Communications Officer

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Please read all requirements and review the interview process in entirety.

Under direct supervision of a Communications Shift Supervisor, operates equipment and coordinates all emergency and non-emergency calls coming into the Police Department for Police/Fire/EMS services. Position requires constant contact with the public in stressful situations that require the ability to remain calm, think clearly, use good judgment, and have clear, understandable speaking skills.

Benefits at the City of Rowlett include:

• TMRS participation 2:1 match
• 10 days of vacation/sick/holiday per year
• Longevity Pay
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D 2x annual salary
• Long- and Short-Term Disability
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual Step/Merit Raises

FY2026 Step Pay Plan:

Step 1 $ 51,909.96
Step 2 $ 55,204.75
Step 3 $ 58,499.54
Step 4 $ 61,794.34
Step 5 $ 65,089.13
Step 6 $ 68,383.92
Step 7 $ 71,678.71

Step increases are given annually on the employee's position date.

Lateral pay up to Step 3 ($58,499.54) will be considered for those with qualifying experience.

Responsibilities:

• Answer 911 emergency phone lines and non-emergency lines; obtain necessary information about emergencies or complaints; determine what Fire or Police equipment is needed on the scene; contact police officers and fire personnel in the field via two-way radio and relay emergency information and pertinent data.
• Monitor various Police, Fire and City radio frequencies; operate a Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to maintain accurate dispatch records; transmit relevant information to field officers as requested; notify off-duty and on-call personnel when additional manpower is needed.
• Monitor teletype for severe weather bulletins; broadcast warnings over radio channels. Monitor city alarm systems; perform periodic tests on police and fire radio and warning equipment; file and maintain various communication logs and records; monitor closed circuit television equipment; update and maintain various databases in the CAD system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required; related experience with computer-aided dispatch systems in a public safety position preferred.
• General knowledge of office procedures such as filing and records maintenance; computer skills in Microsoft Office applications; ability to read, interpret and apply operating manuals and other reference materials.
• Knowledge of two-way radio, multi-line telephone system, Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) phones, 911 equipment, and CAD; ability to successfully pass a simulated dispatch test with an overall score of 80%, and a minimum score of 4004 keystrokes per hour (KPH); speak clearly and concisely; ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under stress; ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from distraught and irate citizens;
  
  ability to coordinate a number of activities at the same time under intense stress.
• Valid driver's license required. Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards as established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to the departmental Director or designee within two working days of receipt.
• Must obtain state dispatcher certification within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment. Must attend in-service training, which includes CPR, 40 hours of annual Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) training, and other mandated courses.
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts as assigned, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled office environment; physical demands are sedentary in nature and include sitting for long periods of time and constant interaction with a computer.