911 Call Taker

Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Telecommunicator Position

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The duties of this position require a person to answer regular and 911 phone calls and demonstrate proficiency in following established Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office communications protocol. Ability to assist the public, deputies and other employees of the Sheriff's Office.

SCHEDULING NOTE: The positions are scheduled as four 10-hour shifts, from 8AM - 6PM. The days of the schedule will be determined based on agency need at the time of hire. However, successful applicants will be working one of the following schedules: (A) Monday - Thursday (B) Tuesday - Friday (C) Wednesday - Saturday. Periods of overtime are anticipated, based on agency needs.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION WAIVER FORM: All applicants are required to submit a notarized Background Investigation Waiver form, which is found here: CJSTC-058-3-2025.

Duties

• Answers 911 calls and relays information in a timely manner;
• Receives non-emergency calls and provides information and/or assistance as quickly as possible;
• Must have knowledge of jurisdictional boundaries and transfer callers to other jurisdictions as necessary;
• Must have the ability to prioritize calls and must have the ability to multi-task;
• Must be able to process information received and ask appropriate follow-up questions;
• Must be able to handle high stress situations and calm hysterical callers;
• Obtains information from deputies for NCIC/FCIC and DHSMV checks;
• Requires regular and predictable attendance;
• Must be able to cooperatively work with coworkers and general public;
• Must be able to maintain a constant state of awareness and act in a safe manner;
• Must have the ability to follow directives and policies of the agency;
• Performs related duties as necessary.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma, Florida General Education Development Test (GED), or Out-of-state GED, with transcript of test results.

Valid Florida Driver's License if required to drive a Sheriff's Office vehicle.

Must be able to operate computer and telephone.

Certificates

State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within 1 year of employment

NCIC/FCIC certification within 6 months of employment.

Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certifications within 6 months of employment

Standards to Perform Essential Job Functions

Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit for 7+ hours. Use hands, handle and feel. Must be able to reach with hands and arms. Must be able to hear and understand communications through a telephone. Must have clear vision at 20 inches to view computer monitor and distance vision to view maps. Must have the ability to identify and distinguish colors on a computer monitor and on maps. Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Language Abilities: Requires the ability to read and understand simple instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to citizens, deputies and other employees. Must be able to speak with clarity, voice control and confidence and to articulate information to others and answer questions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently both orally and in writing.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to deal with problems involving standardized situations. Requires the ability to apply principles and to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor; to acquire knowledge of topics related to essential job functions.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with the public. Must be able to work with fellow employees in close proximity to you. Must be adaptable to performing under stress.

Work Environment: There is moderate noise in the office. The office is crowded with desks, file cabinets and computers

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program - no cost to employee or family members
• Retirement Plan under the Florida State Retirement System
• Annual Paid Time Off (PTO), military leave and 11 paid holidays
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Physical Fitness Benefit
• Free Cross Fit classes offered for all agency members
• Direct Deposit