911 Telecommunicator

City of San Marcos; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Evening/midnight shift differential

TCIC/NCIC test waiver

Additional hourly compensation for on‑

Job summary

The City of San Marcos is seeking a 911 Telecommunicator to answer calls, dispatch police, fire, and EMS, and support critical public safety operations. The role requires calm decision-making, strong multitasking, and precise data entry to protect the community.

Incentives include bonuses for TCOLE-licensed telecommunicators, additional hourly pay for related experience, and shift differentials for evening and midnight hours. A thorough training program is provided to ensure readiness and safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in emergency dispatch or related fields such as customer service or call centers.

Responsibilities

• Answer and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls; provide pre-arrival instructions for medical, fire, and police emergencies.
• Dispatch police, fire, and EMS personnel; track unit locations and maintain communication with responders.
• Access and operate confidential law enforcement databases to process inquiries and enter data.
• Coordinate mutual aid and maintain contact with internal departments and external agencies during emergencies.
• Serve as the after-hours contact for various city departments and external service providers.
• Operate multiple software systems, including CAD, multiline phone systems, and emergency radio channels.
• Assist with equipment testing and maintenance; help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the communications center.
• Make outgoing calls as needed (e.g., towing services, air ambulance).
• Communicate clearly and professionally; utilize maps and resources; manage multiple tasks under pressure.
• Maintain working knowledge of city geography, landmarks, and emergency service zones.

Skills

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Communication skills

Data entry accuracy

Decision making

Stress management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD

Multiline phone systems

TCIC/NCIC/TLETS/NLETS databases

Job description

Posting number: 202600135

Department: Police

Job classification: 911 Telecommunicator

Posting type: Open

Categories: Dispatch, 911 Telecommunications

Summary

Big Hiring Incentives Now Available!
$5,000 for TCOLE-licensed Telecommunicators
$2,500 for all other qualified applicants
Shift differential for evening and midnight shifts
CritiCall test waiver for experienced 9-1-1 Telecommunicators
Additional hourly compensation offered for candidates with recent, directly related experience

The 911 Telecommunicator plays a vital role in public safety by answering emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching appropriate response units, and maintaining communication with callers and field personnel. This position requires strong multitasking skills, calm decision-making under pressure, and a commitment to serving the community with professionalism and care. Telecommunicators operate specialized equipment and databases to support police, fire, and EMS operations and serve as a critical link between the public and emergency services.

Examples of duties

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Answer and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls; provide pre-arrival instructions for medical, fire, and police emergencies.
• Dispatch police, fire, and EMS personnel; track unit locations and maintain communication with responders.
• Access and operate confidential law enforcement databases (e.g., TCIC, NCIC, TLETS, NLETS) to process inquiries and enter data.
• Coordinate mutual aid and maintain contact with internal departments and external agencies during emergencies.
• Serve as the after-hours contact for various city departments and external service providers (e.g., TXDOT, utility companies).
• Operate multiple software systems, including CAD, multiline phone systems, and emergency radio channels.
• Assist with equipment testing and maintenance; help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the communications center.
• Make outgoing calls as needed (e.g., towing services, air ambulance).
• Communicate clearly and professionally; utilize maps and resources; manage multiple tasks under pressure.
• Maintain working knowledge of city geography, landmarks, and emergency service zones.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in emergency dispatch or related fields such as customer service or call centers.
• Must pass a skills test demonstrating computer proficiency, data entry accuracy, decision-making, and stress management.
• Must obtain a TCOLE Telecommunicator License within one year of employment (includes CPR, Basic Telecommunicator Licensing, TDD/TTY, and field training).
• Must complete all modules of the San Marcos 911 Telecommunications Training Program within the designated timeframe.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record within three months of hire.
• Must be a U.S. citizen at time of hire.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Supplemental information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work in a 24/7/365 emergency communications environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and relay information quickly and accurately in emergencies.
• Proficiency in managing multiple computer systems and emergency communication devices.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, other departments, and the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires frequent sitting, hearing, and visual use. Occasional tasks may include bending, twisting, and reaching. Rarely, lifting up to 45 pounds and exposure to infectious diseases or extreme weather may occur.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a secure communications center with limited breaks and high-stress situations. Telecommunicators are considered essential staff and must report during emergencies. This is a safety-sensitive position and may require physical testing for licensing.