Police Communications Operator

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF N-2024-12310 WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY OPEN FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2024 TO NOVEMBER 26, 2024. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY. 

If you enjoy helping others and are looking to make a positive impact on your community, becoming a Police Communications Operator (PCO) with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) may be the perfect opportunity for you. As a member of our dedicated team, you will have the chance to work in a fast-paced environment that presents new challenges every day. From answering calls to coordinating with law enforcement agencies, this role will keep you on your toes and constantly working towards the greater good of Pennsylvania. By joining the PSP, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

In this position, you will handle calls from the public and county 911 operators concerning both emergency and non-emergency police matters. It is essential to exhibit proficiency in collecting information, assessing response needs, and prioritizing incidents accordingly. You will be responsible for dispatching and communicating incident details to the responding Troopers. Furthermore, you will liaise with municipal police, fire services, ambulance, towing companies, and PennDOT to relay incident information and request their assistance. Proficiency in various PSP systems will be required for accessing, researching, and maintaining records. Effective communication is a critical skill necessary for collaborating with Troopers and other PCOs on ongoing incidents or issues. 

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. 

Special Requirements:

• 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 Requirement:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal 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.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements. 

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: 

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

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.