Public Safety Telecommunicator

Salary : $52,936.00 - $71,468.80 Annually
Location : Watonwan County Sheriff's Department, 715 3rd Ave S, St. James, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-15
Department: Sheriff's Department
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:00 PM Central


Nature of Work


This is specialized emergency communications work involving the skillful and prompt operation of radio, telephone and computer systems. Work involves responsibility for the receipt and transmittal of messages for law enforcement, fire and ambulance personnel and the performance of related recording tasks.


Work is performed according to standard procedures or general rules, with supervision available on short notice. Work is reviewed through observation and examination of records.

Essential Functions


Receives, prioritizes and handles fire, medical or other emergency calls. Receives complaints and requests for Police and Sheriff's Department services or information. Dispatches personnel to investigate emergency calls. Maintains countywide radio or telephone contact with mobile Police and Sheriff's units, fire and ambulance services, and equipment of Public Works Department. Monitors jail and Courthouse security camera screens, burglar and fire alarm circuits. Tests equipment to ensure proper working order.


Maintains a log of all radio and telephone calls requiring response from law enforcement departments. Operates computer in transmitting information or accessing files of vehicle registrations and driver's licensing. Answers calls for general County information. Must be familiar with all County and City departments to facilitate transferring of calls. Performs other work as required.


Responsible to observe all Watonwan County safety and health rules and to apply the principles of accident prevention in day-to-day duties.

Desirable Qualifications

Training and Experience
Requires high school diploma or GED, and at least 6 months experience with responsibility for computer use, data entry, and public contact via telephone. Experience working effectively in multi-tasking situations is preferred.


Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
Requires proficient computer and data entry skills at least 35 wpm. Ability to develop skill and speed in the operation of the telephone, radio and computer systems. Knowledge of street and highway system and geography of Watonwan County, or ability to acquire such in a short period of time. Ability to keep accurate records. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information received and transmitted.

Ability to hear well and to speak clearly and distinctly in a well-modulated voice. Excellent listening skills and ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to prioritize and act quickly and calmly in emergency situations. Requires manual and finger dexterity to accurately and efficiently operate required equipment.


Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, and to handle callers with tact, courtesy and empathy.

Special Requirements
Must be able to pass the test of certification for use of law enforcement computers.
Must be available to work a variety of 11.5-hour shifts, including days, nights, every other weekend, and holidays.

Night/Weekend Premium Pay - additional $.75/hour
2025 WATONWAN COUNTY BENEFITS

VACATION - 16 days first year
SICK LEAVE - 13 days per year
HOLIDAYS - 11.5 holidays

HEALTH PLAN/FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLANS:
Minnesota Healthcare Consortium - Medica
HSA Qualified Plans with choice of Medica Passport network, or Mayo Accountable Care Organization. County contributes to a VEBA or HSA to cover out-of-pocket costs.
Single, Employee + Children, Employee + Spouse and Family plans available.


LIFE INSURANCE - $15,000 policy paid by County


RETIREMENT - Public Employees Retirement Coordinated Plan
Employee contribution - 6.5%
County contribution - 7.5%


OPTIONAL BENEFITS (certain items can be purchased pre-tax):
- Dental Insurance - Vision Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance - Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance - Health Savings Account if HSA Plan
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Account - Health Care Reimbursement Account
- Accident Insurance - Hospital Care Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Deferred Compensation - pre/post-tax investment plans
01


Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters or higher
• None of the above

02


Please list the specific degree that you completed. If not yet completed, list your major field of study. If none, type N/A.
03


Within the last 10 years, how many years of general office experience do you have doing receptionist duties, filing, basic record keeping or bookkeeping, and operating computers?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

04


Within the last 10 years, how many years of experience do you have as an emergency dispatcher?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

05


Within the last 10 years, how many years of experience do you have as a jailer, law enforcement officer, security guard, or juvenile detention worker?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

06


Within the last 10 years, how many years of experience do you have in radio broadcasting, non-emergency dispatching, complex switchboard operation, or customer call service center - at least 50% of the time.

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

07


Within the last 10 years, how many years of experience do you have utilizing computers to perform clerical functions such as data entry, maintaining records, and preparing reports or correspondence.

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

08


Within the last ten years, how many years of experience do you have in recordkeeping, such as documenting an activity by creating, collecting or receiving records and ensuring they are available, understandable and usable for as long as needed?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• More than 4 years

09


If you speak Spanish, rate your ability:

• Basic speaking ability
• Fluent speaking ability
• N/A

10


If you read or write in Spanish, rate your ability:

• Basic reading/writing ability
• Fluent reading/writing ability
• N/A

11


Do you have at least 6 months of experience at any time as an emergency responder, such as EMT, firefighter or first responder?

• Yes
• No

12


Please select the one source that describes how you first learned about this opening.

• Newspaper
• Shopper
• Indeed
• Minnesota Works Website
• Facebook
• Watonwan County Website
• Friend, Family or Colleague
• Other

13


If you selected Other, please indicate where you heard about this job opportunity. If you selected Newspaper or Shopper, please specify which one.
Required Question