Police Communications Operator

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Pennsylvania State Police, Troop L in Reading, seeks a Police Communications Operator. You will handle emergency and non-emergency calls, relay information to Troopers, and coordinate with fire, medical, and other agencies to keep communities safe.

Working full-time, you will rotate shifts including weekends and holidays. This role requires clear communication, strong teamwork, and the ability to work calmly under pressure.

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.
• 60 college credits or equivalent training/experience.

Responsibilities

• Call Handling: Receive and assess emergency and non-emergency calls to identify needs and determine responses.
• Information Dispatch: Relay incident details to Troopers and coordinate communication using radio, telephone, and computer systems.
• Agency Coordination: Contact police, fire, medical, and other agencies to share information and request assistance.
• Record Management: Use electronic systems to access, update, and maintain incident and operational records.
• Public Assistance: Respond to inquiries from the public and assist station visitors by providing information or arranging support.
• Training Support: Participate in communications training and help train new operators on procedures and practices.

Skills

Two years experience with radio/telepo

Two years with computer systems

Education

60 college credits

Job description

Salary: $49,948.00 - $75,298.00 Annually

Location: Berks County, PA

Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number: N-2026-61331

Department: Pennsylvania State Police

Division: SP Stf Srvs Unt Reading

Opening Date: 10/23/2026

Closing Date: 10/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 73020

Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union: AFSCME

Bargaining Unit: A1

Pay Group: ST05

Bureau / Division Code: 00204311

Bureau / Division: Troop L, Reading

Worksite Address: 600 Kenhorst Boulevard

City: Reading, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 19611

Contact Name: PSP Human Resource Civilian Placement

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Become a Police Communications Operator with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) at Troop L, Reading and step into a role where your talent makes a real difference. Your quick thinking and calm focus help Troopers take action when every moment counts. You become part of a dedicated team that works together to protect and support communities across the region. Choose a career that brings purpose, challenge, and steady growth every day.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports public safety by receiving, managing, and relaying information that guides emergency and non-emergency responses. The role requires clear communication, careful attention, and strong teamwork. As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Call Handling: Receive and assess emergency and non-emergency calls to identify needs and determine appropriate responses
• Information Dispatch: Relay incident details to Troopers and coordinate communication using radio, telephone, and computer systems
• Agency Coordination: Contact police, fire, medical, and other agencies to share information and request assistance
• Record Management: Use electronic systems to access, update, and maintain incident and operational records
• Public Assistance: Respond to inquiries from the public and assist station visitors by providing information or arranging support
• Training Support: Participate in communications training and help train new operators on procedures and practices

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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.