officers, and personnel
• Maintain paperwork by processing warrants
• Enter criminal trespassing warrants, verify warrant entry paperwork free from error, file paper copies in filing cabinets, and process rider forms
• Complete daily shift reports
• Attend daily shift briefing
• Maintain awareness of operation plans, enforcement programs, and staffing levels
• Assist persons using Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)

Experience and Training

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of experience as a 911 Call Taker/Emergency Services Dispatcher, preference if currently holding a Texas Public Safety Communications License OR Two (2) years general work experience
• Preferred experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (i.e., high volume call center, in-depth problem solving, priority management)
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Required to have or obtain TCIC Full Access certification within 6 months of hire
• Must have completed Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Training upon hire
• Required to complete 80 hours Basic Telecommunicator Course to obtain Texas Commission on Law Enforcement License within one (1) year of employment
• Required to obtain CPR certification required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement License within one (1) year of employment
• Ability to work shift work, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Maintains license & certifications; complete required training hours mandated by state and department
• Strict adherence to Federal, State, and Departmental regulations regarding Criminal Justice Information Systems
• Valid Class C Texas driver's license, or ability to obtain license prior to employment preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish, Hindi, Vietnamese) preferred

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.