Public Safety Telecommunicator

Public Safety Telecommunicator

When help is needed, you're the critical link managing communications between a caller and first responders. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is seeking qualified candidates for Public Safety Telecommunicator. As a Public Safety Telecommunicator, you will serve as the vital link between citizens in need and the first responders who provide assistance. From answering phone calls and dispatching resources, to monitoring radio traffic and supporting deputies in the field, this position plays a critical role in public safety and community service.

The ideal candidate remains calm under pressure, communicates clearly, and can effectively gather critical information from individuals experiencing stressful or emergency situations. They possess strong multitasking and problem-solving skills, can quickly prioritize competing demands, and are comfortable utilizing multiple computer systems and communication tools simultaneously. Successful candidates are team-oriented professionals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and understand the importance of accuracy, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service.

All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to successfully complete the CritiCall pre-employment assessment, which measures the multitasking, data entry, decision-making, memory recall, and communication skills necessary to succeed in a public safety communications environment. Once hired, members receive extensive training and support designed to set them up for success. Training begins with call taker classroom instruction, followed by on-the-job call-taker training with a Communications Training Officer (CTO), and concludes with a shadow phase to assess skills and readiness to progress through the program. Upon completion of call taker training, members advance to radio dispatch training, which includes dispatch classroom instruction, on-the-job training dispatch training with a CTO and concludes with another shadow phase before release from the training program.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day while serving alongside dedicated law enforcement professionals. If you are looking for a rewarding career where no two shifts are the same and your work directly supports public safety, we encourage you to apply. Hiring bonus of $1,500 with a 2-year commitment. Consideration given for relevant experience. This position is scheduled to work 12-hour shifts (either days or nights) on a rotating schedule that repeats itself every two weeks. There is also one Delta shift that works 1200-2230 (Thurs/Fri/Sat off OR Sat/Sun/Mon off). This position is subject to a biannual seniority-based bidding process. You must be able to accommodate all shifts. The background investigation process may take up to 6 weeks depending upon the complexity of the applicant's background and position for which they've applied.

Under the general direction of the Communications Center Shift Supervisor, the main focus of this position is to respond to both routine and emergency requests for service and information as the first point of contact for the public calling the agency for assistance. Requests for service and information from inside and outside the agency are screened to determine the most appropriate action to take whether dispatching of law enforcement, other agency responders, or routing the information via the computer and/or radio. Calls requiring the dispatch of law enforcement are monitored and supported by this position. Members exercise considerable independent judgment in determining the seriousness and immediacy of a situation and the most appropriate action. Work is reviewed through observation and results obtained. Shift work required. This position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to work.

• Answers emergency and nonemergency calls from the public
• Dispatches calls for service via a computer or voice determining the priority of the call, who and what type of response is warranted
• Monitors multiple radio channels for officer safety and timely response to calls for service
• Provides information to law enforcement personnel on warrants, driver's license data, vehicle registration, property ownership, criminal histories and verification of identities, etc. by querying various law enforcement databases
• Communicates with other members or agencies via phone or electronic messaging on nonemergency calls and requests for information or services, such as forensics, K-9, flight, wreckers, etc.
• Generates and broadcasts BOLO (Be On The Lookout) announcements by radio and/or electronic means
• Retrieves information and confirms the information retrieved is relevant and takes action
• Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position
• Participates in Sheriff's Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary.

Qualifications

• High School graduation or equivalent diploma from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or licensed as a degree granting institution by the Commission for Independent Education
• Possess a current Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification in the State of Florida
• Or must be able to successfully complete classroom instruction and pass the State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification Examination within 12 months of hire
• Testing Required
• Must possess a valid Florida driver's license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of 10-Codes and Signals
• Knowledge of the geography of the County
• Computer skills to enter and retrieve information from applicable computer systems, ensuring accuracy in entering data and retrieving information in a timely manner
• Ability to elicit critical information from sick, injured, and/or highly emotional individuals, who may be in a stressful or life-threatening situation
• Ability to accurately and rapidly carry out requests for information from deputies in the field
• Time management skills to organize and prioritize inquiries, calls for service, tasks and special assignments
• Interpersonal skills to demonstrate a congenial, respectful and productive behavior and attitude towards others in a working relationship and under difficult situations
• Ability to think and speak clearly in emergency and nonemergency situations
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

Physical Abilities

The physical abilities listed below are estimates of time spent during a typical work day to perform essential functions and responsibilities. Members in this position may be required to:

• Visual acuity of 20/30 vision standard in each eye; if corrective lenses must be used to satisfy 20/30 vision standard, uncorrected vision should be no worse than 20/100 in each eye
• Must pass hearing with less than or equal to 40 decibels in each ear under the frequencies: 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz and 2,000 Hz
• Sit up to 7 hours per day
• Stand up to 1 hour per day
• Walk up to 1 hour per day
• Continuously lift up to 10 lbs.
• Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally bend, squat, reach, kneel and twist