Public Safety Communications Specialist

City of McKinney; McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of McKinney is looking for a dispatch operator to handle emergency 9-1-1 calls, dispatch public safety personnel, and process requests from police and fire services. This role requires the ability to work in high-stress situations, communicate effectively, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, prior customer service experience, and a valid Texas Driver’s License. The position requires working various shifts, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience in a high public-contact/customer service role requiring decision-making and problem-solving under stress.
• Ability to achieve a minimum of 30 words per minute on keying tests.
• Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Answer multi-line 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch public safety personnel.
• Simultaneously listen to and comprehend telephone and radio traffic under loud and stressful conditions.
• Document all activity, locations, and statuses in the dispatch system for rapid dissemination.

Skills

Communication

Decision-making

Multi-tasking

Problem-solving

Judgment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Computer terminals

Radio communications equipment

Telecommunications equipment

Job description

Working for the City of McKinney is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family.

Summary of Position

Under general supervision, receive and process police, fire, and emergency medical service requests in high‑stress situations; answer non‑emergency and emergency 9‑1‑1 calls; dispatch and deploy public safety personnel to calls for service; operate telecommunications equipment. Employees must be able to work any shift (days, evenings, nights), including holidays, weekends, and overtime as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Answer multi‑line 9‑1‑1 emergency and non‑emergency calls and dispatch public safety personnel.
• Simultaneously listen to and comprehend telephone and radio traffic under loud and stressful conditions.
• Operate a multi‑channel public safety radio system.
• Assist with requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services via computer‑aided dispatch system.
• Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing.
• Interface with hearing/​speech‑impaired citizens using specialized teletype devices.
• Assign appropriate personnel to routine and emergency calls using dispatch software.
• Provide pre‑arrival medical instructions following department protocol.
• Document all activity, locations, and statuses in the dispatch system for rapid dissemination.
• Interpret city ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor the National Weather Service.
• Operate the City Emergency Warning System and notify key personnel during emergencies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all communications and sensitive information.
• Adhere to the assigned work schedule as outlined by city attendance policies.
• Drive to other city locations for meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors

• Embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence.
• Communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and the public.
• Produce high‑quality, timely work outcomes.
• Plan, organize, and manage work time and resources.
• Speak clearly and precisely.
• Analyze and evaluate emergency situations and take appropriate action.
• Work well under pressure.
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergencies.
• Operate computer terminals and access automated data banks.
• Work in confined areas for 8+ hours, remaining seated or standing as required.
• Simultaneously handle multiple tasks and data streams.
• Concentrate amid distractions.
• Operate equipment such as door monitors, printers, voice recorders, intercoms, alarm panels, and weather monitoring devices.
• Arrive on time consistently.
• Work holidays, weekends, nights, and on short notice when required.
• Collaborate in a team environment and treat co‑workers and customers with respect.
• Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
• Show flexibility and adaptability during stressful or changing situations.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in a high public‑contact/customer service role requiring decision‑making and problem‑solving under stress.
• Prior experience in a multi‑task environment involving data entry, telephone, customer service, and/or radio communications.
• Ability to achieve a minimum of 30 words per minute on keying tests.
• Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License.
• Willingness to work various shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must obtain Basic Telecommunicator and NCIC/TCIC or Full Access Operator certificates and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) within one year from hire date.

Conditions of Employment

• Pass a drug screen, background check, driving record check, polygraph, psychological assessment, and medical screen including a hearing test.
• Meet criminal background criteria (no Class B convictions in the last 10 years, no violent or drug‑related convictions, no falsified history statements, etc.).
• Meet drug use criteria (no illegal use of controlled substances within the past 10 years, no use of PCP or LSD, etc.).
• Meet driving record criteria (no suspended or revoked Class C license, no serious violations within the past three years).
• Adhere to the city’s tattoo policy (no visible tattoos on protected areas while uniform is worn).

Physical Demands

Tasks involve exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force and/or negligible force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a relatively safe, secure, and stable environment with periods where errors can lead to significant physical consequences.

The City of McKinney is an equal‑opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.