Communications Operator

The position answers 911 calls and receives and transmits messages by radio and telephone, often under stressful conditions involving potentially life-threatening situations, to police personnel. In order to be considered for the position, applicants must sit for a written exam that will be administered at the Cookeville Police Department. Applicants will receive further instruction via email. If you possess a telecommunications course certificate in accordance with TN code annotated 7-86-205, you may be exempt from the exam.

Contact HR at . This position must be able to work any shift.

• Position Title:
  
  Communications Operator I
• Pay Grade: G
• Department:
  Police
• FLSA Status:
  Non-Exempt
• Reports To:
  
  Shift Sergeant
• Safety Sensitive:
  Yes
• Position Supervises:
  No
• Date Approved: 02/2024
• On-call
  
  Required:
  
  No
• Date Revised: 04/2026

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, and subject to change, as approved by the City Manager.

Receives and transmit messages by radio and telephone often under stressful conditions involving potentially life-threatening situations.

Examples of work performed: receives and sends radio transmissions to police personnel; receives 911 calls and dispatches police units; forwards calls to the proper emergency services agency; logs complaint information on all incoming calls; monitors and dispatches units for incoming alarm calls and notifies residential or business owners of alarm call; maintains and operates all NCIC communications; maintains warrants and related information;

operates personal computer and computer terminal; operates computer assisted dispatching software; checks on officers as often as necessary to ensure their safety and well-being; may assist with the training of newly hired communication operators; receives all calls coming into the Police Department before and after normal working hours and on holidays; maintains log of officer activity; assists public as needed;

performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission relating to radio use
• General knowledge of city street names and their location
• Knowledge of radio equipment and radio operations
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations
• Ability to operate several pieces of communications equipment at the same time
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely
• Ability to instruct others in performance of responsibilities
• Ability to communicate in a courteous and effective manner with the public and co-workers
• Ability to take and follow both written and oral instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other co-workers and the public

A high school education or equivalent is required. Must possess or maintain the Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification and NCIC certification as required by the State of Tennessee or be able to attain within six months of hire date.

Some experience as a communications operator in a military, law enforcement, or civilian position is preferred.

Essential functions of this position are predominantly sedentary in nature, using a variety of telecommunications devices to enter/retrieve electronic data. Employees in this class: are required to receive, read and/or hear, understand, then forward information via radio within a very brief amount of time; must be able to manipulate and use various equipment such as radios, computers, and other telecommunication devices;

must have the…