Police Communications Operator – Public Safety

Salary:                     $21.32/hour with a 5% shift differential for afternoon and overnight shifts based on 40 hours per week.
Benefits:                  The University offers generous benefits including paid time off (holidays, holy days and vacation), employer matching contributions to the retirement plan, and tuition benefits for employees and their eligible dependents. Learn more and explore benefits at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location:                  Public Safety
Position Status:        Full-time (40 hours per week)                                           
Hours:                       Varied
Position Number:      670109/43-017               
FLSA Status:             Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Police Communications Operator (PCO) serves as the vital link between the University community and the Public Safety personnel dedicated to their protection. Stationed within the Public Safety Communications Center, this role requires a professional demeanor, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain peak effectiveness in a high-pressure, 24/7 environment. PCOs are responsible for managing multi-channel communications, including telephone inquiries, radio transmissions, walk-in requests, and automated computer alerting systems. Success in this role depends on the ability to accurately synthesize and relay critical information to Public Safety officers and emergency responders with speed and precision.

Operating under a Community-Oriented Policing Model, the Department of Public Safety prioritizes safety and crime prevention through proactive engagement and diverse programming. As a central figure in this mission, the PCO must utilize superior communication skills to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive campus environment. Administrative oversight for this position is provided by the Lead Police Communications Operator, with strategic direction from the Director of Emergency Management and Threat Assessment.

Given the 24/7 nature of operations, candidates must demonstrate complete scheduling flexibility, including the availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Beyond standard shifts, the PCO must remain ready for duty recall as operational needs or emergencies dictate. The physical and mental demands of the position include maintaining sharp focus during high-pressure situations and during prolonged periods of sitting and intensive screen monitoring.

Accountability, reliability, and consistent attendance are mandatory professional requirements for this position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list is neither absolute nor restrictive, but indicates approximate duties and responsibilities which may be redefined pursuant to operational needs

Emergency Communications: Receives and records all incoming radio and telephone transmissions; dispatches University Public Safety or Facilities personnel for emergency and routine responses using ARMS Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software.

Systems Monitoring: Proficiently operates security and life-safety systems, including C-CURE Access Control, CCTV cameras, and alarm systems.

Emergency Notification: Activates the Outside Warning System, DU Emergency Alert, and emergency lockdown procedures when appropriate.

External Monitoring and Liaison: Monitors City of Pittsburgh Police channels for nearby activity and coordinates with the City Index Desk for vehicle and arrest information.

Incident Reporting: Immediately reports security breaches, safety concerns, or unusual circumstances to the appropriate supervisor or administrator.

Additional Duties: Performs related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

High School diploma, or GED.

A minimum of one (1) year of public safety experience utilizing emergency communication technologies (radio, computer, CAD, etc.).

Certification: Must successfully pass and maintain the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) course and certification within the first year of employment. Fully embraces training that enhance professional job performance.

Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, both orally and in writing. 

Technical Communication: Capable of accurately receiving critical information via telephone or radio and disseminating it through appropriate channels while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.

Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills with proficient typing abilities.

Critical Thinking: Ability to evaluate complex situations independently while adhering to departmental rules and policies.

Reliability and Flexibility: Ability to work flexible hours and adhere to strict attendance and punctuality standards to ensure 24/7 operational coverage. 

Work Initiative: Functions as a self-starter with a high-quality work ethic and the ability to work both independently and within a team-oriented environment. 

Adaptive Performance: Demonstrates the ability to multi-task effectively and remain focused during high-stress situations. 

Stress Management: Ability to multi-task and maintain focus during high-stress situations while sitting for prolonged periods. 

Labor Relations: Willingness to join the labor union during the first year of employment as required by contract. 

Interpersonal Relations: Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the diverse University community, consistently applying a service-oriented approach.
Professional Standards: Committed to acting legally, morally, and ethically in all professional interactions while maintaining a neat and professional appearance.

Inclusion and Respect: Demonstrates sensitivity to the unique needs of every individual, ensuring all members of the community are treated with dignity and respect.

Preferred qualifications:
:
One (1) year experience of professional dispatching.

Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University.  The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.  Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit.  Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.