Communications Dispatcher

Communications Dispatcher

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

PLEASE NOTE: We currently do not have vacancies for our Communications Dispatcher positions. While we anticipate openings throughout the year, we want you to know we are looking to recruit interested and qualified candidates to be put on our Communications Dispatcher Eligibility List. By participating in this process, candidates will have a substantial majority of the recruiting process completed. When an opening does occur, those on the Eligibility List will have a quick path to be considered for an opening, when they become available. This is a 12-hour position rotating from days to nights quarterly. Background Investigation Waiver (Required): Please click on the link below for the Background Waiver CJSTC-058-3-2025.

The duties of this position require a person to answer regular and 911 phone calls, operate a radio console, demonstrate proficiency in following established Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office communications protocol with personnel in the field, and have the ability to assist the public, deputies and other employees of the Sheriff's Office. Qualified applicants will be required to successfully pass a fingerprint scan, drug screen, call center test, interview, and background investigation.

Duties

• Dispatches and monitors the status of deputies on patrol;
• Answers 911 calls and relays information in a timely manner;
• Receives non-emergency calls and provides information and/or assistance as quickly as possible;
• Must have knowledge of jurisdictional boundaries and transfer callers to other jurisdictions as necessary;
• Must have the ability to prioritize calls and must have the ability to multi-task;
• Must be able to process information received and ask appropriate follow-up questions;
• Must be able to handle high stress situations and calm hysterical callers;
• Monitors radio traffic;
• Obtains information from deputies for NCIC/FCIC checks;
• Requires regular and predictable attendance;
• Must be able to cooperatively work with coworkers and general public;
• Must be able to maintain a constant state of awareness and act in a safe manner;
• Must have the ability to follow directives and policies of the agency;
• Performs related duties as necessary.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma, Florida General Education Development Test (GED), or Out-of-state GED, with transcript of test results.
• Valid Florida Driver's License if required to drive a Sheriff's Office vehicle.
• Must meet minimum thresholds on CritiCall dispatcher pre-assessment.
• Must be able to operate computer, two-way radio, copier, fax and telephone.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime, scheduled and unscheduled.
• NCIC/FCIC certification and 911 certification required within 6 months of employment.

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS: The following list will result in an automatic disqualification from the hiring process. Please review this list before starting an application for employment.

• Drug use within the last 12 months (illegal drug use under Federal or State law)
• Misdemeanor conviction (including a plea of nolo contendere) within the last 5 years for any of the following: DUI, Battery (including domestic violence), and/or Theft.
• Suspension or revocation of license in the last 3 years
• Felony conviction (or pleads guilty or pleads nolo contendere)
• Misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement (found guilty, pleads guilty, or pleads nolo contendere)
• Dishonorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces

BENEFITS: (Full Time Employees)

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program - no cost to employee or family members
• Retirement Plan under the Florida State Retirement System
• Annual Paid Time Off (PTO), military leave and 11 paid holidays
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Physical Fitness Benefit
• Free Cross Fit classes offered for all agency members
• Direct Deposit