Emergency 911 Dispatcher & Communications Operator

Cookeville; Cookeville (TN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cookeville seeks a Communications Operator I to answer 911 calls, dispatch police units, and transmit messages by radio and telephone under potentially life‑threatening conditions.

Essential duties include monitoring systems, maintaining logs, and ensuring responder safety while handling multiple communications devices. Training and certification in telecommunication standards are required or will be pursued within six months of hire.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent is required.
• Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification and NCIC certification as required by the State of Tennessee or able to attain within six months of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Receives and dispatches radio transmissions to police units.
• Answers 911 calls and coordinates response with emergency services.
• Maintains NCIC? Warrants and related information; logs officer activity; operates CAD and radio equipment.

Skills

FCC radio rules

City street names

Radio equipment

Calm under pressure

Multiple device operation

Clear speech

Instruct others

Courteous communication

Follow instructions

Interagency communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification

NCIC certification

Job description

The City of Cookeville seeks a Communications Operator I to answer 911 calls, dispatch police units, and transmit messages by radio and telephone under potentially life‑threatening conditions.

Essential duties include monitoring systems, maintaining logs, and ensuring responder safety while handling multiple communications devices. Training and certification in telecommunication standards are required or will be pursued within six months of hire.