Communications Call Taker

Sheriffleefl; Fort Myers, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision benefits

Life Insurance

EAP access

Vacation & leave

FRS retirement

Medical clinic access

Educational program

Uniforms provided

Job summary

The Lee County Sheriff's Office in Fort Myers, FL is seeking Communications Call Takers to handle 911 and non-emergency calls in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. The role requires quick thinking, clear communication, and strong information gathering skills.

Training is provided, with potential career progression to Dispatcher. The position offers extensive benefits including health, dental, vision coverage, retirement, paid leave, and uniforms.

Qualifications

• Must possess strong visual acuity and hearing accuracy.
• Ability to write clearly and spell correctly for record maintenance.
• Structured training with Certified Trainer and state certification exam.

Responsibilities

• Obtain information from callers to determine incident location.
• Relay information to responding personnel to maximize dispatch accuracy.
• Operate CAD terminal for data entry and maintain records.
• Communicate clearly with the public, especially in stressful situations.
• Multitask in a high-stress environment and follow instructions.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Communication skills

Typing proficiency

Computer literacy

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Computer terminals

Multi-line phone systems

Radio communications devices

CAD terminal

Job description

Starting Salary: $56,670

The Lee County Sheriff's Office provides a comprehensive compensation package to include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits: As an employee, you do not pay a premium for yourself or any covered dependents for these benefits. This is paid by the agency 100%.
• Life Insurance
• EAP access (counseling and support services)
• 3 weeks vacation, 2 weeks sick leave and 100 hours personal leave annually
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with agency contributions annually
• Access to a free medical clinic for acute care needs, with a primary care provider, including annual physicals, office visits, lab work, and many generic medications through the Employee Benefits Plan for you and your dependents.
• Educational Program for approved majors
• Uniforms provided

Role and Responsibilities:

This role operates within a fast-paced, high-stress environment and requires a professional who can consistently perform under pressure. The ideal candidate will possess a combination of strong analytical abilities, sound judgment, and excellent communication skills.

This is a critical position that serves as the vital link between our citizens and law enforcement. Communications Call Takers are essential employees required to work 12-hour rotating shifts, days/nights/weekends/holidays/inclement weather/major incidents.

As a Communications Call Taker, you will serve as the initial point of contact for 911 emergency and non-emergency calls for service. This position demands the ability to think quickly and utilize common sense to efficiently collect, organize, and interpret sensitive information from callers. Primary duties will include:

• Obtaining all necessary information from telephone callers to determine the incident location.
• Skill in the operation of modern communications equipment including computer terminals and keyboards, multi-line phone systems, radio communications devices, and using maps and other advanced computer technology.
• Relaying information to responding personnel to maximize dispatch accuracy and speed.
• Operating a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) terminal for data entry, requiring typing proficiency.
• Maintaining various records and files, demonstrating attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Communicating with the public in a clear, concise, and calm manner, particularly when dealing with frightened, hysterical, or angry callers.
• Ability to multitask in a high-stress environment.
• Adhering strictly to oral and written instructions.
• Sitting for extended periods while on duty.

Qualifications and Training

Candidates must possess strong visual acuity and hearing accuracy to effectively perform all duties. The ability to write clearly and spell correctly is essential for record maintenance.

Training consists of a structured program designed to ensure proficiency in all aspects of the job. This includes classroom instruction and hands-on training with a Certified Trainer. Upon successful completion of all training phases, candidates are required to pass a state certification exam.

This position offers a clear career path, with Communications Call Takers having the opportunity to advance and train as Dispatchers. The Dispatcher role involves prioritizing calls and dispatching deputies, requiring continued professional development and a deep understanding of public safety procedures.

Physical Demands:

• Sit or stand and work on the computer for long periods of time
• Talk, hear with both ears while wearing a headset on one ear and also listening to coworkers/trainers/supervisors with the other ear
• Use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms
• Repetitive motion using coordination and dexterity abilities
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus and peripheral vision

Minimum Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Must have obtained a high school diploma or GED
• Must be a US Citizen or possess a current permanent resident card
• Must not have been convicted of a felony
• Must not have used illegal drugs in the last 12 months
• Must not have received a dishonorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces
• Must be able to work various shifts with rotating days off, as well as weekends, holidays and emergency events such as hurricanes
• Must be able to speak, write, and understand the English language
• Computer literacy and good typing skills necessary

The Lee County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We proudly recognize Veterans' Preference and are committed to a drug-free workplace.

Service members, veterans, and the spouses and family members of such may be entitled to preference, priority, and waivers for postsecondary educational requirements and are encouraged to apply.

All conditions of this posting are subject to the Sheriff's discretion.