Public Safety Telecommunicator

Salary : $57,000.00 - $82,385.00 Annually
Location : Pinellas County, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Bureau: Support Services Bureau
Cost Center: 2300 - Communications Division
Opening Date: 06/16/2026

Nature of Work

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 Criti Call 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 (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.

Job Description:

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.

SUPERVISES OTHERS: No

• 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
• This position is considered essential…