Public Safety Telecommunicator - University Police Department

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Transit pass

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s Police Department is seeking a Public Safety Telecommunicator to join our team in Pittsburgh. You will receive and dispatch emergency calls, coordinate with campus police and security officers, and maintain detailed incident logs.

The role includes handling calls via phones, walk‑ins, and radio, and supporting various campus operations. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, with 1+ years of dispatcher experience preferred, and the ability to access

Qualifications

• One or more years of experience as a public safety dispatcher preferred.
• Ability to obtain FBI/NCIC access within 30 days of hire.
• Must be able to communicate clearly via phones and two-way radios.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of the communications center during a shift.
• Monitor alarms and security camera feeds and external channels.
• Provide information to callers and walk‑in customers.
• Receive requests and dispatch to officers, EMS, or security.
• Dispatch Student EMS to on‑campus medical calls.
• Notify city medics, police, or fire departments as needed.
• Coordinate shuttle/escort radio communications.
• Record and maintain logs and incident reports.
• Assist with general office duties.

Skills

Attention to detail

Hearing & communication

Color vision

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University’s Police Department is searching for a Public Safety Telecommunicator to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by receiving and dispatching emergency calls and other information between the campus community and on‑duty university police and security officers, keeping accurate records, and performing other office duties in addition to managing emergency calls.

Core responsibilities

• Overseeing the operations of the communications center and dispatch desk during an assigned shift, ensuring that all incoming calls and visitors are dealt with properly and promptly.
• Monitoring alarms, video feed from university security surveillance system, and outside agency channels for calls near campus.
• Providing general university information to callers and walk‑in customers.
• Receiving requests for assistance via phones, walk‑ins, two‑way radio, etc. and dispatching calls to proper police officer, guard, or traffic monitor.
• Dispatching Student EMS to on‑campus medical calls.
• Transferring some medical calls to City EMS per protocol.
• As needed, notifying city medics, police, or fire departments.
• Point of contact for shuttle/escort radio communications.
• Receiving emergency building maintenance calls and notifies appropriate parties and on‑call personnel in Physical Plant/FMS, Housing, Student Life, etc., per established protocols.
• In the event of a campus‑wide emergency, makes notifications, coordinates communications and notifications, summons mutual aid assistance, and prioritizes communication center traffic.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed logs and records of dispatch activities.
• This entails typing, distributing, and filing reports, as well as processing requests for copies of incident reports.
• Monitoring campus email and replying or forwarding as necessary.
• Assisting with general office duties.

Qualifications

• High school graduate, GED, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• One or more years of experience as a public safety communications dispatcher in a 911 emergency operations center, police department, or emergency medical services organization is preferred.
• Ability to obtain authorization to access FBI/NCIC criminal history information through the PA CLEAN system within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to recognize the full‑color spectrum.
• Must be able to hear and communicate using telephones and two‑way radios, as well as face‑to‑face.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.
• Motor Vehicle Records (MVR).
• Pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening.

Additional Information

Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

This is a full‑time position based in Pittsburgh, PA. Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

• Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well‑deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more! For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Location Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function Police/Security Officers (CPA) Position Type Staff – Regular Full Time/Part time Full time Pay Basis Hourly More Information: Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. Statement of Assurance Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts through your candidate profile.

If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters. We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni. The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next.

For technical assistance, email HR Services or call 412-268-4600. We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-5072.

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