ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Emergency Operator Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

GUADALUPE-BLANCO RIVER AUTHORITY

OPERATOR II

Buda, TX · On-site

$39K - $66K/yr

This position is also responsible for performing emergency or scheduled maintenance, cleaning, inspections, and CCTV video of collection mains and associated lift stations owned or operated by GBRA ...

GUADALUPE-BLANCO RIVER AUTHORITY

OPERATOR II

Buda, TX

$39K - $66K/yr

This position is also responsible for performing emergency or scheduled maintenance, cleaning, inspections, and CCTV video of collection mains and associated lift stations owned or operated by GBRA ...

Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority

OPERATOR II

Buda, TX · On-site

$39K - $66K/yr

This position is also responsible for performing emergency or scheduled maintenance, cleaning, inspections, and CCTV video of collection mains and associated lift stations owned or operated by GBRA ...

Travel Nurses, Inc.

Travel Emergency Dept RN

Austin, TX · On-site

ED - Emergency Department * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/08/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours ... Travel Nurses, Inc. is a nurse-founded and operated healthcare staffing agency connecting nurses ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEmergency Operator JobsEmergency Operator Jobs in Austin, TX

Emergency Operator information

See Austin, TX salary details

$15

$22

$24

How much do emergency operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency operator in Austin, TX is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an emergency operator?

Emergency Operators, also known as 911 dispatchers or emergency dispatchers, are trained professionals who receive and manage emergency calls from the public. They gather essential information, assess the situation, and coordinate the appropriate emergency response, such as police, fire, or medical services. Emergency Operators play a critical role in ensuring that help is dispatched quickly and efficiently, often providing life-saving instructions to callers before first responders arrive. Their work requires excellent communication skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and knowledge of emergency procedures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an emergency operator?

To thrive as an Emergency Operator, you need excellent communication, multitasking abilities, and a strong understanding of emergency protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized dispatcher training. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and possibly certifications such as Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) are typically required. Outstanding stress management, decision-making, and empathy help you remain calm and effective during high-pressure situations. These skills ensure that critical information is relayed accurately and efficiently, directly impacting emergency response outcomes and public safety.

What challenges do emergency operators face and how are they supported?

Emergency Operators often encounter high-pressure scenarios where they must quickly assess situations, provide clear instructions, and coordinate with emergency responders, all while maintaining composure. The emotional intensity of handling urgent calls, sometimes involving life-or-death situations, can be challenging. To support operators, many organizations provide ongoing training in crisis communication, regular debriefing sessions, and access to mental health resources. Teamwork and strong supervisory support also play a crucial role in managing stress and ensuring effective responses.

What is the difference between Emergency Operator vs Emergency Dispatcher?

AspectEmergency OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, CPR certification often preferredHigh school diploma, emergency communication training
Work EnvironmentCall centers, emergency response centersDispatch centers, emergency services offices
Employer & Industry UsagePolice, fire, EMS agenciesPolice, fire, EMS agencies
Common Search & ComparisonEmergency OperatorEmergency Dispatcher

Emergency Operators and Emergency Dispatchers often perform similar roles in emergency response, handling calls and coordinating services. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, Emergency Operators typically focus on initial call intake and basic assistance, whereas Emergency Dispatchers are more involved in coordinating and dispatching emergency units. Both roles require communication skills and emergency response knowledge, but their specific duties and training may vary depending on the agency.

How easy is it to get hired as an emergency operator?

Getting hired as an emergency operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Employers often conduct background checks and may require certification or training, which can vary by region but generally involves completing a training program before employment.

What do emergency operators do?

Emergency operators answer emergency calls and assess the situation to dispatch appropriate services such as police, fire, or medical personnel. They gather critical information, provide instructions to callers, and maintain communication until help arrives, often working in a call center environment with specialized communication tools.

What are popular job titles related to Emergency Operator jobs in Austin, TX?

For Emergency Operator jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Emergency Operator jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Emergency Operator jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Emergency Operator jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Emergency Operator job openings:

Emergency Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Emergency Operator job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,259 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Emergency Communications (Operator/Senior)

City of Georgetown

Georgetown, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

City Of Georgetown (Texas) rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

