Public Safety Telecommunicator

Nature of Work

As a Public Safety Telecommunicator, you are the first first responder—the calm voice in critical moments. You gather essential information, make rapid decisions, and ensure the right help reaches the right place at the right time. This role requires focus, attention to detail, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

In this role you will

• Answer and assess emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, emergency medical (EMS) and rescue services.
• Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD), multi-line phone systems, and radio communications equipment
• Prioritize calls and determine appropriate response levels
• Dispatch emergency personnel and monitor responder safety
• Document critical information clearly and concisely while managing multiple systems simultaneously (typically 4-6 screens)

Work Schedule and Conditions

• 12-hour shifts 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Includes nights, weekends and holidays
• Rotating schedule with weekdays off

Pay

• The 2026 Starting wage is $32.33 to $37.10 per hour depending on experience.
• The 2026 wage range extends to $42.63 for those in the role 5 years.
• Shift differential of $3.50 added for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM

Benefits

This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester.

Duties And Responsibilities

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.

• Process data through other local, state and federal agencies
• Perform other related duties as assigned
• Serve as a public safety answering point (PSAP) telecommunicator
• Answer incoming telephone lines and interpret information from callers on emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone lines, by text message or by online request.
• Determine nature, location, priority and the correct course of action while following established procedures.
• Direct or assign requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance to the appropriate law enforcement, fire or emergency medical service agency.
• Maintain status updates and location of emergency personnel and monitor safety throughout incidents.
• Dispatch appropriate equipment as required.
• Operate telephones, radios, pagers, computer systems, recording equipment, intercoms, etc. to interact with and direct field personnel.
• Provide essential communications support for Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS units in the field.
• Input data into local, state, and federal computer systems and query data for wanted persons, vehicles, and property.
• Make proper entries and deletions from local, state, and federal computer systems.
• Conduct driver's license and motor vehicle checks using computerized file information as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent

Special Requirements

• Individuals hired must acquire State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification within six (6) months from date of hire
• This position requires completion of a finger-printed background investigation as a condition of employment
• This position requires successful completion of a multi-tasking skills test and a pre-employment screening evaluation

Desirable Qualifications

• A degree in Communications, Criminal Justice, or a related field
• One (1) year experience in communications operations, preferably as a call taker or dispatcher
• One (1) year computer experience with PC keyboarding and multi-tasking skills
• State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification
• Experience speaking and understanding additional language(s)
• Other relevant professional licenses and/or certifications

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.