Police Communications Operator

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Police Communications Operator to support public safety by receiving calls, relaying information, and coordinating responses for Troopers and partner agencies across the state. This role emphasizes accuracy, timeliness, and professional judgment in high-pressure situations.

You will handle emergency calls, dispatch incidents, manage electronic records, assist the public, and participate in ongoing training to maintain readiness and reliability of

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 or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Emergency Call Handling: Receive and assess calls from the public and 911 centers to determine response needs.
• Incident Dispatching: Relay information to Troopers and coordinate with police, fire, medical, and support agencies.
• Record Management: Maintain electronic incident data and research information in state systems.
• Public Assistance: Respond to requests for information from citizens and station visitors.
• Training Participation: Attend required instruction and assist in training new operators on communication procedures.

Skills

Two-way radio

Multi-line telephone

Dispatch systems

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

60 college credits

Tools

CAD systems

State police computer systems

Job description

THE POSITION

Are you interested in supporting critical public safety efforts through fast, reliable communication? As a Police Communications Operator with the Pennsylvania State Police, you help connect citizens and first responders during urgent moments. This role allows you to support public safety by coordinating calls, sharing accurate details, and helping Troopers respond effectively. It is a chance to grow your skills while contributing to the safety and well-being of communities. Appy today to become a part of a team that relies on your focus, judgment, and commitment to service!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports public safety by receiving, managing, and relaying information that helps guide law enforcement response. It plays a key role in connecting callers, Troopers, and partner agencies to ensure accurate and timely communication. As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Emergency Call Handling: Receive and assess calls from the public and 911 centers to determine response needs
• Incident Dispatching: Relay information to Troopers and coordinate with police, fire, medical, and support agencies
• Record Management: Maintain electronic incident data and research information in state systems
• Public Assistance: Respond to requests for information from citizens and station visitors
• Training Participation: Attend required instruction and assist in training new operators on communication 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: Rotating shifts, including 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

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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 Requirement

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance 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.

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.