Emergency Communications Specialist, Trainee

Xxx

Fort Myers (FL)

On-site

USD 28,000 - 33,000

Full time

9 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

Sick leave pool

Job summary

Lee County Public Safety in Fort Myers, FL seeks motivated Emergency Communications Specialist Trainees to join the Division of Emergency Communications. You will answer 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, gather critical information, and provide life-saving instructions while coordinating dispatch.

No prior emergency communications experience is required; comprehensive training and certifications are funded by the department, with opportunities for FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification and Drone

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required.
Six months of telecommunications or call center experience preferred.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and maintain composure.
Willingness to complete CJIS background checks and certifications during probation.

Responsibilities

Receive and process 9-1-1, emergency, and non-emergency calls.
Gather information quickly and accurately for dispatch.
Provide pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions to callers.
Dispatch Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement resources using CAD and radio systems.

Skills

Telecommunications

Call center operations

High-stress customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Are you someone who stays calm under pressure, thrives in fast‑paced environments, and wants to make a direct impact on your community? Lee County Public Safety is seeking motivated Emergency Communications Specialist, Trainees to join our Division of Emergency Communications. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in telecommunications, call center operations, or other high‑stress customer service settings—and a passion for helping people during their most critical moments. Whether you're coming from customer service, healthcare, hospitality, public safety, technology, or another fast‑paced environment, your skills may translate well to emergency communications. We provide comprehensive training and certifications to prepare you for a career in 9-1-1. As an Emergency Communications Specialist, you’ll be the vital link between the public and first responders. You will answer 9-1-1 and non‑emergency calls, gather critical information, provide life‑saving instructions, and coordinate the dispatch of fire, EMS, and law enforcement units. This position demands strong communication skills, quick decision‑making, and the ability to adapt rapidly to changing situations. All required training and certifications are fully funded by the department. If you’re ready for a meaningful career where every shift makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Duties and Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

Emergency Call Handling & Assistance

Receive and process 9-1-1, emergency, and non-emergency calls.
Gather and evaluate information quickly and accurately.
Provide pre‑arrival and post‑dispatch instructions.
Prioritize calls and enter events into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

Dispatch & Radio Operations

Train to dispatch Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement resources using advanced Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and public safety radio systems.
Monitor responder status and maintain situational awareness.
Analyze evolving situations and take action to support responder safety.
Coordinate mutual aid and outside agency assistance when needed.

Operational Support & Teamwork

Collaborate with fellow call takers and dispatchers in a fast‑paced, team‑focused environment.
Maintain confidentiality of caller and operational information.
Deliver excellent customer service to the public and public safety community.
Support countywide coverage by reassigning units as needed.

Training & Certification

Achieve and maintain all required certifications, including:
Emergency Medical Dispatch
Emergency Fire Dispatch
Emergency Police Dispatch
CPR certification
CJIS certification Florida DOH 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification
Complete a comprehensive training program that includes 9-1-1 call taking and Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement radio dispatch. Follow department policies and procedures to ensure consistent, high‑quality service.
Specialized Training Opportunities
Opportunities for FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification and participation in the Division's Drone as First Responder (DFR) program.
Additional specialized training and assignments may be available as employees progress through their careers.

Education, Experience, Licensing

What We’re Looking For

High school diploma or GED.
Six months of experience in one of the following areas:
Telecommunications
Call center or contact center operations
High-volume or high-stress customer service
Alarm monitoring or security dispatch
Transportation or utility dispatch
Hospital switchboard operations
Public service aide or 311 call screening
Other comparable experience involving high-volume communication, customer service, multitasking, or problem-solving
Preferred typing speed: 40 wpm.

Background/Certification Requirements

All candidates must successfully pass a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check and complete all required certifications during the probationary period. Continued employment depends on maintaining CJIS clearance.

Required After Hire

Successful completion of call-taking and radio training.
Completion of all required certifications and licenses within prescribed timeframes.

Supplemental Information

As part of the hiring process, candidates will complete a skills-based assessment during the interview. The assessment is designed to evaluate abilities such as multitasking, listening, information processing, decision-making, and attention to detail—skills that are essential to success in emergency communications. Prior emergency communications or dispatch experience is not required to complete the assessment.

Interview & Assessment Process

As part of the hiring process, candidates will complete a skills-based assessment during the interview. The assessment is designed to evaluate abilities such as multitasking, listening, information processing, decision‑making, and attention to detail—skills that are essential to success in emergency communications. Prior emergency communications or dispatch experience is not required to complete the assessment.

Why Join Us?

Emergency Communications Specialists play a critical role in safeguarding the public. You’ll be part of a dedicated team that supports first responders and guides callers through some of their most challenging moments. With comprehensive training, peer support, specialized assignments, and a clear development pathway—including Qualified Dispatcher, Certified Training Officer, and Supervisor—you can build a long‑term, meaningful career in public safety.

Compensation & Benefits

Earn more as you learn: Start at $20.00/hr with automatic pay increases as you successfully progress through designated training milestones. Tuition assistance, generous PTO, paid holidays, sick pool, and more.
Employee assistance programs and peer support for stress management.
Advanced communications technology and modern facilities.

Work Environment & Expectations

This role requires flexibility in a 24/7 emergency operations setting. Candidates must be willing to work 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overnights. Emergency Communications Specialists work in a technology‑driven environment that requires simultaneous listening, speaking, typing, decision‑making, and use of multiple computer systems. The position involves handling emergency and emotionally challenging situations while remaining calm, professional, and focused.

About The Department

The Lee County Division of Emergency Communications serves as the first point of contact during emergencies throughout the county. Our team ensures that fire, EMS, and law enforcement responders receive accurate, timely information so they can deliver effective assistance in the field. We utilize advanced systems, follow national best practices, and provide comprehensive training to ensure our specialists are confident and prepared.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: This job 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, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by his or her supervisor. The job description supersedes prior job descriptions. When duties and responsibilities change and develop the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of business necessity. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre‑employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.

Lee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive, and affordable benefits package. Our Board works in the best interest of employees and strives to provide the most complete, high‑quality benefits package available at the lowest possible cost to the employee. Our Board continues to remain steadfast in maintaining one of the lowest levels of employee costs in our area.

Lee County's benefits package is offered to both regular Full‑time positions and Part‑time positions that are regularly scheduled to work 60 hours or more bi‑weekly. Medical benefits may be offered to On‑Call, Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern employees who meet the Affordable Care Act eligibility criteria.

Lee County employees eligible to participate in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) are required to contribute 3% of each paycheck to FRS. If you have retired from the Florida Retirement Pension plan you will not be eligible for renewed membership in either of the FRS retirement plan options. Retirees of the Investment Plan are eligible for renewed membership in the Investment Plan only. FRS reemployment rules apply for both.

Below is a brief breakdown of what's included in the benefits package that is offered to our employees.

For a more detailed look into our benefits package, please click visit our webpage at www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/FULLTIME%20ACTIVE%20LCBOCC%202024%20Plan%20Year%20OE%20Guide%20FINAL%20AON%202023.09.12.pdf.

To view our employee paid premiums, please visit: https://www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/2024%20Active%20Employee%20Rates.pdf

Health Benefits

Medical Insurance
Plans include, but are not limited to: routine, preventative, mental health, hospitalization, and prescription drug benefits.
Vision, Fitness, Weight Management, Natural Products and Services, and Hearing discount programs available.
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Medical Reimbursement Account
Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
Pharmacy, including Mail‑Order Pharmacy
Informed Health Lines (Nurse Hotline)
Basic Life Insurance (1x or 2x Annual Salary at no cost to employee)
Optional Life Insurance
Long‑Term Disability (60% of pre‑disability salary at no cost to employee)
Short‑Term Disability
Sick Leave Pool
Flu vaccinations
Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits