Communications Operator III

Job Posting

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is offering a position with a salary range of $64,613.00 - $73,765.00 Annually. The job is located at 6050 Porter Way, Sarasota, FL 34232 and is classified as a Civilian role.

Job Description

Newly hired applicants who submit their application between November 15 and May 31, 2026, will be eligible to receive a $2,000 hiring bonus. Those eligible will receive $1,000 after successful completion of the field training program and $1,000 following one year of employment. Answer emergency and non-emergency telephones. Operators must listen accurately and record the information provided by citizens, police, fire, and medical personnel and be able to accurately relay this information to the appropriate person often called upon to make decisions quickly, accurately, and effectively. When a call is taken, the first concern is that of the caller. Each situation must be analyzed and evaluated individually, always keeping in mind the importance of the information imparted and treating each caller impartially and fairly. Call takers must be self-motivated and work well as a part of a team. To be successful you must be able to perform multiple tasks, at times under stressful conditions.

General Description of Duties

Desire to be helpful. Ability to think clearly and act promptly in emergencies and under pressure. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly. An inquiring mind, a desire to learn, and a desire to do a good job. Thorough knowledge of the geography of the jurisdictions covered by the public safety agencies the EOB serves. Customer service, including the initiative to do more than just what is required when a usual procedure does not provide a solution to a problem. Recognition of the importance of the job. Courtesy. Predisposition towards public safety work.

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma, at least 18 years of age, Associate's Degree or equivalent OR must successfully complete the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. As a condition of continued employment, the 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator Training Program must be completed, and the Florida Certification exam must be passed within 11 months of appointment to the position. Training: Communications Operator III (Call Taker) training will begin with a 6-week classroom style academy to include 1 week of EMD/EFD certification training and 16 weeks of field training. Operators will work 8-hour shifts during the agency paid training academy, and upon completion move to 12-hr shifts. Certifications: During the first year of employment Operators will receive certifications in the following: 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator Florida Certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch Certification (EFD), CPR Certification.

Additional Information

PG 02 Annual Work Hours: 2184 Long-Term Salary Cap: $89,781 Shift Work The Emergency Operations Bureau (EOB) operates 24 hours per day/7 days per week. Shifts assignments include weekends, holidays, on call, hurricanes, evacuations, or other state of emergencies. Shifts are not rotating; you must be flexible and able to work 12-hour shifts including day shift (0700-1900) or night shift (1900-0700). There is no guarantee of shift assignment, it is based on the need once you graduate from the academy. You will be able to bid for a desired shift assignment every 6 months, based on seniority.