What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Operator position at The University of Texas at Tyler?
Required Application Materials
A single PDF or Word document containing a resume, letter of interest, and a list of the names and contact information for three (3) professional references is required to apply.
Important Instructions:
When prompted to upload your “resume”, upload your combined documents as one file.
- Please do not upload documents to “Cover Letter” or “References”.
If the required application materials were not uploaded at the “resume” prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.
Job Summary
The primary function of a Police Communications Operator is to receive and prioritize Emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency telephone calls from the public. Dispatches appropriate emergency service agencies such as police, fire and emergency medical units. The Communications Operator also monitors closed circuit television (CCTV) during special events and for security related activities, and performs multiple tasks concurrently, while working in a fast-paced environment and maintaining a professional and positive demeanor. Serves as a Campus Security Authority as defined by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).
Major Responsibilities/Duties/Critical Tasks
- Answers emergency and non-emergency telephone calls for police, security, and technical support events and services.
- Enters information concerning calls for technical support and security related patrol activity into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to be forwarded to the appropriate police dispatch station for assignment.
- Forwards calls received in the Police Communications Center to the appropriate office of the UTPD.
- Forwards calls received in the Police Communications Center to the appropriate office of the university.
- Monitors CCTV for situations indicating a need for a law enforcement or security response and forwards the information to the appropriate police personnel to initiate a proper response.
- Composes and distributes shift and found property logs and performs other police communication center paperwork.
- Monitors public safety units in the field.
- Retrieves and enters computer data for emergency response personnel within the service area.
- Answer administrative telephone lines, enters information into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and processes non-emergency and routine requests for police, security, and technical support services.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Education/Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- One (1) year experience in customer service or related field.
- Basic Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunications Operator license or is qualified to acquire a basic license. Unlicensed applicants must successfully complete a Public-Safety Telecommunication (PST) Test.
- The recommended testing is the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA) Public Safety Telecommunication Test or CritiCall. This testing will be administered by the Police Department.
Preferred Education/Experience
- Associates degree or thirty (30) college credit hours in criminal justice or related field.
- Intermediate or above Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Telecommunications Operator license.
- Bilingual.
Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
- Must be able to fluently speak, read, and write the English language.
- Must be able to communicate effectively utilizing telephone and two-way radio.
- Must be able to prioritize and multi-task.
- Must be able to type minimum 40WPM.
About The University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 13 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.
Our beautiful Tyler campus features more than 200 acres nestled along a lake and surrounded by thick pine and oak forests, providing a picturesque location for study and recreation. We also offer instructional sites at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and in Palestine, Longview, and Houston.
With more than 80 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs offered, UT Tyler provides a wealth of learning opportunities and dynamic programs.
For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about/.
Additional Information
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
EEO/AA Statement
The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.
