Public Safety Telecommunicator II Trainee - 2026

St Johns County Sheriff’s Office; Saint Augustine (FL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing incentive

Job summary

St Johns County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Public Safety Telecommunicator II Trainee to handle 911 and non-emergency calls, learn CAD operation, and support field units with accurate information.

The role requires training in call taking and radio operations, with a path to PST II after successful probation and certification. FLS certifications and flexibility for 24/7 shifts are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalency is required.
• Florida Driver’s License is required.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and office equipment is needed.
• FCIC/NCIC certification eligibility is required to become certified.
• Must be able to become Florida PST Certified.
• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends and holidays to ensure 24/7 staffing.
• Ability to work various shifts including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency (911) and non-emergency calls; evaluate and take appropriate action.
• Distinguish emergency vs. non-emergency calls and prioritize accordingly.
• Enter calls using CAD; ensure accurate format, codes, and disposition.
• Condense information into readable remarks and recall acronyms and codes.
• Perform multitasking with rapid, accurate decisions.
• Recognize letters, numbers, addresses, names and license numbers from radio, phone or computer.
• Monitor text messages on 911 or primary line.
• Respond to and report unusual or suspicious activity.
• Operate GIS, MDT and MDC equipment.
• Maintain jurisdictional knowledge, landmarks, buildings, and waterways.

Skills

Multitasking

Call taking

Emotional stability

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalency

Florida Driver’s License

Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office

Basic knowledge of general office equipment

Limited Access FCIC/NCIC certification eligible

Must become Florida PST Certified

Willing to work days/nights/weekends/holidays

Ability to work multiple shifts including weekends/holidays

Tools

CAD system

GIS

MDT

Job description

If you are hired as a Public Safety Telecommunicator(PST),and meet the following criteria, you are eligible for a one-time signing incentive upon successful completion of initial probation:

*This incentive will be subject to a supplemental tax as required by IRS guidelines.

This is a trainee-level classification in which employees are expected to successfully complete call taker training and radio training. Upon successful completion of call taker training and radio training, the employee will be transferred to PST II pay grade. If PST II Trainee does not successfully complete radio training within the initial probation period, the trainee will be terminated from employment or may be allowed to transfer to a PST I position, if one is available.

Primary Purpose

The Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) II Trainee is a highly responsible civilian position which performs a tactical function. This position is required to receive emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for Law Enforcement, enter data into a computer while questioning callers for information and determine the nature, validity and disposition of calls. This position also requires a PST to utilize computer generated messages, operate a variety of communications equipment including mapping system and telephones, answer or refer inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters, and will access, retrieve and relay relevant situational information to other public safety agencies.

agencies. This position is required to receive and dispatch emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for Law Enforcement, operate a variety of communications equipment including radio systems and telephones, perform dispatch activities utilizing computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, dispatch and monitor deputies and other designated personnel during emergencies and normal operations, answer or refer inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters, access, retrieve, and transmit vehicular or personal information to field units, and relay relevant situational information to other public safety agencies.

Education and Qualification Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalency
• Valid Florida Driver’s License
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Basic knowledge of general office equipment
• Limited Access FCIC/NCIC able to become certified
• Must be able to become Florida PST Certified
• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends and/or holidays and natural disasters to ensure minimum staffing 24/7, as this position is essential and must report to work during times when the government/agency is closed.
• Employees must be able to work either shift, including weekends and holidays

