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Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa, AZ

Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$64K - $84K/yr

A Public Safety Telecommunicator I is the entry-level class in the Public Safety Telecommunicator series and is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and processing all 9-1-1 calls for police, fire ...

City of Mesa

Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Mesa, AZ

$64K - $84K/yr

A Public Safety Telecommunicator I is the entry-level class in the Public Safety Telecommunicator series and is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and processing all 9-1-1 calls for police, fire ...

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How much do public safety telecommunicator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for public safety telecommunicator trainee in the United States is $24.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public safety telecommunicator trainee?

A Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee is an entry-level professional who is learning to answer emergency and non-emergency calls and to dispatch police, fire, or medical units as needed. Trainees receive on-the-job training to develop skills in using communication equipment, prioritizing calls, and following safety protocols. They play a crucial role in ensuring public safety by quickly and accurately relaying information to first responders. This position often serves as the first step toward becoming a certified telecommunicator or dispatcher.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public safety telecommunicator trainee?

To thrive as a Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee, you need strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and sometimes Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification is typically required. Excellent communication, stress management, and problem-solving skills help trainees effectively handle emergencies and interact with the public and first responders. These skills are crucial for ensuring timely, accurate responses to emergencies, which can have life-saving impacts.

What are some common challenges faced by public safety telecommunicator trainees during their initial training period?

Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering complex communication systems, accurately prioritizing emergency calls under pressure, and quickly learning protocols for various types of incidents. Adjusting to shift work and maintaining composure during high-stress situations can also be demanding. However, comprehensive training programs and experienced mentors are typically in place to support trainees as they build confidence and develop the necessary skills for success in this vital role.

What is the difference between Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee vs Public Safety Telecommunicator?

AspectPublic Safety Telecommunicator TraineePublic Safety Telecommunicator
CertificationsTypically in training, may require basic dispatch or emergency communication certificationsUsually holds necessary certifications, such as E911 or emergency dispatch licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning protocolsFull-time dispatching in emergency call centers
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning call handling, radio operation, protocolsHandling emergency calls, dispatching responders, maintaining communication

The main difference is that a Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee is in training and developing skills, while a Public Safety Telecommunicator is fully qualified and actively performing dispatch duties. Trainees are supervised and learning protocols, whereas dispatchers handle emergency calls independently.

How much does a public safety telecommunicator trainee make?

A public safety telecommunicator trainee typically earns an hourly wage that ranges from minimum wage up to around $20 per hour, depending on the location and agency. Trainees often receive on-the-job training and may be eligible for benefits once they become certified public safety telecommunicators.

Is it hard to become a public safety telecommunicator trainee?

Becoming a public safety telecommunicator trainee typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a background check, and often obtaining emergency communication certifications. The training involves learning radio procedures, dispatch protocols, and often includes on-the-job training, making it accessible but demanding in terms of skills and attention to detail.

What cities are hiring for Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee job openings:

What states have the most Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee jobs?

For Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,367 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Public Safety Telecommunicator/Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee, Rowan Police Department

Glassboro, NJ • On-site

Rowan University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Rowan Universityexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Rowan University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Public Safety Telecommunicator/Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee, Rowan Police Department
Job no: 500938
Work type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Glassboro, New Jersey
Categories: Public Safety/Security
Public Safety Telecommunicator and/or Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee
Position Summary:
  • The Rowan University Police Department is looking for a reliable Dispatcher (Public Safety Telecommunicator/Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee) to act as a communication point for emergency and non-emergency calls. The ideal candidate must be primarily an excellent communicator and able to remain calm and composed, especially in emergency situations. You must be able to multi-task as well as take the appropriate action with little supervision. The goal is to enable different parties to communicate well by ensuring the accurate and timely transmission of information.

Major Duties:
  • Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and efficiently gathers, evaluates, prioritizes, and documents information from callers.
  • Dispatches police, security, EMS field units and other related services to specific locations using a computer aided dispatch system, multiple video display terminals, two-way radio dispatch console consisting of 7 radio channels and related equipment.
  • Evaluates incoming reports of police, security, and EMS; immediately transmits complete and accurate information to appropriate field personnel.
  • Monitors, coordinates and accurately maintains the status of incidents and record of dispatched emergency service personnel and apparatus.
  • Receives and disseminates information from other law enforcement and emergency service computer networks related to jurisdictional requests for police, fire or medical service assistance, or to notices of wanted persons, stolen property, warrants and all points bulletins and maintains confidentiality of information.
  • Maintains familiarity with area geography including additional campuses, campus buildings, and surrounding areas.
  • Maintains up-to-date understanding of public safety policies and procedures for the Police Department at Rowan University.
  • Responds to routine and non-routine inquiries regarding police, security, or EMS; properly classifies and prioritizes any report or complaint information and determines appropriate course of action; provides appropriate referrals as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Proficient in typing for quick paced data entry
  • Organizational and multi-tasking abilities
  • The ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with fellow employees, representatives from other departments, and supervisors
  • The ability to use judgment and decision-making skills to evaluate situations, establish priorities, and resolve matters
  • The ability to think quickly
  • The ability to work under stressful situations
  • The ability to actively listen, communicate effectively through clear speech via radio and telephone
  • The ability to follow instructions
  • The ability to establish priorities and pass on information as needed
  • Proven experience as a dispatcher or relevant position
  • Basic 9-1-1 Certification
  • EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) Certification
  • CPR Certification
  • NCIC/CJIS/AOC

Requirements:
Public Safety Telecommunicator:
  • Available for current state employees in the competitive division.
  • One (1) year of experience in work involving the receiving, transmitting, and relaying of video display and/or radio messages, and in the receiving, relaying, and recording of complaints and requests for emergency assistance which shall have included the use of video display, data processing, automatic number identification, automatic location identification, switching equipment, or other computer-oriented equipment.

Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee:
  • Upon the successful completion of the twelve (12) month training period, appointee will be eligible for advancement under Civil Service Commission procedure to the title Public Safety Telecommunicator. The inability of an employee to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to the title listed above shall be considered as cause for separation.

Salary & Benefits:
  • In compliance with The State of New Jersey's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is as follows:
    • Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee: IFPTE: Range 99, $48,366.45
    • Public Safety Telecommunicator: IFPTE Range 16 (Step 1 $50,539 to Step 4 $57,393), with placement within the range determined by candidate's qualifications, professional experience, internal equity, and other factors.
  • For eligible employees, benefits include: comprehensive NJ State health, dental and retirement benefits, extensive accrued time off/paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement for employee, spouse, and dependents to attend Rowan University, Glassboro. (Tuition reimbursement will apply to undergraduate degrees only for spouse and dependents).
    For more detailed information, please visit: https://sites.rowan.edu/hr/benefits/

Hours:
  • This position works various 12-hour shifts or longer if needed. This includes days, nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Notes:
  • Rowan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diverse people and abilities. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US, and the university will not sponsor an applicant for a work visa for this position.
  • Please note that this position is subject to the NJ First Act, requiring public employees to establish residency in the State of New Jersey. See N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70) for further information.
  • Only completed, online applications submitted will be considered.
  • Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ "SAME" program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted with your application by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their Website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml , email: SAME@csc.nj.gov , or call CSC at (833)691-0404.
Advertised: Sep 17 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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