911 DISPATCHER/COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Salary: $25.95 - $34.58 Hourly
Location : 205 W. RUSK, ROCKWALL, TX
Job Type: FULL TIME BENEFIT ELIGIBLE
Job Number: 911 DISPATCHER 4/7/2026
Department: COMMUNICATIONS
Division: DISPATCH
Opening Date: 04/07/2026


Description


Under general supervision of the Communications Supervisor, performs specialized clerical and dispatching work for the City's law enforcement, fire/rescue, City services, and non-emergency situations. Employees in this class monitor and coordinate telephone, radio, and teletype communications between unit personnel and among the general public. Position is responsible for receiving, processing, and disseminating information in an accurate and timely manner to provide expeditious response to emergency situations. Employees in this class perform considerable record maintenance functions requiring specialized knowledge of departmental rules and regulations and apply acute attention to detail.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Answer a multi-line phone system for both emergency and non-emergency calls. Acquire information and assess the circumstances, reassures the victim or caller, gathers required information and dispatches information to appropriate units.
• Operate a multi-channel radio system and simultaneously input, retrieve, listen to and comprehend 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls and radio traffic while reading from both computer screens and printouts; receives and transmits pertinent information on all calls for services including those in progress; monitors activities of Police, Fire and other emergency medical services; maintains the location and call status of all emergency units.
• Maintain communications with unit personnel in the field in order to conduct computerized searches through local, state and national databases; confirms stolen property and wanted/missing persons as well as enter data and operate computer terminals with specialized access through various automated data banks.
• Maintain records and data for items such as warrants, missing persons, stolen property and emergency protection orders by confirming information is correct, entering and modifying information in database and clearing information as applicable.
• Comprehend and apply City Ordinances, city and departmental policies and procedures as well as adhere strictly to the Department General Orders; Communicate courteously and clearly, verbally and in writing
• Required to report for work punctually, work all scheduled hours, including shift work, weekends, holidays and any required overtime as deemed necessary. Must maintain a physical condition and standards necessary for the proper performance of duties, with or without accommodation. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to general inquiries from the public, i.e., street locations, weather and road conditions, school scheduling, and power outages.
• Receives money for traffic fines, cash bonds, and after hour water payments.
• Performs general maintenance tasks for equipment, i.e., changing printer ribbons, filling paper, dusting, cleaning.
• Shreds unnecessary/outdated documentation as directed.
• Performs related work as required.

(Note: The examples of essential functions as listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.)

Education and Experience

REQUIREMENTS

• Obtain listed certification within one (1) year of hiring date at Departmental expense:

Certifications: TCIC/NCIC, 9-1-1, Fire Service Dispatch, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunications Operator.

• High school diploma or GED; supplemented by minimum six (6) months experience in answering telephones and dealing with the public; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Supplemental Information


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to type 45 words per minute.
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively.
• Ability to evaluate a situation and determine the appropriate level of response needed.
• Ability to work in a multi-tasking environment with constantly changing priorities.
• Ability to handle stress, remain calm and function under circumstances that present life-threatening situations.
• Considerable knowledge of City/regional geography.
• Considerable knowledge of TCIC/NCIC operations and procedures and laws applicable to dispatch services performed.
• General knowledge of principles and procedures for utilizing data base information systems.
• Ability to read, write, spell, and perform basic mathematical calculations, i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Ability to concentrate on assigned tasks/duties through many distractions, as well as process multiple calls simultaneously when circumstances warrant.
• Ability to operate general modern office equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relations with supervisor, other departments, public agencies, the general public and fellow personnel.
• Ability to work in a confined area for 8+ hours and remain seated for extended periods of time.
• Ability to wear an inner or outer ear headset for a period of 8 - 12 hours, each shift.

Physical requirements:

• Tasks are essentially sedentary, with occasional walking, bending, light lifting, or other restricted physical activities.
• Tasks involve some physical effort, i.e., some standing and walking, or frequent light lifting (5-10 pounds); or minimal dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop or office equipment; may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Environmental requirements:

• Tasks are routinely performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g. dirt, cold, rain, and fumes).
• Tasks may require exposure to dust or pollen.

Sensory Requirements:

• Tasks require visual perception and discrimination.
• Tasks require oral communications ability.
• Tasks require good listening abilities.

HIPAA Compliance Statement
All employees who have access to health information whose confidentiality is protected by the HIPAA Privacy Rule must have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy Rule that corresponds to their job responsibilities. Employees who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.
FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Merit Increases/Pay for Performance
Director salaries are actuals only and do not have salary ranges. Increases are based on performance and budget.


Non Sworn civilian employees are eligible for a 4% merit increase annually and after reaching the max of the pay scale, are eligible to receive a 4% lump sum each year on their anniversary date.


Sworn officers are eligible for a 5% increase annually and after reaching the max of the pay scale, are eligible to receive a 5% lump sum each year on their anniversary date.

* merit increases are based upon performance and budget

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
Medical, Dental and Vision is available for purchase for full time employees. Coverage goes into effect on the 31st day.


Life and AD&D Insurance Coverage
Basic Group Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment protection is provided to eligible full-time employees in the amount of one time the annual salary up to a maximum of $50,000 for each benefit. Additional Life and AD&D may be purchased up to 2 x annual pay.


Holidays
Employees receive 11 paid holidays per year


Vacation
Years of Service HRs Accrued Monthly
0 - 1 Year 6.67
1 - 4 Years 10.00
5 - 9 Years 11.67
10 + Years 13.34

Sick Leave
Employees earn 80 hours of sick leave per year. There is no maximum accruals for sick leave.

Retirement
Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)-2:1 match.
A required 7% of gross earnings are deducted each pay period and deposited into the member's account. Upon retirement, the City will deposit it's portion of the matching funds at 14%.


The City also participates in Social Security.


Deferred Compensation
The City of Rockwall offers an optional deferred compensation 457 plan in which employees can contribute a portion of their salary, before taxes, to a retirement account.

Longevity
After completing one year of continuous service, employees will receive $5/month for Longevity Pay. This benefit is usually paid out each December.

Supplemental Benefits
The City of Rockwall also offers optional programs that include Short and Long Term Disability through AFLAC.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Participation in Flexible Spending Accounts through pre-tax payroll deduction for Health and Dependent Care expenses is also available for full time employees.

Wellness Program
The City of Rockwall administers a wellness program for full-time employees which provides an incentive for obtaining a wellness exam each year. Wellness exams are paid at 100% by the City.

Workers Compensation
All employees are covered by workers compensation for injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Bilingual Certification Pay
Eligible for up to $600 annually for bi-lingual pay.

Education Pay
Some positions are eligible for Education Pay.

• Associates - $800/yr
• Bachelors - $1,400/yr
• Masters - $2,000/yr

*Education Pay must be approved by the department director and annual budget.


Certification Pay

• 1st Certification - $300/yr
• 2nd Certification - $600/yr
• 3rd Certification - $900/yr

*Certification Pay must be approved by the department director and annual budget.
01


Do you possess a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you able to type 45 words per minute?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a minimum of six (6) months experience in answering a high volume of calls and dealing with the public, or have an equivalent of education, training and experience?

• Yes
• No

04


Are you able to multi-task in a fast paced environment and have the ability to work in a confined area for 8+ hours and remain seated for extended periods of time?

• Yes
• No

Required Question