Telecommunications Operator

City of Bartow; Bartow (FL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bartow is seeking a skilled Public Safety Dispatcher to handle emergency and non‑emergency calls, operate the CAD system for police and fire responses, and coordinate with agencies to ensure rapid service delivery.

Required are a high school diploma or GED, Florida driver’s license, and essential certifications. Flexibility, strong judgment and calmness under stress are critical for success in this essential role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License required.
• Possession of or ability to acquire FCIC/NCIC Operators and 911 certification.
• Possession of CPR certification.
• Possession of State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator certification within one year of employment.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Elevated background check may be required by City of Bartow upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Operates a multi‑line telephone to answer calls, interview callers, classify requests, and determine responses.
• Directs calls to proper departments and answers routine questions.
• Operates a complex Computer Aided Dispatch System for Police and Fire Emergency Response.
• Notifies dispatch of service requests and records activities of dispatches.
• Receives and forwards service requests and calls for City departments and other agencies.
• Operates radios, switchboard, alarms, and computer terminals.
• Dispatches emergency equipment and personnel where and when needed.
• Maintains FCIC/NCIC networks and public safety computer records.

Skills

Public safety knowledge

Dispatch operations

Interpersonal skills

Office equipment

Street knowledge

People skills

Policy interpretation

Record keeping

Learning agility

English fluency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This is skilled telecommunications work of more than average difficulty in the operations of equipment associated with a consolidated Public Safety Communications Center. The nature of this work requires the exercise of initiative, using independent and sound judgment in handling emergency situations, and the ability to function calmly under extreme stress in potentially life‑threatening situations.

• Operates a multi‑line telephone to answer incoming calls, interviews callers to determine the nature of the request, classifies the request, and determines the response needed.
• Contacts ambulance services, hospitals, wrecker services, and other agencies.
• Directs calls to proper departments and answers routine questions.
• Operates a complex Computer Aided Dispatch System, which functions for both Police and Fire Emergency Response.
• Utilizes the Computer Aided Dispatch System to notify the dispatch of service requests, maintain control, and record the activities of all dispatches or calls for service.
• Receive law enforcement, medical, fire, rescue and related service requests and calls.
• Operates radios, telephone switchboard, alarm systems, recording devices and computer terminals.
• Dispatches emergency equipment and personnel where and when needed.
• Forwards medical emergency calls to county radio.
• Receives and forwards service requests, complaints and other calls for City departments and other agencies.
• Receives and transmits messages by radio and maintains radio log.
• Operates computer terminals on FCIC/NCIC Networks.
• Prepares and maintains public safety computer records.
• Research names, addresses and phone numbers for police activity; places calls for officers.
• Maintains familiarity with the operating procedures of agencies served.
• Performs a variety of clerical tasks as directed.
• Keeps in telephone contact with caller when situation dictates.
• Maintains required certifications related to performance of duties.
• Required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position is designated as Emergency and Essential.
• Performs related tasks as required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of public safety organizations and operations.
• Knowledge of the operating characteristics, practices, and procedures of the equipment associated with a Public Safety Communications Center/Enhanced 911 Public Safety Answering Point.
• Knowledge of human relations and established practices as applied to the workforce.
• Knowledge of general office equipment and telephone practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of the names and locations of streets and principle buildings in the City, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge in a reasonable period.
• Ability to deal effectively and harmoniously with other employees, agencies, and the public.
• Ability to interpret and apply written policies and oral directives.
• Ability to keep records and perform routine clerical work.
• Ability to learn, within a reasonable period, the applicable procedures, techniques, and regulations involved in the operations of a Police/Fire Communications Center.
• Ability to read, write legibly, and speak English fluently.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma from an accredited school or a GED; An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License required
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• Possession of or ability to acquire valid FCIC/NCIC Operators and 911 certification.
• Possession of CPR certification.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must possess or obtain State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator certification within one (1) year of employment.
• May be required to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of Bartow Police Department upon hire.

Physical and Mental Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, as established in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Essential Physical Skills:

• Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications
• Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities

Mental Demands:

• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of taste, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.
• Required to use written and oral communication skills
• Read and interpret data, information and documents
• Work under deadlines with constant interruptions

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This work is predominantly sedentary

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Performs other related duties as assigned.

All City of Bartow employees are considered EOC essential in times of emergency. An e-role will be provided to each employee when an emergency is declared.

As a City of Bartow employee, you are a public servant of a local entity and are responsible to adhere to the Florida State Statute governing the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees Florida State Statute Chapter 112. Additionally, all Bartow employees are subject to Chapter 119 of the Florida State Statutes which governs public records.