Police Communications Operator

Make a profound difference in your community by joining the Pennsylvania State Police as a Police Communications Operator (PCO) for the Troop F, Montoursville team! This position is far more than a dispatch role; it is a high-stakes career that requires a unique blend of empathy, sharp communication, and the ability to remain composed during critical incidents. By providing a vital lifeline to our Troopers, you will play an essential part in protecting the Commonwealth and ensuring the safety of its citizens. We invite you to bring your professional expertise to a career that offers daily challenges and immense personal fulfillment—apply today!

As a Police Communications Operator, you serve as the vital link between the public and the field. Our team relies on you to establish incident records, manage electronic data systems, and maintain seamless communication with Troopers and fellow PCOs regarding active emergencies. Your daily work involves fielding calls from the general public and county 911 operators to address emergency and non-emergency police matters. By skillfully questioning callers, you will gather critical details, determine response requirements, and assign priorities before dispatching and relaying that information to responding Troopers. Beyond initial dispatch, you will act as a central coordinator by contacting municipal police, fire departments, ambulance crews, towing services, and PennDOT to provide incident details and request additional assistance. Your duties also extend to the digital landscape, where you will utilize a variety of law enforcement database resources to access, research, and maintain essential records.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours: 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.

• 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.

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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.

• 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.  
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.