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Public Safety Telecommunicator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR

Danbury, NC · On-site

$19.34 - $31/hr

PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR Summary Receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls (voice/text/messaging) for law enforcement, fire, rescue, medical, and other emergency services by ...

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Public Safety Telecommunicator information

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$13

$24

$35

How much do public safety telecommunicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for public safety telecommunicator 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public safety telecommunicator?

To thrive as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized emergency dispatch training or certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and 911 call-taking software is typically required. Outstanding verbal communication, emotional resilience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These qualities are vital to ensure accurate, efficient response coordination and to provide critical support during emergencies.

What is a public safety telecommunicator?

A public safety telecommunicator works at an emergency response center and serves as a midpoint between the public and emergency responders. As a public safety telecommunicator, your job duties involve answering phone calls and relaying information to emergency services. You may also often stay on the phone with callers until emergency responders arrive to provide emotional support and guidance. The career typically requires the completion of an emergency dispatch certification program and on-the-job training. Employers may also request candidates to undergo a personality inventory test, drug screening, and a background investigation. Additional qualifications include the ability to handle high-stress situations and remain calm under pressure, along with strong interpersonal and computer skills.

Is it hard to become a public safety telecommunicator?

Becoming a public safety telecommunicator typically requires completing a training program, passing a written exam, and obtaining relevant certifications such as CPR or emergency dispatch certifications. The job can be demanding due to the need for quick decision-making, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations, but the entry process is structured and accessible for those meeting the requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by public safety telecommunicators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Public Safety Telecommunicators often face high-pressure situations, including handling multiple emergency calls simultaneously and making quick decisions with limited information. New hires may find it challenging to manage stress, maintain composure, and accurately relay critical information to first responders. To prepare, it's helpful to develop strong multitasking abilities, practice active listening, and familiarize yourself with local emergency protocols. Many agencies offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to help new team members build confidence and resilience in this demanding but rewarding role.

What is the difference between Public Safety Telecommunicator vs Emergency Dispatcher?

AspectPublic Safety TelecommunicatorEmergency Dispatcher
CertificationsTypically requires APCO or NCIC certificationsOften requires similar certifications, including CPR and emergency communication training
Work EnvironmentOperates in 911 call centers, handling emergency callsWorks in emergency dispatch centers, coordinating response units
Employer & IndustryPublic safety agencies, police, fire, EMSPublic safety agencies, police, fire, EMS

Public Safety Telecommunicators and Emergency Dispatchers often perform similar roles within emergency response teams, handling calls and coordinating services. The main difference lies in terminology used by different regions or agencies, but both require comparable certifications and work in similar environments. They are essential for effective emergency response and often overlap in job duties and employer settings.

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What states have the most Public Safety Telecommunicator jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Safety Telecommunicator jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Public Safety Telecommunicator jobs? For Public Safety Telecommunicator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Public Safety Telecommunicator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% 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.

$57K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Nature of Work When help is needed, you're the critical link managing communications between a caller and first responders. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is seeking qualified candidates for Public Safety Telecommunicator. As a Public Safety Telecommunicator, you will serve as the vital link between citizens in need and the first responders who provide assistance.

From answering phone calls and dispatching resources, to monitoring radio traffic and supporting deputies in the field, this position plays a critical role in public safety and community service. The ideal candidate remains calm under pressure, communicates clearly, and can effectively gather critical information from individuals experiencing stressful or emergency situations. They possess strong multitasking and problem-solving skills, can quickly prioritize competing demands, and are comfortable utilizing multiple computer systems and communication tools simultaneously.

Successful candidates are team-oriented professionals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and understand the importance of accuracy, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service. All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to successfully complete the CritiCall pre-employment assessment, which measures the multitasking, data entry, decision-making, memory recall, and communication skills necessary to succeed in a public safety communications environment. Once hired, members receive extensive training and support designed to set them up for success.

Training begins with call taker classroom instruction, followed by on-the-job call-taker training with a Communications Training Officer (CTO), and concludes with a shadow phase to assess skills and readiness to progress through the program. Upon completion of call taker training, members advance to radio dispatch training, which includes dispatch classroom instruction, on-the-job training dispatch training with a CTO and concludes with another shadow phase before release from the training program. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day while serving alongside dedicated law enforcement professionals.

If you are looking for a rewarding career where no two shifts are the same and your work directly supports public safety, we encourage you to apply. Hiring bonus of $1,500 with a 2-year commitment. Consideration given for relevant experience.

This position is scheduled to work 12-hour shifts (either days or nights) on a rotating schedule that repeats itself every two weeks. There is also one Delta shift that works 1200-2230 (Thurs/Fri/Sat off OR Sat/Sun/Mon off). This position is subject to a biannual seniority-based bidding process.

You must be able to accommodate all shifts. The background investigation process may take up to 6 weeks depending upon the complexity of the applicant's background and position for which they've applied. Job Description: Under the general direction of the Communications Center Shift Supervisor, the main focus of this position is to respond to both routine and emergency requests for service and information as the first point of contact for the public calling the agency for assistance.

Requests for service and information from inside and outside the agency are screened to determine the most appropriate action to take whether dispatching of law enforcement, other agency responders, or routing the information via the computer and/or radio. Calls requiring the dispatch of law enforcement are monitored and supported by this position. Members exercise considerable independent judgment in determining the seriousness and immediacy of a situation and the most appropriate action.

Work is reviewed through observation and results obtained. Shift work required. SUPERVISES OTHERS: No Answers emergency and nonemergency calls from the public Dispatches calls for service via a computer or voice determining the priority of the call, who and what type of response is warranted Monitors multiple radio channels for officer safety and timely response to calls for service Provides information to law enforcement personnel on warrants, driver's license data, vehicle registration, property ownership, criminal histories and verification of identities, etc.

by querying various law enforcement databases Communicates with other members or agencies via phone or electronic messaging on nonemergency calls and requests for information or services, such as forensics, K-9, flight, wreckers, etc. Generates and broadcasts BOLO (Be On The Lookout) announcements by radio and/or electronic means Retrieves information and confirms the information retrieved is relevant and takes action Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position This position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to work Participates in Sheriff's Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary Qualifications High School graduation or equivalent diploma from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S

Department of Education (DOE) or licensed as a degree granting institution by the Commission for Independent Education Possess a current Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification in the State of Florida Or must be able to successfully complete classroom instruction and pass the State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification Examination within 12 months of hire Testing Required Must possess a valid Florida driver's license Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of 10-Codes and Signals Knowledge of the geography of the County Computer skills to enter and retrieve information from applicable computer systems, ensuring accuracy in entering data and retrieving information in a timely manner Ability to elicit critical information from sick, injured, and/or highly emotional individuals, who may be in a stressful or life-threatening situation Ability to accurately and rapidly carry out requests for information from deputies in the field Time management skills to organize and prioritize inquiries, calls for service, tasks and special assignments Interpersonal skills to demonstrate a congenial, respectful and productive behavior and attitude towards others in a working relationship and under difficult situations Ability to think and speak clearly in emergency and nonemergency situations Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace Physical Abilities The physical abilities listed below are estimates of time spent during a typical work day to perform essential functions and responsibilities. Members in this position may be required to: Visual acuity of 20/30 vision standard in each eye; if corrective lenses must be used to satisfy 20/30 vision standard, uncorrected vision should be no worse than 20/100 in each eye Must pass hearing with less than or equal to 40 decibels in each ear under the frequencies: 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz and 2,000 Hz Sit up to 7 hours per day Stand up to 1 hour per day Walk up to 1 hour per day Continuously lift up to 10 lbs. Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.

Occasionally bend, squat, reach, kneel and twist