Police Communications Operator

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Police Communications Operator for the Pennsylvania State Police to support Troopers in handling emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching incidents, and maintaining accurate records. This role emphasizes accuracy, calm thinking, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include call handling, incident dispatch, record management, public assistance, and training support, with rotating shifts and no telework option.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Call Handling: Receive emergency and non-emergency calls, gather details, and determine response priorities.
• Incident Dispatch: Relay information to Troopers and request assistance from outside agencies as needed.
• Record Management: Use electronic systems toresearch, maintain, and update incident information.
• Public Assistance: Provide basic information to callers and assist station visitors seeking help.
• Training Support: Participate in training and help new operators learn communication procedures.
• Operational Response: Report to designated locations and support emergency operations when directed.

Skills

Two-way radio

Multi-line telephone

CAD systems

Education

60 college credits

Job description

As a Police Communications Operator for the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), you will play an important part in connecting callers with the help they need. This position allows you to use your focus and communication skills to support Troopers during both routine and high-pressure situations. You will work in a fast-paced environment that values accuracy, calm thinking, and teamwork. Your role will help Troop K, Media provide dependable service to the public.

This position focuses on receiving calls, gathering information, and coordinating communication to support police response efforts. You will relay important details to Troopers, maintain records, and assist callers and visitors as needed. As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Call Handling:Receive emergency and non-emergency calls, gather details, and determine response priorities
• Incident Dispatch:Relay information to Troopers and request assistance from outside agencies as needed
• Record Management:Use electronic systems to research, maintain, and update incident information
• Public Assistance:Provide basic information to callers and assist station visitors seeking help
• Training Support:Participate in training and help new operators learn communication procedures
• Operational Response:Report to designated locations and support emergency operations when directed

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.