Police Communications Operator

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Pennsylvania State Police seeks a Police Communications Operator for Troop F in Milton. You will handle calls, relay dispatches, manage records, assist the public, and support training and emergency responses. The role emphasizes calm, rapid decision-making and teamwork in critical situations.

A rotating schedule with full-time hours is required, and telework is not offered. You will learn and operate state-wide systems and coordinate with Troopers and partner

Qualifications

• This role requires the ability to stay calm and focused while handling high-stress communications.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills are essential for coordinating with Troopers and agencies.
• Ability to operate and research information across multiple information systems.

Responsibilities

• Call Handling: Receive emergency and non-emergency calls and determine response priorities.
• Incident Dispatch: Relay information to Troopers and partner agencies to coordinate responses.
• Record Management: Access and maintain records in law enforcement databases and systems.
• Public Assistance: Respond to questions and assist the public and visitors.
• Training Support: Participate in instruction and help train new operators.
• Emergency Response: Support operations during major incidents or activated plans.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Effective communication

Education

60 college credits

Job description

Become a vital part of public safety as a Police Communications Operator with the Pennsylvania State Police. This role at Troop F, Milton gives you the chance to support Troopers and community members during important moments. You make a difference by staying calm, guiding information, and maintaining focus. Join a team that values quick thinking, teamwork, and your dedication to helping others.

This position manages incoming and outgoing communications to support State Police response and operations. It ensures that incidents, requests, and information are handled quickly and accurately. As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Call Handling: Receive emergency and non-emergency calls, gather key details, and determine appropriate response priorities
• Incident Dispatch: Relay information to Troopers, contact partner agencies, and assist in coordinating responses
• Record Management: Access, research, and maintain records using Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN), Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET), and Protection From Abuse Database (PFAD), and electronic management systems
• Public Assistance: Respond to questions from the public and assist visitors seeking information or support
• Training Support: Participate in required instruction and assist in training new operators on communications procedures
• Emergency Response: Report to alternate locations and carry out assigned tasks during major incidents or activated plans

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 have two years of experience in dispatching police, fire, or ambulance services for emergency response.
• 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.