Monitoring Operator

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County in Houston is seeking a Monitoring Operator to join Universal Services. The role supports 24/7 fire and security monitoring, responding to alarms, and notifying responders as needed.

Applicants should have at least 2 years in similar roles, a High School Diploma or GED, and strong communication skills. On-site with a 40-hour week, weekends possible; background check and CJIS considerations apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED mandatory.
• Minimum 2 years in monitoring operator, security officer, dispatcher, or related public safety role.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to document clearly.
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask in a 24/7 environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor fire and security systems and respond to alarms and calls.
• Maintain accurate logs, incident reports, and data entries in designated systems.
• Review surveillance video to document security incidents.
• Work on-site for extended periods; assist training of coworkers.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Security monitoring software

Access control systems

CJIS awareness

Job description

About Harris County and Universal Services:

Harris County Universal Services (Universal Services) is transforming the way the County does business and seeking an experienced Monitoring Operator to join our team.

Universal Services is the enterprise IT solutions center for the departments and offices of Harris County, providing Information Technology, Public Safety and Justice Technologies, 311 Constituent Engagement Services, Fleet Services, and Records and Information Governance Services.

Harris County is the third largest and most diverse county in the nation, with a population of more than 4.7 million, rivaling the size of the entire state of Louisiana. Harris County Commissioners Court, the County’s governing body, directs a budget of more than $4 billion providing essential services including flood control, infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and justice administration.

This is a great time to join Universal Services as we enhance critical services to Harris County residents and internal customers.

Position Summary:

The Monitors Operator responds promptly to incoming alarm signals by reviewing alarm information and following instructions provided within the alarm monitoring system. Processes and resolves events in compliance with established departmental policies, standard operating procedures, and response protocols. Initiate outbound calls to verify alarm activations, dispatches appropriate law enforcement or emergency response personnel. Notifies designated key-holders or responsible parties as required. Receives and responds to inbound telephone calls regarding alarm activations, alarm callbacks, system status, and related security concerns.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Monitors fire and security systems and responds appropriately to alarms, emergencies, and incoming calls.
• Maintains accurate, current, and detailed records, logs, and incident reports. Retrieves information and performs data entry using designated computer systems and software.
• Reviews and analyzes surveillance video to identify and document security incidents.
• May be required to work independently in a secured area for eight hours or longer, with breaks taken within hearing range of telephone and alarm monitors. May also be required to remain on-site for extended periods during emergencies.
• Assists the manager with clerical and administrative duties and provides training and guidance to less experienced coworkers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 80% with a typing speed of 35 wpm and 80% accuracy.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years' experience as monitoring operator, security officer, police dispatcher, or in a related public safety environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working Knowledge of security and fire alarm monitoring systems, access control systems, and related security technologies.
• Proficiency in using personal computers and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prepare grammatically correct written reports, log entries, and correspondence.
• Minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally. with personnel at all levels.
• Ability to remain calm, polite, patient, and efficient during stressful situations and emergencies.
• Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrate initiative, and assume additional responsibilities as needed.

Applicants for this position will be subject to a criminal background check that includes being fingerprinted. This applies to any position with network access to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) or access to an area where CJIS is received, maintained or stored either manually or electronically (i.e. custodian, maintenance).

Automatic Disqualification:

• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for any Felony, and any Class A Misdemeanor
• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B Misdemeanor, if within the previous 10 years
• Open arrest for any criminal offense (Felony or Misdemeanor)
• Family Violence conviction

NOTE:

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Location:

• 406 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77002

Work Schedule:

• 4pm-12am
• 40 Hours per Week / Tuesday- Saturday/Onsite 5 days/week
• Subject to Early Mornings, Evenings, Nights, Weekends & Holidays as Needed.
• May be required to work more than forty hours during the workweek or on weekends when special projects or deadlines need to be met.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

• This Position operates in a professional Central Station monitoring environment that provides 24/7 security monitoring and alarm response.
• The role routinely uses computers, telephone, security monitoring software, access control systems, and other office equipment.
• Operators are required to remain alert, communicate effectively, follow established procedures, and respond promptly to alarms, emergencies, and security-related incidents.
• Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be required.
• Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. and/or move boxes and equipment as needed.
• Subject to kneeling, crouching, handling, climbing, walking, sitting, twisting and reaching are needed to perform the essential functions.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.