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Police Communications Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Communications Operator City of Edinburg in Edinburg, TX is actively seeking a dedicated Communications Operator to perform functions within the Police Department. Are you seeking engaging work ? Do ...

Communications Operator City of Edinburg in Edinburg, TX is actively seeking a dedicated Communications Operator to perform functions within the Police Department. Are you seeking engaging work? Do ...

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Police Communications Operator information

See Texas salary details

$31.2K

$51.4K

$67.1K

How much do police communications operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for police communications operator in Texas is $51,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $57,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Police Communications Operator vs Emergency Dispatcher?

AspectPolice Communications OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, communication training, certificationsHigh school diploma, emergency communication training, certifications
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, dispatch centersEmergency call centers, dispatch hubs
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agenciesPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Search & Comparison IntentSimilar roles, communication dutiesEmergency response coordination

Both Police Communications Operators and Emergency Dispatchers handle emergency calls and coordinate responses. While their roles overlap in communication and certification requirements, Police Communications Operators typically work within police stations focusing on law enforcement support, whereas Emergency Dispatchers may serve broader emergency services like fire and medical. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in public safety communication roles.

How does a police communications operator handle high-stress situations, and what support is available?

Police Communications Operators frequently manage urgent and high-pressure scenarios, such as dispatching officers to emergencies or handling multiple calls simultaneously. To navigate these challenges, operators receive extensive training in stress management, effective communication, and crisis protocols. Team members often work closely together in a supportive environment, with supervisors and colleagues providing guidance and backup when necessary. Many agencies also offer access to counseling services and peer support programs to help operators maintain their well-being.

What does a police communications operator do?

As a police communications operator, you manage a police department’s response logistics by answering 911 calls, determining whether or not a situation is an emergency, and functioning as a dispatcher for the department. Most police communications operators categorize and monitor calls, decide which police officers to contact about each issue, and help deliver important information like license plate numbers and warrant statuses. Some duties and responsibilities vary based on the department, but answering phones is a consistent part of this job. Police communications dispatchers are also known as communications officers and 911 dispatchers, but should not be confused with general 911 operators who also work with fire, medical, and other emergency services.

What is a police communications operator?

Police Communications Operators, also known as dispatchers, are professionals responsible for receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls for police assistance. They gather critical information from callers, relay details to officers in the field, and coordinate the appropriate response using radio, telephone, and computer systems. These operators play a vital role in public safety by ensuring that help is dispatched quickly and efficiently, often remaining calm under pressure and multitasking in fast-paced environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a police communications operator?

To thrive as a Police Communications Operator, you need strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional specialized training in emergency communications. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and 911 call handling software is required. Excellent communication, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate, timely dispatching of emergency services and maintaining public safety in high-pressure environments.

What are popular job titles related to Police Communications Operator jobs in Texas?

For Police Communications Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Communications Operator jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Communications Operator jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Police Communications Operator jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Police Communications Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Police Communications Operator jobs in TX?

For Police Communications Operator jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police Communications Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,356 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Police Communications Operator

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:
Police Communications Operator
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Hiring Department:
University Police Department
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
To Be Determined at Offer
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Earliest Start Date:
Ongoing
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Job Details:
General Notes
UTPD is offering a $1,500 certification initiative for Communication Operator positions! You will receive $500 upon completion of our Field Training Program, and then another $1,000 upon receiving a permanent TCOLE telecommunicator license and completing your first year of employment.
The University of Texas at Austin Police Department (UTPD) is a state police agency that employs more than 100 sworn officers. It is a fully-functioning, accredited state police agency serving the UT community 24 hours a day.
For more information on UTPD, please visit: https://police.utexas.edu/
Your skills will make a difference.
You'll be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will make a difference in the lives of FAS staff, thereby enhancing student experience. If you're the type of person that wants to know your work has meaning and impact, you'll like working in our department and for UT Austin.
UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
  • Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
  • Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds
  • Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
  • Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
  • Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
  • Tuition assistance
  • Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
  • Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with a staff ID card
  • Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

For more details, please see:
https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits
https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards
Recruitment and selection information may be communicated via email. See the website https://police.utexas.edu/careers for a list of requirements.
To complete the application process, only applicants selected to move forward in the first phase of the hiring process will be contacted via email and subject to the following:
  • DP1-Personal History Statement (and required documents)
  • DP4-Pre-Employment Polygraph Questionnaire

Finalists under consideration for hire will be subject to the following screening requirements and must successfully pass:
  • Fingerprinting
  • Background check (thorough investigation)
  • Psychological test
  • Polygraph test
  • Physical exam
  • Drug test
  • "CritiCall" test

Responsibilities
  • Accurately track the status and location of emergency personnel using complex computer software.
  • Monitor and acknowledge various alarms, including security access systems, fire alarm systems, closed circuit televisions, teletype, and TDD systems.
  • Receive calls for police services including those originating from emergency telephones and 911 systems.
  • Obtain information quickly and accurately. Receive and transmit radio messages and other information to police personnel.
  • Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • High school graduation or GED.
  • Should have the capabilities to properly carry out the responsibilities and duties of a communications operator for The University of Texas Police Department upon completion of paid 13 week training program.
  • Ability to complete and review forms in detail with accuracy and in a timely manner.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous telecommunication operator experience. Bilingual in Spanish/English.

Driving Required
  • Class "C" Operator's Driver's License.
  • Applicant selected must provide a current three year Driving Record from the current state of residence.
  • If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within 30 days after entering Texas as a new resident.
  • Acceptable driving record and eligible to operate a university-owned vehicle in accordance with UTS 157.

Salary Range
$47,008.00
Working Conditions
  • Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
  • May work in all weather conditions.
  • May work in extreme temperatures.
  • May work around standard office conditions.
  • May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
  • Use of manual dexterity.
  • Climbing of stairs.
  • Lifting and moving.
  • Physical effort required. Able to stand or walk for up to 16 hrs. Lift up to 50lbs.

Work Shift
Able to work extended hours (during special events, etc.) other than normal working hours. Irregular shifts, weekends and holidays.
Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
  • E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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