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911 Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Communications Operator I

Cookeville, TN ยท On-site

$41K - $53K/yr

The position answers 911 calls and receives and transmits messages by radio and telephone, often ... Communications Operator I Pay Grade: G Department: Police FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Shift ...

... operating systems, virtualization, cloud, databases, recovery, storage, and applications ... In addition, two years' experience in supporting 911 information systems or mid-level information ...

Be Seen First

Job Summary We are seeking dependable Machine Operator/Reach Truck Operator to work in a fast-paced warehouse and production environment. Depending on the position and experience, employees may work ...

Paramedic - FT

Murfreesboro, TN ยท On-site

$63K - $68K/yr

Key responsibilities include responding to 911 calls, performing patient assessment and charting ... readiness, and operating/maintaining assigned equipment. Required qualifications/skills ...

Machine Operator

Sale Creek, TN ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Machine Operator Job Type: Full-time Pay: $17.00+ DOE 1st Shift Mon-Thurs. 6 am to 4:30 pm. Who We Are Thompson Pipe Group is a privately held family business of engineers, contractors, and ...

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911 Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$20

$24

$29

How much do 911 operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for 911 operator in Tennessee is $24.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 911 operator?

911 Operators, also known as emergency dispatchers, are professionals who answer emergency and non-emergency calls from the public. They are responsible for gathering essential information from callers, determining the nature and location of emergencies, and dispatching the appropriate emergency services, such as police, fire, or medical personnel. In addition to dispatching, they may provide life-saving instructions over the phone and must remain calm and composed under pressure. Their work is crucial to ensuring a swift and effective emergency response.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 911 operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 911 Operator, you need strong communication skills, quick decision-making abilities, and a high school diploma or GED, with some agencies requiring specialized training or certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, multi-line phone systems, and radio equipment is essential. Exceptional emotional resilience, multitasking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure timely, accurate responses to emergencies, which directly impact public safety and successful emergency outcomes.

What are some of the biggest challenges 911 operators face during high-stress calls, and how can they manage them effectively?

911 Operators frequently handle high-pressure situations, such as medical emergencies or crimes in progress, where staying calm is crucial. The biggest challenges include managing emotional callers, quickly gathering accurate information, and prioritizing multiple incidents simultaneously. Effective operators rely on strong communication skills, standardized protocols, and support from their team to ensure efficient and compassionate responses. Many agencies also provide regular training and access to peer support programs to help operators cope with job-related stress.

What is the difference between 911 Operator vs Emergency Dispatcher?

Aspect911 OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, communication skills, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, communication skills, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, public safety agenciesEmergency call centers, public safety agencies
Employer & IndustryPolice, fire, EMS departmentsPolice, fire, EMS departments
Job FunctionsAnswer emergency calls, gather info, dispatch servicesAnswer emergency calls, coordinate dispatch, provide info

Both 911 Operators and Emergency Dispatchers work in emergency call centers, answering calls and dispatching services. The roles are often used interchangeably, with slight variations depending on the agency. Generally, they require similar skills and certifications, focusing on quick response and communication. The main difference lies in terminology used by different agencies, but their core responsibilities and work environments are very similar.

What does a 911 operator do?

A 911 operator works in an emergency dispatch center receiving calls from the general public. Also known as emergency dispatchers, in this job, you answer the phone when someone calls the 911 emergency number. Your job duties include answering phone calls in a 24-hour call center, collecting information from callers regarding the emergency situation, and dispatching the appropriate safety personnel to assist the callers. As a 911 operator, many of the phone calls you receive are serious in nature and can be traumatic, so you must be able to work well under this stress and maintain strong communication skills.

What are popular job titles related to 911 Operator jobs in Tennessee?

For 911 Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for 911 Operator jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most 911 Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to 911 Operator jobs in TN?

For 911 Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 911 Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,971 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Communications Operator I

City of Cookeville

Cookeville, TN โ€ข On-site

$41K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The position answers 911 calls and receives and transmits messages by radio and telephone, often under stressful conditions involving potentially life-threatening situations, to police personnel. In order to be considered for the position, applicants must sit for a written exam that will be administered at the Cookeville Police Department. Applicants will receive further instruction via email. If you possess a telecommunications course certificate in accordance with TN code annotated 7-86-205, you may be exempt from the exam. Contact HR at (931) 520-5289. This position must be able to work any shift.

Position Title: Communications Operator I Pay Grade: G Department: Police FLSA Status: Non-ExemptReports To: Shift Sergeant Safety Sensitive: Yes Position Supervises: NoDate Approved: 02/2024 On-call Required: NoDate Revised: 04/2026

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, and subject to change, as approved by the City Manager.

JOB SUMMARY:

Receives and transmit messages by radio and telephone often under stressful conditions involving potentially life-threatening situations.

Examples of work performed: receives and sends radio transmissions to police personnel; receives 911 calls and dispatches police units; forwards calls to the proper emergency services agency; logs complaint information on all incoming calls; monitors and dispatches units for incoming alarm calls and notifies residential or business owners of alarm call; maintains and operates all NCIC communications; maintains warrants and related information ; operates personal computer and computer terminal; operates computer assisted dispatching software; checks on officers as often as necessary to ensure their safety and well-being; may assist with the training of newly hired communication operators; receives all calls coming into the Police Department before and after normal working hours and on holidays; maintains log of officer activity; assists public as needed; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission relating to radio use

General knowledge of city street names and their location

Knowledge of radio equipment and radio operations

Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations

Ability to operate several pieces of communications equipment at the same time

Ability to speak clearly and concisely

Ability to instruct others in performance of responsibilities

Ability to communicate in a courteous and effective manner with the public and co-workers

Ability to take and follow both written and oral instructions

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other co-workers and the public

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A high school education or equivalent is required. Must possess or maintain the Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification and NCIC certification as required by the State of Tennessee or be able to attain within six months of hire date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Some experience as a communications operator in a military, law enforcement, or civilian position is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical:

Essential functions of this position are predominantly sedentary in nature, using a variety of telecommunications devices to enter/retrieve electronic data. Employees in this class: are required to receive, read and/or hear, understand, then forward information via radio within a very brief amount of time; must be able to manipulate and use various equipment such as radios, computers, and other telecommunication devices; must have the ability to move to, locate, and retrieve and/or file documents that may be stored in cabinets of varying height.

Environmental:

Employees in this class must often respond quickly and calmly under very stressful conditions and must be able to work any shift. Work is performed in an office environment that can be noisy with multiple workstations and ongoing communication activity.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS SUMMARY:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Voluntary Benefits
  • Pension and 401k Retirement Savings
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick time โ€“ 8 hours/month
  • Paid Vacation time โ€“ 8 hours/month

City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources division at (931) 520-5256.


Successful applicants must pass a limited background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screen.ย