Police Communications Operator

Salary: $49,948.00 - $75,298.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2026-60831
Department: Pennsylvania State Police
Division: SP Stf Srvs Unt Harrisburg
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 10/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 73020
Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: A1
Pay Group: ST05
Bureau / Division Code: 00202111
Bureau / Division: Troop H, Harrisburg
Worksite Address: 8000 Bretz Drive
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17112
Contact Name: PSP Human Resource Civilian Placement
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
Are you ready to step into a fast-moving communications role that supports law enforcement across Pennsylvania? The Police Communications Operator position with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) places you at the center of vital public safety operations. This enhanced opportunity allows you to strengthen your skills, gain important new ones, and contribute to the core values that guide the PSP. In this role, you help troopers respond quickly and accurately to calls for assistance. Join a team where your focus, steady judgment, and dedication make a real difference each day.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position plays a key role in receiving, sharing, and maintaining public safety information for troopers across the Commonwealth. The work supports law enforcement by ensuring quick, accurate communication during both routine and emergency situations. As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Call Handling: Receive emergency and non-emergency calls, gather key details, and prioritize incidents
• Radio Dispatching: Relay information to troopers, communicate with other agencies, and coordinate needed responses
• Record Access: Use systems such as the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN), the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET), and other systems to review, research, and update law enforcement records
• Incident Tracking: Maintain accurate electronic records of ongoing events and monitor trooper status and locations
• Public Assistance: Respond to administrative questions and assist station visitors by providing information or arranging support

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment,40-hour work week
• Work hours involve rotating shifts, which include weekends and holidays.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems; or
• Two years of experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information; or
• Completion of 60 college credits; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• You must possess a clear, firm voice and no major speech, hearing, or visual impairments that would interfere with understanding verbal communication, being understood, or using electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment.
• You must obtain an active Public Safety Telecommunicator certification issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
• You must obtain active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certifications issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.

Additional Requirements:

• One year of experience receiving calls from the general public and county 911 operators regarding emergency and non-emergency police issues.
• One year of experience in dispatching police, fire, or ambulance services for emergency response
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01


How many years of full-time experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems do you possess?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

02


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03


How many years of full-time experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information do you possess?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

04


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05


How many semester credits of college coursework have you completed?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• 60 credits or more
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

06


How many years of paraprofessional or technical experience do you possess?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

07


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
08


Additional Requirement - Do you posses at least one year of experience receiving calls from the general public and county 911 operators regarding emergency and non-emergency police issues?

• Yes
• No

09


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
10


Additional Requirement - Do you possess at least one year of experience in dispatching police, fire, or ambulance services for emergency response?

• Yes
• No

11


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
Required Question