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Telecommunicator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Corvallis

9-1-1 Telecommunicator

Corvallis, OR · On-site

Adhere to a Telecommunicator Code of Ethics, maintain proficiency in established policies ... During the training period a trainee can expect to work all shifts (days, swings, and nights) while ...

City of Corvallis

9-1-1 Telecommunicator

Corvallis, OR

$31.72 - $40.48/hr

Adhere to a Telecommunicator Code of Ethics, maintain proficiency in established policies ... During the training period a trainee can expect to work all shifts (days, swings, and nights) while ...

WCCCA

Police Dispatcher-Trainee

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

DPSST Basic Telecommunicator Certification. * EMD Certification. * CPR/First Aid/AED Certification ... Trainee for long periods of time. Accommodations may be made for some of these physical demands for ...

MSCCN

Police Dispatcher Trainee

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

DPSST Basic Telecommunicator Certification. * EMD Certification. * CPR/First Aid/AED Certification ... Trainee for long periods of time. Accommodations may be made for some of these physical demands for ...

City of Palm Bay, FL

Communications Officer

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$48K/yr

The starting salary for a Communications Officer Trainee is $39,787. Once Public Service Telecommunicator (PST) certification is received, the employee will receive a promotional increase of 5% or ...

City of Palm Bay

Communications Officer

Palm Bay, FL

$48K/yr

The starting salary for a Communications Officer Trainee is $39,787. Once Public Service Telecommunicator (PST) certification is received, the employee will receive a promotional increase of 5% or ...

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Telecommunicator Trainee information

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$25.5K

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How much do telecommunicator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for telecommunicator trainee in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Telecommunicator Trainees?

Telecommunicator Trainees are entry-level professionals who are training to become full-fledged telecommunicators or emergency dispatchers. They learn to answer emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch police, fire, and medical units, and provide critical information to first responders. Trainees undergo extensive classroom and on-the-job training to develop the necessary skills in communication, technology, and crisis management. Their role is essential for ensuring that emergency services are delivered quickly and efficiently to those in need.

What do you need to become a telecommunicator?

To become a telecommunicator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Some positions may require certification or training in emergency communication systems and a background check. On-the-job training is often provided to familiarize new telecommunicators with specific protocols and tools.

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

To thrive as a Telecommunicator Trainee, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication devices, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Exceptional listening skills, composure under pressure, and clear verbal communication help individuals excel in this role. These competencies are vital for efficiently managing emergency calls and ensuring prompt, accurate assistance to those in need.

How much does a telecommunicator make?

The average salary for a telecommunicator trainee is around $35,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency. Entry-level positions may start lower, but with training and certification, salaries can increase as skills and responsibilities grow.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 dispatcher?

Becoming a telecommunicator trainee, such as a 911 dispatcher, can be competitive due to the need for strong communication skills, stress management, and often a background check. Candidates typically need to complete training programs and obtain certifications, which can vary in difficulty depending on the agency's requirements.

What is the difference between Telecommunicator Trainee vs Telecommunicator?

AspectTelecommunicator TraineeTelecommunicator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often required
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervisedActive call-taking environment, shift work
Employer & Industry UsagePublic safety agencies, emergency servicesPublic safety agencies, emergency dispatch

In summary, a Telecommunicator Trainee is in training and supervised, focusing on learning call-taking procedures, while a Telecommunicator is a fully qualified professional handling emergency calls independently.

Will AI replace dispatchers?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist telecommunicators by automating routine tasks and improving response times, but it is unlikely to fully replace dispatchers in the near future. Human judgment, communication skills, and decision-making remain essential in emergency response roles, and telecommunicators often work alongside AI tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

What are some common challenges faced by Telecommunicator Trainees during their initial training period?

Telecommunicator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to a high-pressure environment where quick thinking and multitasking are essential. The role requires learning to manage multiple phone lines, operate complex communication systems, and accurately relay critical information, all while maintaining composure. Trainees must also quickly develop strong listening and communication skills to handle emergency situations and interact with diverse callers. Support from experienced team members and comprehensive training programs help new trainees build confidence and competence over time.
What states have the most Telecommunicator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Telecommunicator Trainee jobs include:
Telecommunicator Trainee jobs near you
9-1-1 Telecommunicator

9-1-1 Telecommunicator

City of Corvallis

Corvallis, OR • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Summary

Member of the Corvallis Regional 9-1-1 Communications Center (CRCC) team within the City of Corvallis Police Department Professional Standards and Support Division. Provide call answering and public safety dispatch services for ten (10) public safety agencies throughout Benton County. Answer emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and requests for public safety services; determine the nature of the call and deploy the appropriate personnel and equipment; operate computer-aided dispatch system and various mission-critical communications equipment. Coordinate inter-agency and multi-agency public safety responses, ensure responder safety, and respond to needs of community members to safeguard live and property, and to promote community livability. Adhere to a Telecommunicator Code of Ethics, maintain proficiency in established policies, procedures, telecommunications equipment and geography of area served.


Full-time 40 hours per week, CRCCA represented

12-month probationary period


The Corvallis Regional 9-1-1 Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including holidays and weekends.

Work rotating shift work and/or compressed work schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Work mandatory overtime with no notice and/or respond to the workplace when emergency situations warrant including but not limited to times of civil unrest, natural disasters, and inclement weather.

Telecommunicators work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. Our Shifts include days, swings, and nights. Schedules rotate every three months according to our association's shift bidding process and operational needs.

During the training period a trainee can expect to work all shifts (days, swings, and nights) while learning the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Cert Pay: DPSST Intermediate 4.5% DPSST Advanced 8.0%

Lateral applicants may start at a higher wage depending on experience.


