Senior Police Telecommunicator; SPTC

Position Overview

Senior Police Telecommunicator – Emergency Communications
Posting Number: 25407
Reporting

Location:

5320 North Shepherd, Houston, TX
Workdays &

Hours:

Various shifts / rotating hours (subject to change)

Performs law‑enforcement services by receiving, processing, and transmitting public safety information and criminal‑justice data using a computer‑aided dispatch system, digital radio system, and other communication modes. Dispatches calls for service to police patrol units within departmental time standards, monitors field unit activities to ensure availability and officer safety, maintains a professional demeanor when coordinating with other dispatchers, divisions, citizens, and agencies, and demonstrates outstanding communication and record‑keeping skills.

Responds to inquiries, provides information to other dispatchers and agencies, and manages multiple duties under stressful situations. Employees may work overtime. The position is an “Essential Employee” during severe weather or other emergency conditions and for special emergency preparedness functions.

The position is physically comfortable with discretion about walking and standing. Must pass a criminal background check and obtain/maintain federally mandated security clearances where required. Past performance evaluation, supervisory recommendations, and internal affairs complaint history may be reviewed.

• High‑school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of customer‑service experience, or forty‑eight (48) semester hours of college credit from an accredited college or university, or completion of an approved Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator licensing course may substitute for the experience.
• Must provide certification of successful completion of, or complete within one year of employment, the Basic Telecommunicator proficiency certification per TCOLE requirements and complete a telecommunicator training program.

• Experience in a call center or environment similar to public safety (e.g., police or fire).
• Previous public‑safety / law‑enforcement dispatching experience.
• Veteran applicants with relevant qualifications will receive preference consistent with Executive Order 1‑6.

• City‑administered typing test – 40 words per minute with no more than 4 errors.
• Department testing.
• Hearing, psychological evaluation, and polygraph test.

This position is subject to random drug testing. For promotional positions, a candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay Grade 17. Salary determined by qualifications and comparable pay rates. Hiring incentive: $2,000 ($1,000 after 30 days, $1,000 after first year upon successful completion of TCOLE State licensing exam, Senior Police Telecommunicator Training Program, and probationary period).

The City of Houston is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or characteristic, including but not limited to sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.