About the role
911 Public Safety Telecommunicator
NEXT CLASS STARTS JANUARY 2027
Starting pay is $24.02 per hour with an increase upon successful completion of the 16-week training program to $27.14 per hour.
Additional 5%-10% shift differential available when applicable:
Hours:
- 9-1-1 is a 24/7 call center environment.
- 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator is considered an ‘essential employee’.
Classroom Training:
- 8 weeks long – starting at 8 a.m. Ending at 4 p.m. or 6 p.m., depending on syllabus
- Five-day work week
- 40 to 44 hours each week
- Monday – Friday schedule and does include holidays.
On the Job Training (OJT):
- 8 weeks long.
- During OJT, you are paired up with a veteran telecommunicator and will follow their schedule. It could be 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift.
- 4-day work week, consisting of a combination of 8- and 12-hour shifts, and will include weekends and holidays.
After Successful Completion of Training:
- Seniority-based shift bid process starts. Bids occur three times per year so you will know your shift for four months at a time.
- Typically, shifts are 4-day work weeks, consisting of a combination of 8- and 12- hour shifts and include weekends and holidays.
- Shift times vary.
- Overtime is available on an as-needed basis.
***Please note, during disaster situations, you are required to remain at the 9-1-1 center throughout the disaster and until released, potentially overnight(s). You are compensated for your time.***
Who Are We Looking For?
Do you thrive under pressure and enjoy making an impact?
The Pinellas County Regional 9-1-1 division is seeking hard-working, dedicated individuals who desire a professional career in emergency communications. Our Telecommunicators provide help to those who call 9-1-1 and nonemergency lines, as well as dispatch calls and support first responders, via radio communications.
Telecommunicators must maintain a calm, compassionate, customer service-oriented demeanor, while handling a variety of emergency and non-emergency public safety calls, via both telephone and radio.
Watch: Pinellas 911 telecommunicator meets resident she helped save , Join our Team as a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator
What You Will Do:
- Screen emergency and non-emergency 9-1-1 calls, texts, and video chats requesting emergency assistance or information from citizens.
- Gather information from 9-1-1 callers, while simultaneously inputting the information accurately into multiple software programs on multiple computer screens.
- Dispatch fire and medical first responders.
- Implement on-the-job best public safety practices in responding to and handling emergency calls, applying the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) guidelines for emergency medical and fire dispatch.
- Communicate with first responders using telephone, radio, and computer-aided dispatch software.
- Perform related work as assigned or required.
What Do You Need To Have?
- Be at least 18 years of age or older with a High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and able to speak, write, and comprehend the English language.
- Possess above average computer skills.
- Must be comfortable working across multiple monitors (3-5) at the same time.
- Must be able to remain calm and in control while speaking with emotional callers and entering pertinent, detailed information into multiply software programs.
- Must meet organizational spelling and typing requirements (40 wpm).
- Must be able to comprehend and retain information provided and decisively implement standard operating procedures.
- Need to work well with others in a large, fast-paced call center.
- Must pass pre-hire testing and background screening*.
- Must pass a pre-hire drug screening.
***9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicators are subject to a Level 2 Criminal History Check completed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.***
*** Must pass a pre-hire drug screening, and subject to random drug testing during the course of employment. ***
Why Choose Pinellas County?
When you join Pinellas County, you’re not just taking on a job—you’re investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family.
- Florida Retirement System (FRS): Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow.
- Generous leave time: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
- Wellness Program: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness.
- Deferred compensation: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals.
- To learn more, see What We Offer.
Want to Learn More?
Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities at the below link.