9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator 1 or 2 (Multiple Openings)

Classification Title: 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator 1 or 2 C18, C21

Location: 10750 Ulmerton Road, Suite 343, Largo, FL 33778

Pinellas Regional 9-1-1 is seeking individuals who want an exciting career as a Public Safety Telecommunicator. Public Safety Telecommunicators are responsible for the receipt and documentation of routine and non-routine exchanges typical to Fire/EMS/Police 9-1-1 emergency calls and public safety related non-emergency calls. Additionally, Public Safety Telecommunicators perform the full range of fire dispatch and radio operation functions as needed and provide leadership and mentorship to trainees as needed. Incumbents in this class must maintain a calm, professional demeanor while handling a variety of emergency calls and disseminating information without hesitation.

Non-local residents are still encouraged to apply as our assessment and interview processes may have flexibility to be conducted virtually.

Essential Job Functions (for both positions)

• Receives telephone calls requesting assistance or information from citizens or emergency service agencies/personnel.
• Screens calls and determines the appropriate actions; initiates action as required by standard operating procedures.
• Implements on-the-job best public safety practices in responding to and handling emergency calls, applying the International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch Priority System guidelines.
• Under supervision or in tandem with more senior staff, assist in dispatches of the proper equipment to handle Fire/EMS emergencies; relays information and executes tasks/requests related to these emergencies.
• Maintains accurate records of incoming and outgoing calls by entering information into computer.
• Operates telephone systems, computer-aided dispatch terminals, radio and associated peripheral communications equipment.
• Performs related work as assigned or required.

9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator 1

• The anticipated hiring range is between $18.23 - $22.61/hour dependent on qualifications.

Position Specific Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older with a High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and able to speak, write, and comprehend the English language.

9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator 2

• The anticipated hiring range is between $19.85 - $25.80/hour dependent on qualifications.

Position Specific Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older with a High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and able to speak, write, and comprehend the English language AND:
• At least 1 year of experience in emergency, tactical, or customer/public complaint experience utilizing radio and/or telephone communications, including some experience performing basic computer applications and typing at reasonable rate of speed; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Highly Desirable

• Experience in an emergency communications center preferred.

Additional Requirements (for both positions)

• Must successfully obtain and maintain the following certifications within 6 months of hire: 
  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Level 3 - CJIS Security & Awareness Certification.
  • State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification.
  • Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Fire Dispatch Certifications from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Rotating shift, weekend, holiday, and overtime schedules.
• Employee’s name must not appear on the Health & Human Services exclusion list.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (for both positions)

• Knowledge of basic telephone equipment operations and procedures.
• Knowledge of county geography, corporate areas, roadway networks, locations of important attractions, major buildings, subdivisions and hospitals.
• Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and the rules and regulations pertinent to area of assignment.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, grammar, spelling, and math.
• Knowledge of recordkeeping practices and procedures.
• Skilled in the application of quality customer service.
• Skilled in the operation of automated office equipment.
• Ability to apply basic computer applications.
• Ability to distinguish varied pitches of bells, signals, and tones and different colors.
• Ability to hear through a headset while positioned at a work station for an extended period of time.
• Ability to make prompt, accurate decisions during emergency situations.
• Ability to react calmly and secure essential information when dealing with excited persons.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple calls/tasks.
• Ability to speak in a clear well-modulated voice and deal with the public in a firm, courteous, tactful and impartial manner.
• Ability to type at a reasonable rate of speed.

Physical/Mental Demands

This is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly.  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

• Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.

• Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.

• Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.

• Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.

• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

• Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an environment with crisis situations that require major decisions involving people, resources, and property.

This position has supplemental questions. If unable to complete all questions, you may save your answers as a draft during the application process and return at any time prior to the closing date. Please note that the application is complete upon final submission.