Telecommunications Specialist

UCA; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition waiver

Holiday leave

Retirement plan

Gym access

Job summary

University of Central Arkansas is seeking a Telecommunications Specialist to perform emergency and non-emergency dispatch and communications for the University Police. The role requires knowledge of radio procedures, ability to analyze calls, and strong information delivery to officers and the public.

The position involves shift work including nights, weekends and holidays, and requires a high school diploma, US citizenship, and ACIC terminal certification.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must pass background check.
• ACIC terminal certification required.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch officers via radio and handle emergency/non-emergency calls.
• Provide information to callers and coordinate with staff and responders.
• Monitor officer activity and maintain logs and records.
• Access NCIC/ACIC terminals for criminal history inquiries.
• Coordinate resources for housing and physical plant issues and weather events.

Skills

Radio communications

Emergency dispatch

Public safety communications

Computer terminals

Night/Weekend shifts

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

ACIC terminal certification

Tools

ACIC/NCIC terminals

Job description

Title Information

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time/Part-Time Full Time

Salary Range

Salary Range $35,700

Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid?

Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid? Onsite

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number NC1262026

Working Title

Working Title Telecommunications Specialist

Department Org

Department Org 123000 - University Police

Why should you work at UCA?

We are excited that you are considering joining the UCA Family—the faculty, staff, students and alumni—who make the University of Central Arkansas a great place to work! At the University of Central Arkansas, we value our employees striving to maintain a work-life balance. We realize that this affects the overall well-being of employees while learning to prioritize challenging work and the ability to make a difference. Participation in university-wide flexible work schedules may be available for certain positions. Training is provided on systems or job-specific software, and tools are available supporting professional and personal development. The benefits package allows you to customize your benefits to meet your current needs, with the ability to adjust them as your priorities change. This includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary. Also available are health and wellness incentives, as well as access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family, free gym membership and equipment rentals.

Position Summary

The Telecommunications Specialist is responsible for performing emergency and non emergency dispatch and/or communication services.

• Utilizes radio communications to dispatch officers; answers radio calls from field officers; receives and delivers information. Provides direction and guidance to callers reporting incidents and emergencies until first responders arrive; calms and reassures the public during critical incidents, and provides responding units with appropriate information to maintain officer safety and provide for efficient delivery of services.
• Answers inquiries at the service windows; hears complaints and directs the public to appropriate staff; analyzes reported problems and determines appropriate corrective action.
• Provides students, employees and the public with general information regarding University operations and regulations; provides information regarding traffic and parking control; coordinates requests for motorist assistance; coordinates access to facilities; provides information regarding University events.
• Alerts officers to status of subjects detained in the field; advises of stolen vehicles; confirms warrants through Arkansas Crime Information Center ( ACIC ) and National Crime Information Center ( NCIC ) computer terminals; and authorizes arrests based on automated systems information.
• Researches information for officers involved in field incidents regarding suspect wants and warrants and criminal history through the Arkansas Crime Information Center terminals; maintains strict security of terminals and ensures compliance with federal and state requirements; provides vehicle information; receives training and certification to operate NCIC / ACIC terminals.
• Maintains required information regarding officer activity and criminal incidents, call status and location of officers in the field for efficient allocation of patrol units, and prepares and distributes shift logs. Processes technical and legal reports such as crime, special, medical, accident, and incident reports. Maintains records and logbooks as required.
• Coordinates the allocation of appropriate resources to reported housing and physical plant problems; assists in coordinating the University severe weather/disaster preparedness plan; makes appropriate contacts and maintains records necessary to communicate maintenance and public safety hazards to the housing and physical plant departments; follow-up on problems calls to ensure proper and timely departmental response.
• Maintains current knowledge of police and public safety dispatching methods and practices; emergency dispatching procedures; automated criminal justice and law enforcement data systems; and Federal Communications Commission regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of communications procedures and federal rules and regulations concerning radio transmissions.
• Knowledge of modern police communications methods.
• Ability to operate communications equipment.
• Ability to independently analyze situations and quickly identify appropriate action.
• Ability to work under periods of stress and cope with emergency or other situations firmly, courteously and tactfully.
• Knowledge of severe weather situations and actions to be taken.
• Ability to operate a variety of computer terminals with general keyboarding aptitude.
• Ability to conduct analyses, organize data, develop automated records programs, and familiar with internal file maintenance programs.
• Good social and general intelligence with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain logs and records, both written and on computer, accurately and clearly.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, overtime and holidays as assigned

• Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
• Ability to make sound judgments and assist in resolving student concerns.
• Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
• Civility in all interactions of a public or confidential nature.
• Demonstrate follow-up contacts and consultations in a timely manner.

Required Education and/or Experience

The formal education of a high school diploma is required. Must be a citizen of the United States of America. Must be able to obtain Arkansas Crime Information Center ( ACIC ) terminal certification at levels required by the Department. Must be able to meet minimum training standards established by the Police Department. Must be able to pass both a personal and criminal history background investigation. Must not have been convicted of a felony crime or disqualifying misdemeanor crime.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

One year experience as a dispatch operator within a public safety agency.

University, Campus, and Community Description

Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas. Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.

Desired start date 11/16/2026

Position Summary and Qualifications

License(s)/Certifications

Physical Demands Checklist

Physical Exertion

Physical Exertion Administrative Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds, Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

UCA EEO Statement

The University of Central Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.

Open Date

Open Date 10/07/2026

Close Date

Close Date 11/05/2026

Open Until Filled No

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently certified by the Arkansas Crime Information Center?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Have you ever worked as a communications specialist / police dispatcher at another law enforcement agency?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Have you ever been fired or asked to resign from any place of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Either as an adult or a juvenile, have you EVER been detained for investigation, held on suspicion, questioned, fingerprinted, arrested, indicted, criminally charged, or convicted of any misdemeanor or felony offense in this state or in any other legal jurisdiction (including offenses punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you able to work a flexible shift, including nights, weekends and holidays?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you a current employee of the University of Central Arkansas?
  • Yes
  • No