911 Emergency Communications Operator

Atlantic Beach Ocean Rescue; Florida; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Atlantic Beach is seeking an Emergency Communications Operator to handle 911 and non-emergency calls, dispatch public safety units, and maintain critical logs. The role requires the ability to perform under stress and coordinate multi-agency responses from a centralized communications center.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and two years of related experience, with NCIC/FCIC certification within six months and ongoing recertification.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or equivalent and two years of experience.
• Must be able to obtain NCIC/FCIC certification within six months and recertify every two years.
• Ability to operate multi-channel radio equipment and dispatch units under stress.

Responsibilities

• Answer 911, emergency and non-emergency calls; obtain vital information and dispatch officers.
• Maintain logs, information cards, tapes, and records daily.
• Transmit orders and receive messages from law enforcement, fire, emergency services and state agencies.
• Coordinate emergency response and investigations with other entities.
• Operate NCIC/FCIC terminals and access vehicle/location data.
• Prepare data for police reports and administrative analyses.

Skills

Communication skills

Decision making

Stress management

Public safety knowledge

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

NCIC/FCIC access

Public safety dispatch systems

Computer keyboard proficiency

Job description

General Summary

Nestled along Florida's beautiful First Coast, the City of Atlantic Beach is a picturesque coastal community of approximately 14,000 residents, featuring two miles of pristine sandy beaches, more than 65 acres of parks and recreational spaces, and the charm of small-town living just minutes from the vibrant City of Jacksonville.

Nestled along Florida's beautiful First Coast, the City of Atlantic Beach is a picturesque coastal community of approximately 14,000 residents, featuring two miles of pristine sandy beaches, more than 65 acres of parks and recreational spaces, and the charm of small-town living just minutes from the vibrant City of Jacksonville.

The City takes pride in its strong sense of community, commitment to public service, and friendly, supportive work environment. Our employees play an essential role in preserving the quality of life that makes Atlantic Beach such a special place to live, work, and visit.

We offer competitive compensation, an excellent benefits package, professional development and training opportunities, and opportunities for career advancement. Whether serving our residents, supporting local businesses, or helping maintain a safe and welcoming community, our employees make a meaningful difference every day.

Join our team and discover the rewards of serving a community that truly values its employees and the people they serve!

IMPORTANT NOTICE – TEMPORARY HIRING FREEZE

The City of Atlantic Beach is currently under a temporary hiring freeze through November 15, 2026. The City may continue to accept applications, screen candidates, and conduct interviews during this period; however, any hiring decision or offer of employment is contingent upon the City Commission lifting or otherwise authorizing an exception to the hiring freeze. Posting this vacancy does not guarantee that the position will be filled.

This position performs specialized work in areas of emergency communications. Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service by answering and responding to incoming telephone/911 lines, dispatching officers to calls, operating two-way/multi-channel radio equipment to obtain and relay information; maintaining various logs and files and performing related clerical administrative tasks. Work is performed under general supervision in accordance with departmental procedures. Employees must exercise initiative and independent judgment to properly react and respond appropriately under very stressful conditions. Job requires deskbound work and rotational shift assignment as assigned. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through direct observation, audit of tapes, review of logs, and supervisory meetings to ensure compliance with policy and procedures and established standards.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Answer 911, emergency and non-emergency calls; receive walk-in complaints from citizens of Atlantic Beach and public safety officers; obtain vital information; refer callers to appropriate agencies or contacts agencies for caller; keep in telephone contact with caller when situation dictates. Actively solicit information from citizens about service requests and calm citizens during critical incidents in order to obtain information or de-escalate the situation before officers arrive.
• Make emergency notifications to Administrative staff.
• Maintain, update, and file all appropriate logs, information cards, tapes, and other records and documents daily.
• Transmit orders and receive messages from law enforcement units, fire department units, emergency response units, local and State agencies, wrecker services, utility workers, and others; determine correct use of action, priority, and number of units to dispatch.
• Obtain pertinent and accurate information; maintain constant knowledge of available units, pursuit procedures, and emergency alert and disaster procedures.
• Coordinate joint emergency response/investigations with other entities.
• Electronically record/search for data in multi-application computer systems.
• Prepare chronological data to assist Officers in their reports. Research data to provide administrative reports.
• Operate National Crime Information Center/Florida Crime Information Center computer terminal; receive and disseminate information on stolen vehicles, articles, wanted, and missing persons.
• Maintain current knowledge of all main thoroughfares, access routes, and roads closed for construction or repair.
• Provide information about various public assistance entities and community services available to citizens in need.
• Conduct various checks to ensure equipment is functioning properly. Report malfunctions/breakage of equipment to proper vendor. May perform minor repairs as instructed by vendors.
• Monitor life safety and emergency power systems within the Public Safety building and evacuate / notify the appropriate person(s) in the event of an incident.
• Perform data entry of traffic citations and other reports.
• Complete Daily Checklist for communications center equipment and report deficiencies for repair to appropriate person/agency.
• Monitor surveillance cameras in city parks, in and around the Public Safety Building and dispatch officer to any suspicious activity.
• Monitor automated vehicle location system for officer safety and assignment of calls for service.
• Be familiar and comply with accreditation standards.
• Be prepared to evacuate the police Emergency Communications Division to an alternate location 24hrs./day for an unknown length of time in the event of severe weather or other catastrophic event.
• Review, understand and sign off on all policies and training pertinent to Emergency Communications, police operations and city policy.
• Perform all other related duties as required.

Education And Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent and at least two (2) years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preference may be given to candidates whose qualifications and experience exceed the minimum requirements. Starting pay may be established at a higher step within the approved pay range, based on relevant qualifications, experience, and applicable City policies.

Licenses And/or Certificates

• Must be able to meet requirements and qualify for Nation Crime Information center/Florida Crime Information center (NCIC/FCIC) certification after six months of training and recertify every two years.
• Must complete 360 hours of Field Training and pass all associated knowledge tests and performance standards.
• Complete state mandated 232 hours of Emergency Communications Operator curriculum and pass a State of Florida certification exam for 911 PST and recertify every two years by completing a minimum of 20 CEU hrs.
• Obtain FEMA ISS certification levels 100,200,700,800 and FEMA IS 5.A.
• Complete training and pass certification on Florida DAVID system annually.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge of public safety agency rules, regulations, and methods of operations. Knowledge of police and Public Utility dispatch procedures. Knowledge of the street systems in Atlantic Beach. Knowledge of telephone and radio operating requirements and techniques. Knowledge of NCIC/FCIC regulations and CJIS regulations.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to make quick and accurate decisions and coordinate multiple tasks in stressful situations. Ability to read maps, use a computer keyboard, update and keep accurate records. Ability to deal courteously and respectfully with the public.

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.