Police Communications Operator

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is seeking skilled, dependable Police Communications Operators who have experience working in a fast-paced environment where priorities must be recognized and adjusted as needed. In this role, you will be responsible for receiving, transmitting, maintaining, and coordinating public safety information in support of PSP law enforcement functions. If you are looking for a challenging, rewarding career and possess excellent communication skills, the Pennsylvania State Police would like to talk to you!

Our ideal candidate must be available and willing to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays regardless of weather conditions and may be required to extend their shift due to operational needs.

As a Police Communications Operator (PCO) for the Pennsylvania State Police, your main priority will be handling calls from the general public and county 911 operators regarding emergency and non-emergency police services. You will be responsible for gathering information from the caller, determining response requirements, and assigning priorities of incidents. You will have the opportunity to showcase your customer services skillset as you serve as the point of contact for visitors when they enter the department. Additional responsibilities include:

• Dispatching and relaying vital incident information to responding Troopers
• Contacting municipal police, fire, ambulance, towing, PennDOT, and more in order to provide incident details and request assistance and response
• Utilizing CLEAN, JNET and PFAD to access, research, and maintain records
• Establishing and maintaining incident information in electronic record management systems
• Communicating with Troopers and other PCOs regarding active incidents or concerns

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work schedule includes rotating shifts, including weekends, and holidays.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems; or
• Two years of experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information; or
• Completion of 60 college credits; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirement:

• You must possess a clear, firm voice and no major speech, hearing, or visual impairments that would interfere with understanding verbal communication, being understood, or using electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment.
• You must obtain an active Public Safety Telecommunicator certification issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
• You must obtain active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certifications issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
• This job title has been identified as performing critical duties.  Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. 

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.