Police Communications Operator

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Meadville (Crawford County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Police Communications Operator to support state police by handling calls, sharing vital information, and coordinating responses.

This full-time, on-site role requires quick thinking, clear communication, and accuracy in entering records and dispatching assistance to troopers and the public.

You will work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, and must pass background checks and certifications; telework is not offered.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Emergency Calls: Receive and assess calls from the public and 911 centers to determine needed response
• Incident Dispatch: Relay information to troopers, contact support agencies, and monitor incident activity
• Record Systems: Use electronic systems to research, enter, and maintain incident and criminal history information
• Public Assistance: Respond to questions from the public and assist station visitors with basic service needs
• Training Participation: Attend structured safety communications training and assist with training new operators
• Emergency Response: Report to alternate locations when directed during major incidents or continuity operations

Skills

Two-way radio experience

Public safety dispatch

Data entry/records management

Education

60 college credits

Job description

Do you want to play an essential role in supporting public safety across the Commonwealth? As a Police Communications Operator with the Pennsylvania State Police, you will handle important calls, share vital information, and help coordinate responses. Your work will support troopers as they answer emergencies and assist the public. Become part of a unit where your quick thinking and clear communication make a difference.

This position supports public safety efforts by receiving calls, sharing information, and coordinating communication between the public, troopers, and outside agencies. The work involves gathering details, entering records, and helping manage both emergency and non-emergency situations. As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Emergency Calls: Receive and assess calls from the public and 911 centers to determine needed response
• Incident Dispatch: Relay information to troopers, contact support agencies, and monitor incident activity
• Record Systems: Use electronic systems to research, enter, and maintain incident and criminal history information
• Public Assistance: Respond to questions from the public and assist station visitors with basic service needs
• Training Participation: Attend structured safety communications training and assist with training new operators
• Emergency Response: Report to alternate locations when directed during major incidents or continuity operations

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-hour work week
• Work hours involve rotating shifts, which include weekends and holidays.
• 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.