What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Communications Operator position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is seeking a skilled, dependable Police Communications Operator who has experience working in a fast-paced environment where priorities must be recognized and adjusted as needed. This position gives you the opportunity to receive, transmit, maintain, and coordinate public safety information in support of PSP law enforcement functions. If you are looking for a challenging, rewarding career and possess excellent communication skills, the Pennsylvania State Police would like to talk to you!
Our ideal candidate must be available and willing to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays regardless of weather conditions and may be required to extend their shift due to operational needs.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Police Communications Operator (PCO) for the Pennsylvania State Police, your main priority will be handling calls from the general public and county 911 operators regarding emergency and non-emergency police services. You will be gathering information from the caller, determining response requirements, and assigning priorities of incidents. You will have the opportunity to showcase your customer services skillset as you will be the point of contact for visitors when they enter the department. Additional responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
- Dispatching and relaying vital incident information to responding Troopers
- Contacting municipal police, fire, ambulance, towing, PennDOT, and more, to provide incident details and request assistance and response
- Utilizing CLEAN, JNET and PFAD to access, research, and maintain records
- Establishing and maintaining incident information in electronic record management systems
- Communicating with Troopers and other PCOs regarding active incidents or concerns
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
- Work schedule includes rotating shifts, including weekends, and holidays.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Two years of experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems; or
- Two years of experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information; or
- Completion of 60 college credits; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Special Requirements:
- This position requires possession of a clear, firm voice and no major speech, hearing, or visual impairments that would interfere with understanding verbal communication, being understood, or using electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment.
- This position requires you to obtain an active Public Safety Telecommunicator certification issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
- This position requires you to obtain active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certifications issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
Additional Requirements:
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
- This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