Proposed Recruitment Timeline for Multiple Positions

May 22, 2026

Recruitment Opens

Ongoing

Application review & CritiCall test invitations sent

CritiCall test completion deadline

Speed Interviews

Oral Boards & Final Interviews

Background/Medical/Drug Screen/Psych

Anticipated appointment for positions will be as appropriate


Essential Duties
Answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls via multi-line telephones, assesses needs of caller and dispatches police, fire and/or medical response teams and equipment.Gives emergency instructions to the caller while responding units are in transit, including emergency medical pre-arrival instructions.
Processes calls to determine the incident location, nature of the incident, severity (priority), and other information pertinent to the appropriate and safe response to the situation.
Manages callers; calms and controls callers, communicates with special needs callers, and communicates with callers from diverse demographic backgrounds while providing professional, excellent service as required by policies and procedures.
Provides instructions to callers to help guard their safety as well as others at the scene. Remains on the phone with callers as situations require.
Provides instructions to the caller to render medical aid to the sick and injured until the arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Dispatches the appropriate police, fire, EMS and Emergency Management Agency using radio tone paging, Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), CAD text messaging, VHF or 700 MHz radio system, telephone, or other telecommunications devices and software as needed.
Appropriately transfers or routes calls for service in outside jurisdictions to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
Enters accurate and orderly information into computer systems to generate calls for service; listens and talks to callers while typing information into the Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD), or recording information on a manual call card.Ensures public safety responders have accurate and updated call for service information.
Processes multiple phone calls, tracks/talks to responders over multiple radio frequencies, updates CAD, tracks /changes field unit status in CAD, runs data base checks, maintains awareness of field situations and what is transpiring in the communications center, assists co-workers when needed and processing requests from field units.
Maintains working knowledge of geography of 9-1-1 service area; utilizes various electronic or paper maps, determines appropriate emergency response type, jurisdiction, and closest appropriate public safety apparatus (units) to deploy to various situations.
Maintains knowledge of various mutual aid and automatic aid agreements between 9-1-1 User Agencies and deploys public safety resources as required.
Maintains "situational awareness," thinks ahead and anticipates needs for resources and/or information to ensure effective, efficient, and timely assistance to public safety responders and the community.
Monitors and tracks the status of public safety responders; monitors and responds to internal unit tracking and emergency radio ID alarms to ensure responder safety. Coordinates and tracks interagency and multi-agency public safety responses.
Monitors and responds to government entity panic alarms; monitors public safety premise security video cameras.
Correctly perform various computer operations to access sensitive and restricted law enforcement information systems; correctly disseminate the information.
Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
Obtains and maintains all required certifications for the position.Abides by the Oregon Telecommunicator Code of Ethics.
Works overtime without advance notice and/or responds back to the work place during emergencies and/or to ensure adequate staffing in the 9-1-1 Center to provide efficient, effective service to the public and agencies served.
Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.

Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.

Conforms with all safety rules and performs work in a safe manner.
Maintains effective work relationships.
Adheres to all City and Department policies.
Qualifications and Skills
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent.
Communications centered customer service work experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to learn the geographic area, community, agency resources, standard operating procedures, and mutual aid agreements by the end of the probationary period.
Ability to accurately read maps and use various GIS/mapping software to determine appropriate public safety responses and to assist public safety responders locate calls for service.
Excellent listening skills and the ability to communicate clearly and elicit needed information from emotionally stressed and otherwise challenging callers; ability to adapt and communicate effectively with diverse public.
Ability to change quickly between essential tasks: process all telephone calls and accurately type pertinent call for service information into CAD while talking to/reassuring caller, simultaneously dispatching and communicating with public safety responders by radio, communicating with/helping co-workers and being aware of what other activities are occurring in the 9-1-1 Communications Center.
Ability to use text-telephones (TTY) to communicate with speech or hearing impaired callers.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, all 9-1-1 User Agency members and the public.
Ability to function as an effective member of a close working team.
Ability to remain calm in emergency situations and relay that composure to callers and field personnel.
Ability to process, assess, and react to large amounts of information quickly; and to concentrate during periods of high stress.
Ability to make accurate, logical decisions during various emergency and non-emergency situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and judgment in dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
Ability to learn to use a computer to perform the essential functions of the position in a timely and accurate manner.
Ability to keyboard by touch quickly enough to keep up with the demands of the job. Efficiently utilize computers in the performance of the essential functions of the position. Ability to learn to use required computer systems, software, and various communications equipment necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve simple computer and equipment issues.
Special Requirements
Ability to obtain and maintain all required state certificates and licenses by the end of the probationary period including:
  • Certification as Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST) Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatch
  • LEDS Update/Inquiry level certification
  • CPR and First Aid certification
Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and the Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST) medical examination that includes vision and hearing tests and a psychological examination.
Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including criminal history check and obtain an Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Systems clearance.
Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.
Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion.
Ability to work rotating shift work and/or compressed work schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Ability to work mandatory overtime with no notice and/or respond to the workplace from home when emergency situations warrant, including but not limited to: times of civil unrest, natural disasters and inclement weather.
The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the City of Corvallis website(click on "Apply" above).

Applications will be accepted and reviewed weekly until position is filled.

Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with the online application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered.

Applicants may reapply and test in CritiCall multiple times. Test scores are applicable for up to one year. Previous applicants may apply.

*Please do not include personal or protected information in attached resumes or cover letters, this includes your birth date, age, dates of education, and graduation dates.*

Apply