Duties

• Answer both emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for service; accurately evaluate and take appropriate action
• Distinguish between emergency/non-emergency calls, effectively prioritize calls for service
• Enter calls and process information using a computer-aided-dispatch (CAD) system to include formats, commands, radio and case disposition codes
• Must condense large amounts of information into readable and sensibly typed remarks in a timely manner and have the ability to recall numerous acronyms and codes essential to appropriate call processing
• Perform several activities simultaneously while maintaining rapid and accurate decisions
• Quickly and accurately recognize letters, numbers, addresses, names and license numbers received by radio, by telephone, or on a computer monitor.
• Monitor and respond to text messages received on 911 or on our administrative line
• Monitor public access to COMM Center, respond to and/or report unusual or suspicious activity
• Notify appropriate agency/personnel of incidents of concern
• Operate digital mapping system (GIS), Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), and Mobile Data Computer (MDC
• Be familiar with jurisdictional boundaries, as well as landmarks, public buildings and waterways within the jurisdiction
• Testify at trials, hearings, grand juries or depositions
• Maintain accurate and up to date communications logs pursuant to all applicable State regulations and agency policies
• Assist in maintaining computerized Master Street Addressing Guide (MSAG) and E911 database by collecting incorrect E911 address and data and relaying the information to the E-911 Coordinator
• Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages
• Effectively obtain, convey, and establish priorities and pass on information as needed
• Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with fellow employees, representatives from other departments, and supervisors
• Determine priorities of multiple requests for assistance based on nature of crime or incident
• Assist in locating or contacting individuals needed for staff response
• Work effectively in a disciplined environment with close supervision and carry out lawful orders according to policies regardless of personal opinion
• Demonstrate a high level of mental stability and professionalism.
• Utilize two-way radio system to provide and maintain effective communications with Agency personnel
• Dispatch appropriate unit(s) in response to calls for service based on priority, location, and resource availability
• Provide and update responding unit(s) and/or supervisor(s) with all available pertinent information
• Track, monitor, and document all deputies and other designated personnel's activities as required during the tour of duty
• Monitor and respond to alerts from our license plate readers
• Monitor and maintain radio communication with field personnel (patrol units, intelligence cars, bomb disposal units, divers, aircraft, and water craft vehicles) to ensure their safety, determine availability of units, and deploy back-up when necessary
• Communicate with other Law Enforcement agencies and in-house personnel, ensure proper coordination of multi- agency efforts involving the establishment of roadblocks, warrant verification, pursuit efforts, translators, K-9’s, intoxilizer operators and other legitimate requirements, etc.
• Respond to DMV record requests made by field unit
• Other duties assigned

Job Controls and Complexities

• Work under various levels of supervision
• Work under various levels of stress
• Adhere to laws/agency policy/rules/ regulations/SOP/ procedures
• Maintain confidentiality/security of files and information obtained in the course of employment
• Process/compile/disseminate documents/information/public record as directed by approving authority in accordance with lawful requirements
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Demonstrate positive working relationships with other personnel
• The employee initiates, develops, and maintains channels of communications and works effectively with inter/intra agency personnel in order to achieve objectives and goals and better serve the needs of the agency and/or community
• Provide assistance to citizens, employees and other public and private entities in an effort to meet their needs and build positive community relationships/resolve complaints/address conflicts
• Maintain continuity and operational efficiency by accurate and timely dissemination of information to Staff and co-workers
• Adhere to leave, overtime and attendance policies/procedures (i.e. arrive promptly, regular attendance at work, notification to supervisor regarding absence from work due to illness or untimely incidents, etc.)

Contacts

• General Public
• SJSO Employees
• Other Government Entities

Physical Environment

• Work is inside a fast-paced communications center with multiple people and multiple functions occurring simultaneously in close proximity
• Rotating shift work required: 84- day cycles, 12 hour shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends. Position is subject to mandatory overtime requirements as needed, and is considered an essential tactical position
• High stress situations are foreseeable
• Subject to mandatory overtime requirements as needed and considered an essential tactical position
• Sit for long periods
• See at normal range or with accommodations
• Hear at normal level or with accommodations
• Speak understandably
• Manual dexterity
• Ambulate independently
• Frequently grasp/push/pull/bend/squat/lift/carry items up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally reach above head/kneel/walk/climb/stoop/stand/lift items up to 20 lbs.

Important Information

Regular attendance is critical to the success of this position and assignment and is required of all Agency personnel.

The list of tasks, policies and proficiencies for this position, as well as any statements contained within this page are considered essential. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, other employees, or the public. This job description in no way states or implies the listed duties are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his/her supervisor.

See SJSO Policy for additional information on agency expectations and Senior Status requirementsEFFECTIVE: 01/01/2025

History:New Job Description