Public Safety Telecommunicator

Salary : $5,989.00 - $7,735.00 Monthly
Location : Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-01
Department: Operations
Opening Date: 03/24/2026


General Description
Thurston 9-1-1 Communications is accepting applications to establish a full-time and extra help register for future openings as a Public Safety Telecommunicator. The Public Safety Telecommunicator receives and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public, processing information with the aid of a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. This position is responsible for dispatching the appropriate public safety agencies throughout Thurston County including law enforcement, fire and emergency medical units when needed, and monitors public safety units in the field.


*We are currently accepting applications for a tentative December 2026 start date. Testing and interviews will begin in October.

Applications received after July 27, 2026 will be reviewed for further consideration for future New Hire Academies. Applicants will be contacted for further information regarding testing and interviewing.

NOTE: The position is on-site only. There are no remote work options available.

Essential Functions
Receives incoming calls on 50+ emergency and business telephone lines; operates multi-frequency radio and computer-aided dispatch, accesses emergency messages, monitors alarm systems, operates playback audio recorders, operates TDD, operates security devices and other related communications equipment.

Interacts with callers requesting emergency/non-emergency response or service from the community or public agencies. Evaluates information received and utilizes protocols provided through CAD and CBD (Criteria Based Emergency Medical Dispatch) systems to determine appropriate actions(s) to be taken. Uses addresses and other pertinent information to dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire or emergency medical units.

Monitors and maintains the location and status of law enforcement, fire, emergency medical and other authorized non-member agency units in the field.

Enters and retrieves data on the ACCESS systems to assist law enforcement agencies in and out of Washington State.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are performed in a secured communications center with artificial lighting. There is limited opportunity for physical movement. Works rotating shift work in a 24 hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week operation that includes holidays.
Probationary employees are expected to maintain attendance sufficient to successfully complete training without significant delay.

Qualifications
High school diploma or G.E.D. and one year of work experience in customer service or in the public safety sector or related field; OR six months experience receiving, evaluating, transmitting and monitoring emergency requests via telephone and/or radio for police, fire and medical services.
Knowledge of Windows-based computer programs.

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Must be willing to work varying shift schedules, overtime hours, holidays, and on-call as needed.
Marijuana or any illegal drug use including unauthorized use of prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs in the past 12 months will automatically disqualify you from consideration.

For additional requirements please visit our website at

Conditional offers of employment in this classification will be made upon the results of a standard hearing test, a psychological evaluation, and thorough background investigation.

DESIRED SKILLS

Ability to operate telephone, radio and related communications equipment in a clear, well-modulated voice using good diction.

Ability to think and act quickly, calmly and courteously in emergency situations.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating, prioritizing and acting upon routine and emergency requests.

Knowledge or the geography, streets, buildings and landmarks in Thurston County and the ability to read maps.

Supplemental Information
Questions about this recruitment?
Please contact Aaron Moe, View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

This position is:
- represented by a union
- eligible for full benefits
- Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Applicants must submit the following items:
- Online application
- Answer all Supplemental Questions
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.
01


Do you have at least two years of experience as a Telecommunicator in a multi-jurisdictional agency?

• Yes
• No

02


Have you used marijuana or any illegal drug including unauthorized use of prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs in the past 12 months? If yes, explain in next question.

• Yes
• No

03


If you answered yes to the previous question, please use this space to explain.
Required Question