Police Communications Operator

THE POSITION

As a Police Communications Operator with the Pennsylvania State Police, you will help keep information moving when it counts the most. This job offers steady, engaging work that requires quick thinking and attention to detail. You will assist Troopers by gathering facts, sharing updates, and coordinating responses. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys helping others and staying calm under pressure.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports public safety by receiving, coordinating, and relaying information for the Pennsylvania State Police. It plays an essential role in helping Troopers respond to emergencies, gather details, and maintain organized communication. As a Police Communications Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Call Handling: Receive emergency and non emergency calls, gather details, and determine response needs
• Incident Dispatch: Relay information to Troopers and coordinate assistance with police, fire, and medical agencies
• Record Management: Access and update information using CLEAN, JNET, PFAD, and other electronic systems
• Public Assistance: Respond to inquiries from the public and assist station visitors with information or referrals
• Training Support: Participate in communications training and help introduce new operators to procedures
• Emergency Response: Report to alternate locations and assist during major incidents when directed

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours to be determined. Your schedule will include rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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

• 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.

• You must possess 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.
• You must 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.
• You must 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.

• Two years of experience receiving calls from the general public and county 911 operators regarding emergency and non-emergency police issues.
• Two years of experience in dispatching police, fire, or ambulance services for emergency response.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

• 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

• 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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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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.*

• Eligibility rules apply.