Public Safety Telecommunicator - 2025

• Possess a valid Florida State Certification in Public Safety Telecommunications - $2000
• Possess a valid PST State Certificate and completed  one (1) year PST non-probationary experience with an Emergency Management agency in the State of Florida  - $4000
• Possess a valid PST State Certificate and completed  two (2) years PST non-probationary experience with an Emergency Management agency in the State of Florida  - $6000

Primary Purpose

The Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) I 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 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.

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
• Must be able to become Florida PST Certified

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

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 requirements

EFFECTIVE:                04/05/2022
History:                        New Job Description, new rotating shift schedule