Public Safety Telecommunicator (CERTIFIED) *$5,000 HIRING BONUS!

Brevard County Sheriff's Office; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office seeks a Public Safety Telecommunicator to serve as a critical link between the public, emergency services and responders. You will triage calls, guide callers in life‑or‑death situations, and coordinate responses across fire, EMS and law enforcement while operating in a high-stress environment.

Required credentials include Florida PST certification, at least 1 year of PST experience, a high school diploma, a valid FL driver’s license, 45 wpm typing with

Qualifications

• Must have current Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification in Florida.
• Minimum 1 year of work experience as a Public Safety Telecommunicator.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License required.
• Typing test of 45 wpm and successful CritiCall pre-employment testing.
• CIJS Basic Certification must be obtained within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Screen caller information and analyze data to determine incident nature and required resources.
• Coordinate with first responders and surrounding agencies via radio to dispatch field units.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions and maintain calm in life-threatening situations.
• Document incident data accurately using CAD and other systems.
• Monitor radio traffic and ensure proper notifications and coordination.
• Work in a 12-hour shift in an emergency communications center with possible overtime.
• Handle shifting schedules including weekends/holidays; mandatory overtime as needed.
• Maintain situational awareness and resilience in rapidly changing events.

Skills

Typing 45 wpm

Calm under pressure

Decision making under stress

Strong communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification (Florida)

CIJS Basic Certification within 6 months

Job description

This critical role serves as the vital communications link between the public needing help and emergency services response. This entails a candidate to be able to work independently in a high-stress environment while receiving and evaluating incoming emergency and administrative requests for emergency services, including law enforcement, fire rescue and/or medical services. Using training and procedures, employees will triage requests for service, providing guidance and assistance to the public in life and death situations. Additionally, they will coordinate the response of appropriate first responders and/or additional agencies through radio communications to high-risk and high-stress situations, with the objective of keeping all involved safe.

This position qualifies for a one-time hiring bonus of $5,000, which is contingent upon a three-year employment commitment with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office in the position of Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST).

The advertised pay rate and hiring bonus applies to applicants who are already certified Public Safety Telecommunicators and are fully trained and proficien t in both fire EMD EFD and law enforcement dispatc h operations. Applicants who are certified but proficient in only one discipline are eligible to receive a $2,500 hiring bonus and a lower starting pay rate until successful completion of cross-training in both dispatch areas.

Applicants with 10 years of experience as a dual-disciplined PST qualify for the maximum pay of Step 7 ($28.75/hour).

• Utilizes training and policies, prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls received via multiple technological platforms (landline telephone, wireless device, text message, automated data, and various other communications devices and tools)
• Screens caller information and analyzes data swiftly to determine the nature of the incident, required resources and scene safety.
• Interprets automatic number and automatic location data provided by the emergency communications phone system, along with the mapping software, to verify caller location.
• Controls the call, provides pre-arrival instructions and de-escalation techniques during life or death situations.
• Quickly processes and accurately documents information using a variety of highly skilled systems across five to eight computer monitors.
• Ascertains appropriate resources required and coordinates with surrounding agencies to dispatch field first responders.
• Dispatches field first responders and controls radio traffic using a highly sophisticated radio system. Responsible for communicating pertinent details to field first responders, coordinating responses with surrounding agencies, making appropriate notifications and monitoring and acknowledging radio channel(s).
• Keeps track of activities utilizing a computer aided dispatch system and handles requests from field first responders by recording incident data.
• Ability to remain calm, vigilant and able to adjust to rapidly changing situations.

• Must have a current Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification in the State of Florida.
• Requires one year of work experience as a Public Safety Telecommunicator.
• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Requires a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Must pass a typing test of 45 wpm and successfully complete the CritiCall Pre-Employment test administered by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.
• Dependable, self-motivated and team-oriented with a desire to provide service to the community.
• Employees must obtain CIJS Basic Certification within six months of hire (and maintained for duration of employment).

• Work is performed in an emergency communications center and work level can fluctuate from minimal to fast-paced and high volume. The employee deals with crisis situations that require them to quickly make major decisions. Must be able to cope in a safe manner with stressful situations.
• Work completed in twelve hour shifts; 7:00 am – 7:00 pm, 7:00 pm – 7:00 am, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm or 8:00 pm – 8:00 am, with every other weekend off; subjected to extended workdays and hours to meet operational needs in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
• Employees must be able to work either shift, including weekends and holidays.
• Employees are subject to mandatory scheduled and unscheduled overtime.

I understand, applicants hired by BCSO into the position of 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Dispatcher must agree to remain employed with BCSO for a period of no less than three years from their date of hire. Employees who separate employment, voluntary or involuntary, before the three-year period expires are required to immediately reimburse BCSO for the hiring bonus (if applicable) and background fees.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation, which includes a polygraph, psychological examination and criminal history review. Candidates must also pass a pre-employment drug screening. While employed, individuals will be subject to return-to-duty and post-accident drug screening.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, and sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), disability or genetic information in employment practices. We encourage veterans, service members and their spouses and family members to apply for employment with this agency, qualified applicants will receive preference and priority in hiring decisions. ADA requires the Sheriff's Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Job applicants and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.