Telecommunicator I

Salary: $24.48 - $29.73 Hourly
Location : Bradenton, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Hourly)
Job Number: 26-00419
Department: Public Safety
Opening Date: 09/30/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


General Information
Work Location: 2101 47th Terrace East, Bradenton, Florida 34203

Work Hours: The Emergency Communications Center is operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you will be required to work shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. On a two-week rotating basis, the schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Friday Saturday Sunday. Then Wednesday and Thursday of the following week and shifts are two (2) twelve (12) hour shifts 7:00-19:00 (days) and 19:00-7:00 (nights).
Expected Starting Hourly Range: $24.48 - $27.10
This classification performs communications work in the operation of telephone, radio, and other related equipment in the 911 Emergency Communications Center. Work is performed in a high stress environment under direct supervision and involves primary responsibility for answering emergency calls and taking appropriate action.

Working Conditions Indoor call center environment. Sitting for long periods of time, working on a computer and answering emergency telephone calls using a headset. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires vision at or superior to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) minimum requirements for vision, and hearing at or superior to the NENA minimum standards for hearing. Frequent high stress situations that may involve angry, frightened, or frustrated citizens. Regularly required to work other than normal business hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, as the Emergency Communications Center is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and continued employment with Manatee County Government is contingent upon passing pre-employment and employment screenings identified in Section XX of the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening, shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.

Job Description
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Quickly learns and applies knowledge of major County Landmarks, common areas (malls, shopping center, etc.) housing developments, mobile home parks, schools, churches, major employers, fire and EMS station locations, shelters, all major highways and arteries, street-grid number/naming conventions, and major anomalies to these; creates County maps outlining emergency service zones for Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement as training aids.

Quickly learns and applies applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Use of a headset while continually sitting at a computer terminal for long periods of time. Maintains concentration; operates keyboard and communications equipment in a rapid, accurate, and efficient manner. All of which may involve different tones and pitch levels.

Answers emergency 911 calls using the VESTA computer system. Takes appropriate action to obtain and verify callers address, identity, and the need of the caller. Determines correct response for Fire, EMA, Police, or any other agency response. Follow agencies SOP and protocols for all call types.

Uses Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for 911 call processing, verification of caller location and agency response determination. Build computer screens on CAD system for Fire, EMS and Police Dispatch. Provides critical information in "remarks" fields of CAD screen to assist responders. Must also prepare and use manual paper "cards" for use when CAD is inoperable.

Uses emergency medical, police and fire protocol software and/or flip cards to determine level and priority of medical, police and fire response. Keep compliance level up to standards set by the agency. Maintain bi- annual IAED certification along with updates on all protocols.

Comprehends and follows oral and written instructions; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others; and accepts constructive directions from co-workers and supervisors when dealing in emergency and/or non-emergency situations.

Thinks and acts quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations; communicates clearly and effectively in a concise and non-offensive manner, orally and in writing.

Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduate or equivalent. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Position requires a psychological examination and a medical examination to determine fitness for duty.

Note: Through pre-employment training and exercises, candidates must successfully complete H.I.P.A.A. certification.

Telecommunicator must successfully complete the following department-provided training/certification programs within specified time frames as required:

• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification within three months of hire
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification within three months of hire
• Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification within three months of hire
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications within one year of hire
• Introduction to Hazardous Materials certification within three months of hire
• C.P.R certification within three months of hire
• Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC) or equivalent within three months of hire
• Complete Mandatory State Telecommunicator license within one year of hire
• Must pass NCIC/FCIC criminal background check
• Must complete F.B.I CJIS Security Awareness Training within six months of hire

Note: all required certifications must remain current and active.
Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Full Time Positions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych- offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
Years of Service Vacation Days
0-5 16.25 days
6-10 19.50 days
11+ 22.75 days

• Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program

Insurance:

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
• ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• FRS options
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
Paid Time Off:
• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
a pro-rated basis
01



VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.


Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.
Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.


Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.

• I acknowledge the above statement

02


If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility

• A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense
• The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
• A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
• An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
• A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
• A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
• Not claiming Veteran's Preference

03


Which level of education have you achieved?

• No high school equivalency
• High school graduate/equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

04


This position requires: - Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification within three months of hire- Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification within three months of hire- Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification within three months of hire- National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications within one year of hire- Introduction to Hazardous Materials certification within three months of hire- C.P.R certification within three months of hire- Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC) or equivalent within three months of hire- Complete Mandatory State Telecommunicator license within one year of hire- Must pass NCIC/FCIC criminal background check- Must complete F.B.I CJIS Security Awareness Training within six months of hire- Successful H.I.P.A.A. certification through pre-employment training and exercises- A psychological examination and a medical examination to determine fitness for duty

• I acknowledge
• I do NOT acknowledge

05


Employees holding this position must have a background allowing them to have regular access to secured areas of certain governmental facilities. Such employees may, due to policies of the Sheriff or Chief Circuit Judge, be subjected to independent background investigations which exceed those conducted by Manatee County. Do you understand and agree to this statement?

• Yes
• No

06


Which shift do you prefer? Shift(s) will include weekends/holidays.

• 7am - 7pm
• 7pm - 7am
• Either

07


Do you possess a valid Florida driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?

• Yes
• No

08


What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?
Required Question