Communications Specialist

911 Communications Specialist

Join the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Communications Team as a 911 Communications Specialist (911 Call Receiver). KCSO seeks individuals with a desire to serve their community and who possess exceptional customer service and communication skills. A career in this role offers an outstanding opportunity to directly impact lives by making a difference in critical moments.

• Salary: $75,316.80 - $ annually
• Location:
  
  Renton, WA
• Job Type: Civil Service
• Job Number: 2026SR26235
• Department: KCSO - Sheriff’s Office
• Division:
  Support Services
• Opening Date: 01/08/2026
• Closing Date:
  Continuous
• FLSA:
  Non‑Exempt
• Bargaining Unit: K3 : PP&OCED L763-Communication Spec
• Full‑ or Part‑Time:
  Full Time
• Hours/Week: 40 hours/week

• As a Communications Specialist, you will use telephones and radios to provide critical information and communicate directly with callers and Deputies in the field
  . This role handles law‑enforcement specific calls; all requests for fire or EMS are transferred elsewhere.
• Receive, prioritise, and route emergency and non‑emergency calls from the public and other agencies.
• Enter call data into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and route calls to the correct dispatcher or emergency agency.
• Assign response priority by determining whether immediate response could save lives or prevent crimes and relay pertinent information via radio.
• Retrieve information from state and national computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, restraining orders, and criminal histories; relay information to deputies via radio.
• Record information and maintain required logs and event cards.
• Manage multiple radio frequencies and communications simultaneously.
• Communicate effectively with callers who may be confused, upset, hostile, or distraught while gathering needed information.
• Employees may hear graphic descriptions of violence or injury.

• Manage uncertainty and adapt while receiving simultaneous emergency calls.
• Remain calm, quick, and accurate in a variety of emergency situations.
• Multi‑task complex situations that may fluctuate within a short period.
• Quickly learn basic principles and terminology applied to law‑enforcement and emergency management.
• Make quality decisions using knowledge and judgement in a high‑stress environment.
• Instill trust within the organization and community; interact with the public pleasantly and courteously.
• Communicate effectively; exercise patience and remain calm when questioning callers with limited English proficiency or who are verbally abusive.
• Write clearly with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Work interpersonally, establishing effective relationships with employees, law‑enforcement personnel, and the public.
• Manage stress and maintain personal well‑being and resiliency.
• Have basic computer skills.
• Work overtime and irregular hours as required.
• Be willing to work any shift, including overtime, as assigned.
• After 18 months, may be eligible for additional training to advance to Communications Specialist – Dispatcher.

• 911 Call Receiver: $36.21 – $43.77 hourly
• 911 Dispatcher (eligible after 18 months): $45.90 – $50.47 hourly

• United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
• Fluency in English (reading, speaking, writing).
• At least 18 years of age at application time.
• Pass the 911 Dispatcher technical exam and typing exam (35 WPM, 90 % accuracy) within 30 days of applying; scores must be sent to KCSO.
• High school diploma or GED.
• No KCSO automatic disqualifying behavior; submit an up‑to‑date Personal History Statement (PHS).
• Meet all KCSO background standards (Civil Service Rules §10.14).

• Minimum one year of high‑level customer service experience.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to shift tasks quickly.
• Ability to control personal emotional reaction and act under high stress.
• Strong organizational skills, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Strong people skills and high level of customer service.
• Clear, quick speaking voice in English.
• Strong critical thinking skills and composure under pressure.
• Eff…