Public Safety Telecommunicator II Trainee

If you are hired as a Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST), and meet the following criteria, you are eligible for a one-time signing incentive upon successful completion of initial probation:

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 *This incentive will be subject to a supplemental tax as required by IRS guidelines.

This is a trainee-level classification in which employees are expected to successfully complete call taker training and radio training. Upon successful completion of call taker training and radio training, the employee will be transferred to PST II pay grade. If PST II Trainee does not successfully complete radio training within the initial probation period, the trainee will be terminated from employment or may be allowed to transfer to a PST I position, if one is available.

Primary Purpose

The Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) II Trainee 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 a 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. This position is required to receive and dispatch emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for Law Enforcement, operate a variety of communications equipment including radio systems and telephones, perform dispatch activities utilizing computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, dispatch and monitor deputies and other designated personnel during emergencies and normal operations, answer or refer inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters, access, retrieve, and transmit vehicular or personal information to field units, 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

Limited Access FCIC/NCIC able to become certified

Must be able to become Florida PST Certified

Must be able to work days, nights, weekends and/or holidays and natural disasters to ensure minimum staffing 24/7, as this position is essential and must report to work during times when the government/agency is closed.

Employees must be able to work either shift, including weekends and holidays

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.

Utilize two-way radio system to provide and maintain effective communications with Agency personnel

Dispatch appropriate unit(s) in response to calls for service based on priority, location, and resource availability

Provide and update responding unit(s) and/or supervisor(s) with all available pertinent information

Track, monitor, and document all deputies and other designated personnel's activities as required during the tour of duty

Monitor and respond to alerts from our license plate readers

Monitor and maintain radio communication with field personnel (patrol units, intelligence cars, bomb disposal units, divers, aircraft, and watercraft vehicles) to ensure their safety, determine availability of units, and deploy back-up when necessary

Communicate with other Law Enforcement agencies and in-house personnel, ensure proper coordination of multi- agency efforts involving the establishment of roadblocks, warrant verification, pursuit efforts, translators, K-9's, intoxilizer operators and other legitimate requirements, etc.

Respond to DMV record requests made by field unit

Other duties assigned

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: 01/01/2025

History: New Job Description