Public Safety Telecommunicator I or II

City of Sachse; Sachse (TX); Hybrid; USD 35,376 - 54,263; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TCOLE Telecommunicator Certified $5,000 incentive

Noncertified Applicants $3,000 incentive

Job summary

The City of Sachse is hiring a Public Safety Telecommunicator responsible for processing emergency calls and dispatching personnel. This role requires effective communication, recordkeeping, and coordination with public safety agencies.

Preferred candidates will have TCOLE certification and experience in emergency communications. The position offers a salary range of $25.68 - $39.39 per hour, depending on qualifications.

Shifts include nights, weekends, and holidays, with additional pay for bi-lingual skills.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of emergency communications principles and dispatch procedures.
• Skill in operating radio, telephone, and dispatch equipment.
• Ability to learn police and fire operations and City geography.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Dispatch appropriate personnel and maintain situational awareness.
• Accurately document incidents and manage records.

Skills

Emergency Communications Operations

Technology and Records Systems

Public Safety Knowledge

Operational Skills and Decision-Making

Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness

Typing proficiency minimum 32 words per minute

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Candidate's starting salary will be between $25.68/hr. - $39.39/hr.

Hiring range for Public Safety Telecommunicator I: $25.68 - $33.38/hr.

Hiring range for Public Safety Telecommunicator II: $28.13 - $39.39/hr.

Bi-Lingual Pay

Hiring Incentive

TCOLE Telecommunicator Certified $5,000

Noncertified Applicants $3,000

The schedule for this position requires the ability to work 12 hour shifts which include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Under supervision of the Public Safety Telecommunications Manager, the Public Safety Telecommunicator receives, prioritizes, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services. This position dispatches appropriate personnel, provides critical information to responders, and ensures effective communication with callers to protect life, property, and public safety.

The Public Safety Telecommunicator supports operational readiness, accurate recordkeeping, and the overall efficiency of the Emergency Communications Center. This position works closely with public safety personnel, other City departments, and partner agencies to coordinate timely and effective emergency response.

The ideal candidate will embody the City’s core values of Service, Humility, Innovation, Neighborly, and Excellence (SHINE).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Call Processing and Dispatch Operations: Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service by telephone or radio. Prioritizes calls, determines the appropriate response, and dispatches police, fire, medical personnel, or other personnel as needed in a timely and efficient manner using radios, telephones, and other communication tools. Provides detailed information to responders and monitors unit status to maintain situational awareness.

Interagency Coordination: Contacts neighboring law enforcement and emergency service agencies as necessary to request assistance or relay critical incident information. Sends and receives teletypes to coordinate warrants, protective orders, and other law enforcement communications.

Records Management and Documentation: Enters incident, call, and case information into the records management system accurately and timely. Prepares reports, maintains logs, and ensures compliance with department, state, and federal reporting requirements. Performs inquiries, criminal history checks, and manages entries for stolen property, missing or wanted persons, and protective orders.

Customer Service and Public Interaction: Communicates professionally with citizens, including obtaining information from distressed or emotional callers. Accepts payments for alarm permits, animal registrations, and prisoner releases, issuing receipts as appropriate.

Licensing, Compliance, and Training: Completes required training, continuing education, and semi-annual evaluations to maintain Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCOLE) certification. Follows all policies, procedures, and legal requirements governing public safety communications.

Emergency Response Support: Provides operational support during major incidents, disasters, or high-priority situations. Coordinates with command staff and responders to ensure effective communication and incident management.

Other Duties: Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Emergency Communications Operations: Knowledge of emergency communications principles, dispatch procedures, and public safety operations. Skill in operating radio, telephone, and dispatch equipment to support effective response.

Technology and Records Systems: Knowledge of computers, related hardware, and software. Skill in entering, retrieving, and maintaining accurate and complete data.

Public Safety Knowledge: Ability to learn police, fire, and EMS operations; and City geography and coordinating response across multiple public safety disciplines.

Operational Skills and Decision-Making: Ability to prioritize and process multiple calls for service under high-stress conditions. Skill in obtaining critical information from callers and making accurate, timely dispatch decisions.

Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness: Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and calmly with citizens, coworkers, and partner agencies.

Other Skills: Typing proficiency of at least 32 words per minute. Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and exercise sound judgment in emergency circumstances.

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications

• High School diploma or equivalent, and one (1) year dispatch experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screening and Critical test.
• Requires Basic Telecommunicators Certification through TCOLE within one (1) year of hire. Candidates with current TCOLE Telecommunicators License are preferred.
• May be required to acquire additional certification.

Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Minimum Requirements:

• 0–4 years of experience as a public safety dispatcher
• TCOLE Basic or Intermediate Telecommunicator License

Public Safety Telecommunicator II

Minimum Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience as a public safety dispatcher
• TCOLE Advanced or Masters Telecommunicator License