Communications Operator

Telecommunication OperatorEnsures smooth operation of day-to-day telecommunication functions for the police, fire departments, and EMS.Summary of DutiesOrganizational RelationshipsReports to: Office & Communications Supervisor.Directs: This is a non-supervisory position.Other: Works closely by 911, telephone, radio, teletype, computer, or in person with other city departments, agencies, and the general public.Essential DutiesReceives and records incoming calls on both the telephone and two-way radio (including animal control and 9-1-1 calls), evaluates calls, and directs calls to appropriate staff, officers, and/or agencies;Monitors radio frequencies of law enforcement, fire, wrecker, and ambulance personnel;Dispatches appropriate units for emergencies;Dispatches animal control;Performs computer-assisted and manual record checks for officers on individuals, locations, vehicles and other property, sometimes verifying warrants, suspended or expired license, or reports of stolen property with the originating agency;Maintains, updates, and accesses various logs and computer data files of officer activities (incident reports, accident reports, stolen or repossessed property logs, maps, shift logs, etc.) and performs data entry of officer activities for logs and records;Monitors burglary and fire alarms, and notifies property owners and police as necessary;Completes forms and reports either on the computer or typewriter;Operates recording equipment for 9-1 -1 and telephone calls;Assists local and out-of-state deaf persons using a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD);Enters information into Texas and National Crime Information computer systems, and validates information against printed reports;Files departmental records;Performs trace on 9-1 -1 hang-up calls;Alerts state and federal agencies of stolen vehicles and property, missing persons, etc., using a teletype machine;Prints computerized forms for officers as necessary;Provides directions to citizens;Maintains files on repossessed automobiles;Maintains on-call status and works overtime as necessary.Other Important DutiesPerforms such other related duties as may be assigned.Required Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge ofradio transmission procedures and Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations governing operation of radio and teletype transmitting and receiving; law enforcement practices and procedures.Skill/Ability totype or enter information accurately; operate, or demonstrate ability to learn to operate, a computer; use radio and electronic data communications equipment; demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; work tactfully with the general public; speak clearly and concisely; accurately handle several items at one time during stressful situations; understand and follow instructions, policies, rules, and regulations; analyze information and formulate quick, effective and reasonable responses; maintain accurate records; work varied shifts; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers; and maintain appropriate necessary certifications.QualificationsAcceptable Experience and TrainingHigh school diploma or its equivalent (GED), graduation from a state-approved telecommunicator course with a current valid TCOLE license, or the ability to obtain a TCOLE license;Not have been convicted, placed on probation, or ordered community supervision by a court of a class B misdemeanor or higher in the last ten years;Not have been convicted of family violence;Not ever have been convicted of an offense Class A Misdemeanor or above;Have not been discharged from any branch of military service for less than honorable conditions.Certificates and Licenses RequiredTelecommunications Operator Certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) within one year of employment. Appropriate Texas driver's license.Supplemental InformationJob Physical, Mental and/or Emotional Requirements The City will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the American Disabilities Act Amendment Act, and all other Federal, State and Local legislative requirements. The Facility will ensure that reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of that position.BenefitsTo view the full City of Navasota 2025-2026 Employee Benefits Guide, click here.Health Insurance – Health insurance coverage is paid 100% for all employees and subsidized cost for dependents.Vision Insurance – Vision insurance coverage is paid 100% for all employees.Dental Insurance – Dental insurance coverage is paid 100% for all employees.Life Insurance – The City provides basic Life insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. The policy will pay your beneficiary $50,000 for the employee, $5,000 for the spouse, and $2,000 for children up to age 25 years of age. Supplemental Life and AD&D insurance is also available for employees.Retirement: Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) 6% - 2 to 1 matchVested at 5 years of serviceRetire after 20 years of service in TMRSSupplemental Death Benefit of $7,500Voluntary 457 Retirement Plan through MissionSquare RetirementVacation – Employees accrue vacation based on years of service (see the below schedule). Length of Service - Non-firefighting Employees' Vacation Leave Earned - Firefighters' Vacation Leave Earned* 0 – 4 Years of Employment - 12 days (96 hours)(3.7 hours bi-weekly) - 5 days (120 hours)(4.7 hours bi-weekly) 5 – 9 Years of Employment - 15 days (120 hours)(4.7 hours bi-weekly) - 5 days (120 hours)(10 Hours/month) 10 – 19 Years of Employment - 20 days (160 hours)(6.2 hours bi-weekly) - 7 days (168 hours)(6.5 hours bi-weekly) 20 Years or longer - 25 days (200 hours)(7.7 hours bi-weekly)) - 9 days (216 hours)(8.3 hours bi-weekly)Sick – All regular full-time, non-firefighting employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 3.7 hours per two-week pay period and firefighters accrue 4.62 hours per two-week pay period. Maximum sick leave accrual is 120 days (960 hours).Holidays – The City pays employees for 12 holidays per year: New Year's Day, MLK Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas DayLongevity – After three years of service, receive longevity pay at a rate of $4 per month for each year of service.Voluntary Permanent Life Insurance - life insurance you can take with you when you change jobs or retire.Voluntary Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance - Disability insurance provides benefits that replace part of your lost income when you become unable to work due to a covered injury or illness.Voluntary Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance - voluntary benefits that are designed to complement your health care coverage and allow you