Public Safety Telecommunicator - Lateral

Position Summary

Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) is recruiting Lateral Public Safety Telecommunicators. Candidates should submit an online application. OVPD will contact applicants to complete a background packet when openings arise. Enquiries can be directed to Mitch Olive at (520) 229‑4962 or ovpdrecruiting.

Must be currently employed as a Police Dispatcher and preferably have two years of continuous police dispatching experience. Experience is considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

ACJIS certification required or ability to complete one within 6 months. Desirable qualifications include Spillman CAD experience and Vesta E911 Phone System experience.

• Participation in any serious crime or behavior deemed serious or inappropriate by OVPD.
• Misdemeanor conviction involving narcotics or drugs deemed serious, excessive, or inappropriate.
• Domestic violence conviction since age 18.
• Illicit use of dangerous drugs deemed serious or inappropriate.
• History of disregard for traffic laws indicating disrespect or risk.
• Negligence in maintaining financial responsibility.
• Failure to follow application and background instructions.

• Receive and respond to emergency and non‑emergency calls, including 911 and enhanced 911.
• Process and evaluate information, prioritize calls, and dispatch units or agencies.
• Monitor and coordinate police unit activity via radio frequencies.
• Maintain status and locations of public safety personnel.
• Utilize computers, radio systems, telephones, fax machines, and other communication equipment.
• Create and maintain logs of public safety communications activity.
• Enter and maintain files for persons or property pending apprehension/recovery.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of information.
• Stay informed of departmental regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in on‑the‑job training for new Public Safety Telecommunicators and submit progress reports.
• Regular and reliable attendance; shift work may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, and regulations governing dispatching.
• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement records‑keeping activities and techniques.
• Skill operating computers and related communication equipment with various software.
• Skill in quick decision making and problem solving.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years (preferable) of continuous police dispatching experience.

• Work performed in an indoor environment.

Signing bonus of $5,000.01 paid in three installments for candidates with two or more years of experience: first at completion of FTO, second after probationary period, and third upon successful rating after second year. At start of employment, receive 80 hours of administrative leave and 80 hours of sick leave.

The Town of Oro Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Town does not discriminate in employment opportunities, benefits, or privileges based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or marital status.