Public Safety Telecommunicator II Trainee - 2026

About the Role

The Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) II Trainee is a highly responsible civilian position performing a tactical function. This role involves receiving emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for Law Enforcement, entering data into a computer while questioning callers, and determining the nature, validity, and disposition of calls. Employees are expected to successfully complete call taker and radio training. Upon successful completion, the employee will be transferred to the PST II pay grade. Failure to complete training within the initial probation period may result in termination or transfer to a PST I position if available.

Signing Incentive

• Possess a valid Florida State Certification in Public Safety Telecommunications - $2000
• Possess a valid PST State Certificate and completed one (1) year PST non-probationary experience with an Emergency Management agency in the State of Florida - $4000
• Possess a valid PST State Certificate and completed two (2) years PST non-probationary experience with an Emergency Management agency in the State of Florida - $6000

*This incentive will be subject to a supplemental tax as required by IRS guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Answer both emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for service; accurately evaluate and take appropriate action.
• Distinguish between emergency/non-emergency calls, effectively prioritize calls for service.
• Enter calls and process information using a computer-aided-dispatch (CAD) system, including formats, commands, radio, and case disposition codes.
• Condense large amounts of information into readable and sensibly typed remarks in a timely manner; recall numerous acronyms and codes essential to call processing.
• Perform several activities simultaneously while maintaining rapid and accurate decisions.
• Quickly and accurately recognize letters, numbers, addresses, names, and license numbers received by radio, telephone, or computer monitor.
• Monitor and respond to text messages received on 911 or administrative lines.
• Monitor public access to the COMM Center; respond to and/or report unusual or suspicious activity.
• Notify appropriate agency/personnel of incidents of concern.
• Operate digital mapping system (GIS), Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), and Mobile Data Computer (MDC).
• Be familiar with jurisdictional boundaries, landmarks, public buildings, and waterways within the jurisdiction.
• Testify at trials, hearings, grand juries, or depositions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date communications logs pursuant to all applicable State regulations and agency policies.
• Assist in maintaining computerized Master Street Addressing Guide (MSAG) and E911 database by collecting incorrect E911 address and data and relaying the information to the E-911 Coordinator.
• Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
• Effectively obtain, convey, and establish priorities and pass on information as needed.
• Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with fellow employees, representatives from other departments, and supervisors.
• Determine priorities of multiple requests for assistance based on the nature of the crime or incident.
• Assist in locating or contacting individuals needed for staff response.
• Work effectively in a disciplined environment with close supervision and carry out lawful orders according to policies regardless of personal opinion.
• Demonstrate a high level of mental stability and professionalism.
• Utilize a two-way radio system to provide and maintain effective communications with Agency personnel.
• Dispatch appropriate unit(s) in response to calls for service based on priority, location, and resource availability.
• Provide and update responding unit(s) and/or supervisor(s) with all available pertinent information.
• Track, monitor, and document all deputies and other designated personnel's activities as required during the tour of duty.
• Monitor and respond to alerts from license plate readers.
• Maintain radio communication with field personnel (patrol units, intelligence cars, bomb disposal units, divers, aircraft, and watercraft vehicles) to ensure their safety, determine availability of units, and deploy backup when necessary.
• Communicate with other Law Enforcement agencies and in-house personnel to ensure proper coordination of multi-agency efforts (e.g., roadblocks, warrant verification, pursuit efforts, translators, K-9s, intoxilizer operators).
• Respond to DMV record requests made by field units.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalency.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Basic knowledge of general office equipment.
• Able to become Limited Access FCIC/NCIC certified.
• Must be able to become Florida PST Certified.
• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, and during natural disasters to ensure minimum staffing 24/7, as this position is essential and must report to work when the government/agency is closed.
• Must be able to work either shift, including weekends and holidays.

Skills

• Ability to work under various levels of supervision and stress.
• Adherence to laws, agency policies, rules, regulations, SOPs, and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of files and information obtained in the course of employment.
• Process, compile, and disseminate documents/information/public records as directed by approving authority in accordance with lawful requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrate positive working relationships with other personnel.
• Initiate, develop, and maintain channels of communication and work effectively with inter/intra-agency personnel to achieve objectives and goals.
• Provide assistance to citizens, employees, and other public and private entities to meet their needs, build positive community relationships, resolve complaints, and address conflicts.
• Maintain continuity and operational efficiency by accurate and timely dissemination of information to staff and co-workers.
• Adhere to leave, overtime, and attendance policies/procedures (e.g., arrive promptly, regular attendance at work, notification to supervisor regarding absence).

Physical Environment

• Work inside a fast-paced communications center with multiple people and functions occurring simultaneously in close proximity.
• Rotating shift work required: 84-day cycles, 12-hour shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Position is subject to mandatory overtime requirements as needed and is considered an essential tactical position.
• High-stress situations are foreseeable.
• Sit for long periods.
• See at normal range or with accommodations.
• Hear at normal level or with accommodations.
• Speak understandably.
• Manual dexterity.
• Ambulate independently.
• Frequently grasp, push, pull, bend, squat, lift, and carry items up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally reach above head, kneel, walk, climb, stoop, stand, and lift items up to 20 lbs.

Regular attendance is critical to the success of this position and assignment and is required of all Agency personnel.