Communications Operator

Job Summary

A Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Communications Operator Recruit/Trainee will receive a 8‑week training course to become a successful Communications Operator and pass the State Exam. This person receives and transmits emergency and routine voice radio messages, dispatches required equipment and personnel in accordance with established policies and procedures, and performs clerical support related to communication activities. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Safety Training Coordinator.

This position is considered essential under the CCSO Emergency Plan. Pay Grade starts at $38,350 prior to passing the State Exam, $44,395 after passing the State Exam.

• Monitors radio receiver for all communications concerning the Sheriff's Department, including radio traffic of other related safety agencies or fire department, and maintains communication with all units.
• Receives emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service; determines nature and location of emergency, determines priority and dispatches appropriate emergency personnel and units as necessary and in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Operates a computer terminal to obtain information as requested on drivers, vehicles, wanted suspects, and other pertinent data and makes law enforcement related entries.
• Reviews various documentation and/or processes and forwards or takes other action as appropriate.
• Copies and distributes maps, correspondence, reports, and related documents.
• Maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, map books, etc., for reference and/or review.
• Communicates effectively, concisely, and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications along with all responsibilities of a call‑taker.
• All other job duties as assigned.

• Pass all phases of Communications Operator training (Academy, Call‑taking, Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS radio).
• Learn and maintain proficiency regarding geographic features and streets within the area served.
• Obtain and maintain required certifications in CPR/AED, Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator, FCIC/NCIC, and Emergency Medical Dispatch.
• Learn and work with the Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) System.
• Learn and understand police codes, practices, and methods.
• Learn policies and procedures utilized in dispatching units to emergencies.
• Operate all equipment listed in the “Equipment Used” section.
• Type 40 correct words per minute.
• Report for work within three hours of being called in.
• Operate radio equipment quickly and calmly in routine and emergency situations.
• Work under pressure; understand, retain, and transmit data while performing several functions at one time. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
• Establish and maintain effective cooperative working relationships with department staff, various public agencies, the general public, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Operate communications equipment by performing multiple hand and foot functions simultaneously; remain calm and make sound decisions in emergency situations.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Prefer two‑year degree from an accredited college or field; other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
• Demonstrate competence in the use of computers and type at a rate of 40 correct words per minute.
• Pass mandatory testing on call center (911 operator), basic computer terminology, spelling, grammar, basic number conversion, Windows, and critical thinking to demonstrate computer competency.
• Pass the Communications Academy and all phases of the Communications training program.
• Obtain State of Florida Public Safety Tele‑communicator certification, basic FCIC/NCIC certification, and EMD/CPR certification.
• Commit to a minimum of two years of training before being eligible to apply for other internal positions/transfers.

Computer and related software, copy machine, teletype, telephone, TDD, FCIC/NCIC terminal.

Mostly sitting at a desk with some…