POLICE COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Police Communications Operator for their University Police Department in Edinburg, Texas. This full-time position involves receiving and prioritizing emergency calls, dispatching services, and monitoring public safety communications. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, with an associate’s degree preferred. Experience in customer service and emergency response is essential. The role requires effective communication skills and the ability to operate under stressful conditions.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED is required.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree or 30 credit hours in Criminal Justice.
• Basic Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunications Operator license or qualification needed.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Dispatch police/security services and track field personnel.
• Coordinate communication between field units and law enforcement agencies.

Skills

Customer service

Emergency response

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in Criminal Justice

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Standard office equipment

Job description

POLICE COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

Posting Number: SRGV8866

Number of Vacancies: 5

Location: Edinburg, Texas

Department: University Police

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Scope of Job

The primary function of a Police Telecommunicator is to receive and prioritize emergency 9‑1‑1 and non‑emergency telephone calls from the public, enter information into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and process non‑emergency and routine requests for police and security services. The Telecommunicator dispatches appropriate emergency services such as police, fire, and emergency medical services, monitors public‑safety units in the field, and retrieves computer data for emergency‑response personnel within the service area. The Telecommunicator may provide alarm and closed‑circuit television monitoring services while performing multiple tasks concurrently in a fast‑paced environment, maintaining a professional and positive demeanor. The Telecommunicator serves as a Campus Security Authority as defined by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and supports law‑enforcement and security efforts of UTPD.

Description of Duties

• Answer emergency and non‑emergency calls for service, receive and record information, and request police/security services in a computerized database.
• Dispatch field personnel according to need and priority of the request for service.
• Transmit and receive radio calls from field units via two‑way radio; speak concisely and distinctly.
• Coordinate and maintain effective communications between field units and neighboring law‑enforcement agencies.
• Use a computer‑aided dispatch system to enter, research, and retrieve information.
• Monitor closed‑circuit television, security, fire, and radiological‑related alarm systems.
• React calmly, quickly, and decisively in emergency situations to obtain, summarize, and relay information both orally and in written form.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Handle multiple tasks under stressful conditions, including activation of emergency procedures for evacuations or similar emergencies.
• Operate specialized communication networking computer terminal to access confidential and restricted law‑enforcement information.
• Compile information from different sources to develop a daily briefing or a log to assist in daily operations of the agency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

Supervisor, Police Telecommunications.

Required Education

High school graduation or GED.

Preferred Education

Associate’s degree or thirty credit hours in Criminal Justice or related field.

Licenses / Certifications

Basic Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunications Operator license or qualification to acquire a basic license.

Required Experience

One year of experience in customer service or a related field.

Applicants may be required to successfully complete a polygraph interview, a criminal background check, and an extensive drug use analysis.

Applicants must successfully complete a Public‑Safety Telecommunication (PST) pre‑employment test administered by the Police Department.

Preferred Experience

One year of experience in a public safety or emergency communications field.

Equipment

Use of standard office equipment, police communications equipment, police radio net, computer‑aided dispatch (CAD), "911" emergency telephone system, security and fire computer system (STAEFA), and other associated computer equipment.

Working Conditions

Perform all required duties in an enclosed, secured communications environment. Work rotating shift assignments on day, evening, and night with varying days off and on holidays. Subject to emergency recall during various types of unusual occurrences and emergencies. UTRGV is a distributed institution, requiring presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category

Full‑Time

Minimum Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Posted Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Position Available Date

03/17/2026

Grant Funded Position

No

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non‑discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities, and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.