Public Safety Communications Specialist

Working for the City of McKinney is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family.

Under general supervision, receive and process police, fire, and emergency medical service requests in high‑stress situations; answer non‑emergency and emergency 9‑1‑1 calls; dispatch and deploy public safety personnel to calls for service; operate telecommunications equipment. Employees must be able to work any shift (days, evenings, nights), including holidays, weekends, and overtime as required.

• Answer multi‑line 9‑1‑1 emergency and non‑emergency calls and dispatch public safety personnel.
• Simultaneously listen to and comprehend telephone and radio traffic under loud and stressful conditions.
• Operate a multi‑channel public safety radio system.
• Assist with requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services via computer‑aided dispatch system.
• Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing.
• Interface with hearing/​speech‑impaired citizens using specialized teletype devices.
• Assign appropriate personnel to routine and emergency calls using dispatch software.
• Provide pre‑arrival medical instructions following department protocol.
• Document all activity, locations, and statuses in the dispatch system for rapid dissemination.
• Interpret city ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor the National Weather Service.
• Operate the City Emergency Warning System and notify key personnel during emergencies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all communications and sensitive information.
• Adhere to the assigned work schedule as outlined by city attendance policies.
• Drive to other city locations for meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence.
• Communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and the public.
• Produce high‑quality, timely work outcomes.
• Plan, organize, and manage work time and resources.
• Speak clearly and precisely.
• Analyze and evaluate emergency situations and take appropriate action.
• Work well under pressure.
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergencies.
• Operate computer terminals and access automated data banks.
• Work in confined areas for 8+ hours, remaining seated or standing as required.
• Simultaneously handle multiple tasks and data streams.
• Concentrate amid distractions.
• Operate equipment such as door monitors, printers, voice recorders, intercoms, alarm panels, and weather monitoring devices.
• Arrive on time consistently.
• Work holidays, weekends, nights, and on short notice when required.
• Collaborate in a team environment and treat co‑workers and customers with respect.
• Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
• Show flexibility and adaptability during stressful or changing situations.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in a high public‑contact/customer service role requiring decision‑making and problem‑solving under stress.
• Prior experience in a multi‑task environment involving data entry, telephone, customer service, and/or radio communications.
• Ability to achieve a minimum of 30 words per minute on keying tests.
• Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License.
• Willingness to work various shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends.

Must obtain Basic Telecommunicator and NCIC/TCIC or Full Access Operator certificates and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) within one year from hire date.

• Pass a drug screen, background check, driving record check, polygraph, psychological assessment, and medical screen including a hearing test.
• Meet criminal background criteria (no Class B convictions in the last 10 years, no violent or drug‑related convictions, no falsified history statements, etc.).
• Meet drug use criteria (no illegal use of…