Emergency Communicator II; 911 Dispatcher

This is skilled telecommunications work of more than average difficulty in the operations of equipment associated with a consolidated Public Safety Communications Center and enhanced 911 Public Safety Answering Point. Work involves operating equipment to receive and/or respond to emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance/information on a shift in a seven-day-per-week, 24-hour-per-day operation. The nature of this work requires the exercise of initiative, the use of independent and sound judgment in handling emergency situations, and the ability to function calmly under extreme stress in potentially life-threatening situations.

This posting will close after the receipt of the first 75 qualified applicants or Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 4PM EST whichever comes first.

• Operates a multi-line telephone to answer incoming calls, interviews callers to determine the nature of the request, classifies the request, and determines the response needed.
• Contacts ambulance services, hospitals, wrecker services, and other agencies.
• Directs calls to proper departments and answers routine questions.
• Operates a complex Computer Aided Dispatch System, which functions for both Police and Fire Emergency Response, handling approximately 500 calls for service daily.
• Operates the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) computer terminal to access other agencies, obtain information, or input information about ongoing investigations.
• Operates a radio console to inform/dispatch the proper Police/Fire personnel and equipment to scenes of emergencies or crime.
• Utilizes the Computer Aided Dispatch System to notify the dispatch of service requests, to maintain control, and to record the activities of all dispatches or calls for service.
• Trains newly hired personnel assigned to them and submits weekly written evaluations.
• Operates an enhanced 911 Public Safety Answering Point position, maintaining all required logs, records, and forms, and assists in submitting all required reports according to federal and state law.
• Makes decisions based on knowledge of City, state, and federal law that could affect lives and property.
• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
• Required to work 12-hour shifts and mandatory overtime as required for staffing needs on midnight or day shifts, as determined by department needs.
• Required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position is designated as Emergency and Essential.

• This role has emergency response responsibilities, though it may not be considered essential during an emergency event. This position is subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than normal work locations, and may include duties other than specified in the employee’s official job description. Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions.
• May serve as the Emergency Communications Supervisor in his/her absence.

• High school diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
• Must maintain State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator certification.
• May be required to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of Lakeland Police Department upon hire.