Public Safety Telecommunicator I or II

Public Safety Telecommunicator – Salary and Incentives

Candidate's starting salary will be between $25.68/hr. and $39.39/hr.

• Public Safety Telecommunicator I: $25.68 – $33.38/hr.
• Public Safety Telecommunicator II: $28.13 – $39.39/hr.

The schedule requires the ability to work 12‑hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Call Processing and Dispatch Operations
  :
  Receives emergency and non‑emergency calls, prioritizes, determines appropriate response, dispatches personnel, provides information to responders, monitors unit status.
• Interagency Coordination
  :
  Contacts neighboring agencies, relays information, sends/receives teletypes for warrants and protective orders.
• Records Management and Documentation
  :
  Enters incident, call, and case information accurately; prepares reports, maintains logs, ensures compliance with reporting requirements; handles criminal history checks and special entries.
• Customer Service and Public Interaction
  :
  Communicates professionally with citizens, obtains information from distressed callers, accepts payments for permits and releases, issues receipts.
• Licensing, Compliance, and Training
  :
  Completes required training, continuing education, and semi‑annual evaluations to maintain Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCOLE) certification; follows policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Emergency Response Support
  :
  Provides operational support during major incidents, disasters, or high‑priority situations; coordinates with command staff and responders.
• Other Duties:
  Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Emergency Communications Operations – knowledge of dispatch procedures, public safety operations, operating radio, telephone, and dispatch equipment.
• Technology and Records Systems – knowledge of computers, hardware, software; skill in entering, retrieving, and maintaining accurate data.
• Public Safety Knowledge – ability to learn police, fire, and EMS operations; city geography; coordinating response across disciplines.
• Operational Skills and Decision‑Making – ability to prioritize multiple calls under high stress; skill in obtaining critical information and making accurate dispatch decisions.
• Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness – exceptional oral and written communication; ability to interact professionally with citizens, coworkers, and partner agencies.
• Other Skills – typing proficiency of at least 32 words per minute; composure in stressful situations; sound judgment.

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications

• High School diploma or equivalent, and one (1) year dispatch experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must pass a post‑offer pre‑employment drug screening and Critical test.
• Requires Basic Telecommunicator Certification through TCOLE within one (1) year of hire. Candidates with current TCOLE Telecommunicator License are preferred.
• May be required to acquire additional certification.

• 0–4 years of experience as a public safety dispatcher.
• TCOLE Basic or Intermediate Telecommunicator License.

• 5+ years of experience as a public safety dispatcher.
• TCOLE Advanced or Master’s Telecommunicator License.