Public Safety Telecommunicator I or II

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Candidate's starting salary will be between $25.68/hr. - $39.39/hr. Hiring range for Public Safety Telecommunicator I: $25.68 - $33.38/hr. Hiring range for Public Safety Telecommunicator II: $28.13 - $39.39/hr. Bi-Lingual Pay Hiring Incentive TCOLE Telecommunicator Certified $5,000 Noncertified Applicants $ 3,000 The schedule for this position requires the ability to work 12 hour shifts which include nights, weekends, and holidays. Under supervision of the Public Safety Telecommunications Manager, the Public Safety Telecommunicator receives, prioritizes, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services. This position dispatches appropriate personnel, provides critical information to responders, and ensures effective communication with callers to protect life, property, and public safety. The Public Safety Telecommunicator supports operational readiness, accurate recordkeeping, and the overall efficiency of the Emergency Communications Center. This position works closely with public safety personnel, other City departments, and partner agencies to coordinate timely and effective emergency response. The ideal candidate will embody the City's core values of Service, Humility, Innovation, Neighborly, and Excellence (SHINE) .

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Call Processing and Dispatch Operations: Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service by telephone or radio. Prioritizes calls, determines the appropriate response, and dispatches police, fire, medical personnel, or other personnel as needed in a timely and efficient manner using radios, telephones, and other communication tools. Provides detailed information to responders and monitors unit status to maintain situational awareness. Interagency Coordination: Contacts neighboring law enforcement and emergency service agencies as necessary to request assistance or relay critical incident information. Sends and receives teletypes to coordinate warrants, protective orders, and other law enforcement communications. Records Management and Documentation: Enters incident, call, and case information into the records management system accurately and timely. Prepares reports, maintains logs, and ensures compliance with department, state, and federal reporting requirements. Performs inquiries, criminal history checks, and manages entries for stolen property, missing or wanted persons, and protective orders. Customer Service and Public Interaction: Communicates professionally with citizens, including obtaining information from distressed or emotional callers. Accepts payments for alarm permits, animal registrations, and prisoner releases, issuing receipts as appropriate. Licensing, Compliance, and Training: Completes required training, continuing education, and semi-annual evaluations to maintain Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCOLE) certification. Follows all policies, procedures, and legal requirements governing public safety communications. Emergency Response Support: Provides operational support during major incidents, disasters, or high-priority situations. Coordinates with command staff and responders to ensure effective communication and incident management. Other Duties: Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Emergency Communications Operations: Knowledge of emergency communications principles, dispatch procedures, and public safety operations. Skill in operating radio, telephone, and dispatch equipment to support effective response. Technology and Records Systems: Knowledge of computers, related hardware, and software. Skill in entering, retrieving, and maintaining accurate and complete data. Public Safety Knowledge: Ability to learn police, fire, and EMS operations; and City geography and coordinating response across multiple public safety disciplines. Operational Skills and Decision-Making: Ability to prioritize and process multiple calls for service under high-stress conditions. Skill in obtaining critical information from callers and making accurate, timely dispatch decisions. Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness: Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and calmly with citizens, coworkers, and partner agencies. Other Skills: Typing proficiency of at least 32 words per minute. Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and exercise sound judgment in emergency circumstances.

Typical Qualifications: Required Education, Experience, and Certifications: High School diploma or equivalent, and one (1) year dispatch experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screening and Criticall test. Requires Basic Telecommunicators Certification through TCOLE within one (1) year of hire. Candidates with current TCOLE Telecommunicators License are preferred. May be required to acquire additional certification.

Public Safety Telecommunicator I Minimum Requirements:

• 04 years of experience as a public safety dispatcher
• TCOLE Basic or Intermediate Telecommunicator License

Public Safety Telecommunicator II Minimum Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience as a public safety dispatcher
• TCOLE Advanced or Masters Telecommunicator License