Police Communications Operator

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Canaan Township (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Police Communications Operator to join the Pennsylvania State Police. You will handle emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch services, and maintain secure electronic records to support Troopers in real-time.

The role requires a clear, firm voice, ability to work rotating shifts, and certification as a Public Safety Telecommunicator within probation. Candidates must meet background and CJIS requirements and may pursue CLEAN and JNET certifications.

Qualifications

• Must have a clear, firm voice and no major speech, hearing, or visual impairments that would interfere with communication.

Responsibilities

• Call handling: Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and gather key information.
• Incident coordination: Dispatch required services and relay information to Troopers and partner agencies.
• Record management: Maintain electronic records and research information using secure systems.
• Public assistance: Respond to administrative questions and assist station visitors.
• Training support: Take part in communications training and help new operators learn procedures.

Skills

Clear voice

Education

60 college credits

Equivalent experience/training

Job description

As a Police Communications Operator with the Pennsylvania State Police, you will be part of fast-paced processes that help keep communities safe. This role helps Troopers respond quickly and accurately by relaying vital information that shapes real outcomes. It is a great chance for someone who excels at communicating and staying calm under pressure to make a difference.

This position supports daily law enforcement activities by receiving, transmitting, and communicating public safety information. It operates radio, telephone, and computer systems; reads and interprets maps; and prioritizes tasks effectively in real time. As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Call Handling: Answer incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and gather key information
• Incident Coordination: Dispatch required services and relay information to Troopers and partner agencies
• Record Management: Maintain electronic records and research information using secure systems
• Public Assistance: Respond to administrative questions and assist station visitors
• Training Support: Take part in communications training and help new operators learn procedures.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours to be determined. Your schedule will include rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework:You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• Two years of experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems; or
• Two years of experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information; or
• Completion of 60 college credits;or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements

• You must possess a clear, firm voice and no major speech, hearing, or visual impairments that would interfere with understanding verbal communication, being understood, or using electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment.
• You must obtain an active Public Safety Telecommunicator certification issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
• You must obtain active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certifications issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.

Additional Requirements

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements

• This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.