Public Safety Telecommunicator

Thurston 9-1-1 Communications; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union representation

Full benefits

Overtime eligibility (FLSA)

Job summary

Thurston 9-1-1 Communications is hiring a Public Safety Telecommunicator for a full-time, on-site role in Thurston County. You will handle 50+ calls, dispatch units via CAD, monitor field units, and access emergency messages.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, 18+ years old, and ability to work varied shifts, including holidays. Testing starts January 2027; on-site only with no remote work.

Qualifications

• Operate telephone, radio and related communications equipment with a clear, well-modulated voice.
• Think quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Exercise independent judgment to evaluate, prioritize and act on requests.

Responsibilities

• Receives and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls using a CAD system.
• Dispatches appropriate public safety units (law enforcement, fire, EMS) across Thurston County.
• Monitors unit status and maintains position data in the CAD/CBD systems.
• Works in a secured communications center on a rotating shift, including holidays.

Skills

Operate telecom equipment

Think quickly under pressure

Clear, well-modulated voice

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Windows-based software

Job description

Thurston 9-1-1 Communications is accepting applications to establish a full-time and extra help register for future openings as a Public Safety Telecommunicator. The Public Safety Telecommunicator receives and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public, processing information with the aid of a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. This position is responsible for dispatching the appropriate public safety agencies throughout Thurston County including law enforcement, fire and emergency medical units when needed, and monitors public safety units in the field.

We are currently accepting applications for a tentative April 2027 start date. Testing and interviews will begin in January 2027.

Applications received after February 8, 2027 will be reviewed for further consideration for future New Hire Academies. Applicants will be contacted for further information regarding testing and interviewing.

NOTE: The position is on-site only. There are no remote work options available.

Receives incoming calls on 50+ emergency and business telephone lines; operates multi-frequency radio and computer-aided dispatch, accesses emergency messages, monitors alarm systems, operates playback audio recorders, operates TDD, operates security devices and other related communications equipment.

Interacts with callers requesting emergency/non-emergency response or service from the community or public agencies. Evaluates information received and utilizes protocols provided through CAD and CBD (Criteria Based Emergency Medical Dispatch) systems to determine appropriate actions(s) to be taken. Uses addresses and other pertinent information to dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire or emergency medical units.

Monitors and maintains the location and status of law enforcement, fire, emergency medical and other authorized non-member agency units in the field.

Enters and retrieves data on the ACCESS systems to assist law enforcement agencies in and out of Washington State.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are performed in a secured communications center with artificial lighting. There is limited opportunity for physical movement. Works rotating shift work in a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week operation that includes holidays.

Probationary employees are expected to maintain attendance sufficient to successfully complete training without significant delay.

High school diploma or G.E.D. and one year of work experience in customer service or in the public safety sector or related field; OR six months experience receiving, evaluating, transmitting and monitoring emergency requests via telephone and/or radio for police, fire and medical services.

Knowledge of Windows-based computer programs.

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Must be willing to work varying shift schedules, overtime hours, holidays, and on-call as needed.

Marijuana or any illegal drug use including unauthorized use of prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs in the past 12 months will automatically disqualify you from consideration.

Conditional offers of employment in this classification will be made upon the results of a standard hearing test, a psychological evaluation, and thorough background investigation.

DESIRED SKILLS

Ability to operate telephone, radio and related communications equipment in a clear, well-modulated voice using good diction.

Ability to think and act quickly, calmly and courteously in emergency situations.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating, prioritizing and acting upon routine and emergency requests.

Knowledge or the geography, streets, buildings and landmarks in Thurston County and the ability to read maps.

Questions about this recruitment?

Please contact Aaron Moe, 360-704-2733 or [e-mail].

This position is:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for full benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)