486th of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
Under close supervision, receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, EMS, utility, and animal control services. Evaluates call information, provides pre-arrival instructions, and dispatches appropriate resources. Enters, updates, and maintains accurate data in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and related databases. Monitors field unit status, relays critical information, and supports response operations. Performs crisis intervention and maintains clear, concise documentation of all activities. A high degree of accuracy is required, and incumbents must remain aware of the consequences of error. Work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • Emergency Communications Operator is the entry to intermediate-level classification, distinguished by no licensure, a TCOLE Basic, or a TCOLE Intermediate level license, which functions under close supervision.
  • Senior Emergency Communications Operator is the advanced-level classification, distinguished by a TCOLE Advanced or Master level license, which performs the full range of duties independently while holding additional responsibility for training, mentoring, and occasional operational support functions.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume. Please note, this position requires shift work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Core Duties (All Levels):
  • Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, EMS, utility, and animal control assistance within the City of Georgetown.
  • Processes information from callers, including but not limited to nature, severity, location, and status of incident being reported.
  • Utilizes associated fire and medical programs to classify response during call processing and provide essential pre-arrival instructions.
  • Determines appropriate response and dispatches units accordingly.
  • Assists dispatched units by relaying information regarding calls for service.
  • Maintains communication with field units and relays updated or critical information.
  • Performs crisis intervention with distraught callers during high-risk situations until appropriate emergency field units arrive.
  • Enters, maintains, updates, and researches information within TCIC/NCIC (Texas Criminal Information Center and National Criminal Information Center) and TLETS/NLETS (Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System/National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System) databases.
  • Researches and responds to inquiries from other law enforcement agencies and departments.
  • Prepares clear and concise records with comprehensive documentation within CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system and TCIC/NCIC programs.
  • Performs computer-assisted and manual records checks for officers on individuals, locations, vehicles, and other property; verifies warrants or reports of stolen property.
  • Maintains, updates, and accesses various logs and computer data files for all officer activities (incident reports, stolen or repossessed property logs, maps, shift logs, etc.).
  • Utilizes various in-house record systems and programs (Flock, UMAX, OpCenter, In-code, Smart911, RapidSOS, RapidDeploy, Phoenix, Motorola Command Center, etc.) in coordination with incident investigation and dispatching.
  • Maintains all licenses and certifications obtained per department and state guidelines.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Emergency Communications Operator Specific Duties:
  • May train new personnel on job responsibilities of Emergency Communications Operator.
  • May be required to act in a lead capacity during the absence of an Emergency Communications Operator Senior and/or Supervisor.
  • Participate in Division/Department public relations activities.

Senior Emergency Communications Operator Specific Duties:
  • Trains and mentors new and existing personnel.
  • Lead ongoing training classes for existing personnel.
  • Participates in the development and maintenance of training materials, SOPs, and manuals.
  • Serves in a lead or acting supervisory capacity as assigned.
  • Participate in Division/Department public relations activities.

Emergency Communications Operator - Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Preferred: Two (2) years of experience in public safety telecommunications as a radio dispatcher and/or E911 call taker.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
  • TCOLE Basic or Intermediate Telecommunicator License (or obtain within 1 year)
  • TCIC/NCIC Full Access Operator Certification (required upon licensing)
  • TLETS/NLETS Certification (required upon licensing)
  • Priority Dispatch ProQA Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) (within 6 months)
  • Priority Dispatch ProQA Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) (within 6 months)
  • TDD/TTY Certification (within 6 months)

Senior Emergency Communications Operator - Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum eight (8) years of public safety telecommunications experience as a radio dispatcher and/or E911 call taker.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
  • TCOLE Master Telecommunicator License
  • TCIC/NCIC Full Access Operator Certification
  • TLETS/NLETS Certification
  • Priority Dispatch ProQA Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) (within 6 months)
  • Priority Dispatch ProQA Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) (within 6 months)
  • TDD/TTY Certification as required by state licensure
  • Preferred: Communications Training Officer (CTO) Certification issued by a nationally recognized professional standards organization such as the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials - International.

Note: Out of state certifications must be converted to TCOLE License within one (1) year of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of emergency dispatch and call-taking procedures
  • Skill in multitasking and prioritizing in high-stress environments
  • Ability to perform crisis intervention and communicate effectively with distressed individuals
  • Ability to operate multiple computers and communication systems simultaneously
  • Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail under pressure

Physical Requirements and Working Environment
Work is primarily performed in an indoor, climate-controlled 911 Communications Center environment. Extended periods of sedentary work at a multi-screen workstation are common. Physical activities may include standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, vision, hearing, and talking.
The work environment includes constant exposure to radio transmissions, telephone communications, and multiple simultaneous audio sources. The work area is maintained at reduced temperatures to support computing equipment. The position requires the ability to remain alert and make sound decisions during extended shifts and high-stress situations.
Hiring Process
Applicants should be aware that any offer of employment is conditional upon successfully completing each step of the hiring process listed below:
  • Submit the completed Professional Standards Division (PSD) - issued background packet within 30 days.
  • Complete a pre-screen and on-site interview.
  • Pass the CritiCall assessment within 30 days of receiving the email request.
  • Successfully pass a full background investigation.
  • Pass the oral board interview.
  • Pass the Chief's interview.
  • Successfully complete all post-offer requirements, including a drug screen, psychological evaluation, physical exam, and fingerprint-based background check.
  • Complete any additional testing required by the State and TCOLE for telecommunicator certification.

Schedule: This position requires rotating shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may also require on-call availability.
Emergency Communications Operator Pay Scale (TCOLE-Based Progression)
• EC01 - $28.83/hour
Earned after successful completion of initial training.
• EC02 - $29.97/hour
Requires a Basic TCOLE Certificate and 1 year of minimum experience.
• EC03 - $31.20/hour
Requires an Intermediate TCOLE Certificate and 2 years of minimum experience.
• EC04 - $32.43/hour
Requires an Advanced TCOLE Certificate and 4 years of minimum experience.
• Master TCOLE License - $33.98/hour
Earned upon achieving the Master TCOLE License and 8 years of minimum experience.
#LoveWhereYouWork! Check out the benefits of working with us here.
Regular-Full time
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

What City Of Georgetown (Texas) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply