LAW ENFORCEMENT DISPATCHER (CLASS TITLE: DUTY OFFICER)

State of Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking a Duty Officer/Law Enforcement Dispatcher to monitor radio and teletype systems, dispatch officers to incidents, and manage information flow 24 hours a day in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires proficiency with Word, Excel, and Outlook, typing at least 35 WPM, and successful completion of background and CJIS-related checks. Rotating shifts, including nights and holidays, are required.

Qualifications

• Willing to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Willing to be onsite within the hour during staffing shortages or emergencies.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Type a minimum of 35 correct words per minute.
• Must pass a level 1 background check and pre-employment test.
• Must obtain CJIS certification within six months.
• Pass a level 2 background check.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate two-way radio and teletype systems.
• Dispatch officers to citizen complaints or crimes in progress.
• Document messages regarding officer safety between field and base.
• Maintain location and status of officers via radio and phone.
• Operate FCIC/NCIC terminal.
• Broadcast BOLO alerts for dangerous or wanted individuals.
• Receive and enter emergency and routine requests.
• Disseminate information to authorized personnel 24 hours per day.
• Stay current on procedures, laws, rules, and regulations and share with others.
• Handle various administrative tasks.

Skills

Typing 35 wpm

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Tools

FCIC/NCIC terminal

CJIS certification

Job description

Requisition No: 880545

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: LAW ENFORCEMENT DISPATCHER (CLASS TITLE: DUTY OFFICER)

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77071028

Salary: $1,651.38 Bi-weekly

Posting Closing Date: 10/29/2026

WHAT IS THE FWC?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is a constitutional state agency entrusted with conserving fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well‑being and the benefit of the people. The FWC Division of Law Enforcement protects Florida’s natural resources and people through proactive and responsive law enforcement services. FWC Officers are state law enforcement police officers who are also dually certified as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Fish and Wildlife Service federal officers that can enforce federal laws pertaining to national marine fishery and federal fish / wildlife violations. FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement is the leading conservation law enforcement agency in the nation, set apart by strategic vision, clear missions, strong leadership, and a professional officer Corp.

WHAT IS AN FWC DUTY OFFICER?

A Duty Officer is a certified law enforcement dispatcher who is responsible for monitoring and operating a two-way radio system, FCIC/ NCIC computer terminal (i.e., teletype) communication, and making independent decisions. Duty Officers learn and master the art of multitasking while composing and disseminating information through various communication sources to deliver routine and/or emergency correspondence to agency personnel, partnering law enforcement agencies, and the public to remain compliant with standards set forth by the Agency, Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Tasks performed by the Duty Officer include but are not limited to:

• Monitor and operate a two-way radio system, telephone, and teletype system
• Dispatch law enforcement officers and other personnel to citizen complaints and/or crimes in progress
• Communicate and formally document messages regarding the safety of officers performing hazardous duties between the field and base station
• Contacts law enforcement administrators regarding any emergency radio broadcast and maintains location and status of law enforcement personnel through constant radio and telephone contact
• Operates the Florida Crime Information Center / National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) computer terminal
• Broadcasts ‘Be on the Look Out’ (BOLO) alerts regarding dangerous or wanted criminals
• Receives emergency and/or routine requests to and from officers and enters these messages into the computer
• Evaluates, disseminates, and provides criminal and/or confidential information to authorized personnel 24 hours per day
• Expected to remain current on all procedures, laws, rules, and regulations, and disseminate this information to the public and staff as necessary
• Handles various administrative tasks as required

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Do you want to earn a good salary, secure benefits, and plan for your retirement?

• Agency-sponsored training and state certification combined with on-the-job training while working towards professional certification
• Annual and Sick Leave Package
• Nine Paid Holidays
• State Health and Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance Options such as Disability, Dental and Vision
• Contributory Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition waivers for college courses

Become a part of the team of Duty Officers (dispatchers) who work cohesively in the Regional Communication Center (RCC). Dispatchers also work in unison with statewide RCCs to form a close bond that bolsters a family friendly environment while cultivating a positive and welcoming workplace culture.

A rewarding career that can make a difference in public safety, resource protection and conservation. This is a unique and challenging position requiring quick thinking, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm and professional while responding to stressful situations and emotionally charged individuals.

SALARY

$42,935.88 Annually ($1,651.38 bi-weekly)

Salary Incentives Include

• Shift Differential pay:10% for evening shifts and 15% for overnight shifts
• Communications Training Officer (CTO) pay: 5% increase while training
• Career Development Plan opportunities
• Duty Officer Supervisor roles
• Regional Communications Center Management positions

Notice

Applicants, including qualified veterans seeking veteran's preference: Due to FDLE CJIS security requirements regarding FCIC/NCIC access, candidates/veterans selected for consideration must successfully pass a preliminary level 1 background check prior to participating in the required Public‑Safety Dispatcher/Call Taker Pre‑employment testing. Applicants that pass the pre‑determined test scoring criteria will be invited to participate in a verbal assessment and interview

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be willing to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing to be called in to work during staff shortages, special details or emergency situations and be onsite within the hour.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Type a minimum of 35 correct words per minute.
• Qualified applicants/veterans selected for consideration are required to pass a preliminary level -1 background check to advance to the Public‑Safety Dispatcher / Call Taker Pre‑Employment Test (Please allow for 1 ½ to 2 hours for this assessment). Applicants passing the pre‑determined scoring criteria will advance to a verbal assessment and interview.
• Employee must obtain CJIS certification within first six months of employment.
• Pass a level 2 background check.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.