Public Safety Telecommunicator

Public Safety TelecommunicatorPrint (ApplyPublic Safety TelecommunicatorSalary$31.09 - $39.07 HourlyLocationMN, MNJob TypeRegular FTJob Number20260011DepartmentRochester Police DepartmentDivisionPolice ServicesOpening Date01/22/2026 Description Benefits Questions POSITION DESCRIPTIONThe City of Rochester welcomes applications for:Public Safety TelecommunicatorPublic Safety Communications CenterIf you can stay calm under pressure, respond with empathy and lead with compassion,we’re looking for you.Be the steady guide - the one who listens, gathers critical details, and brings calm to crisis.Not all heroes wear uniforms. Some answer the phone.Begin your 911 career as a Rochester Public Safety Telecommunicator and be the first first responder.Make a difference when it matters most.The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALLvoices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.We believeEQUITYshould be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.It takes us all working togetherNature of WorkThe Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) answers 911 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, performs law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and rescue telecommunications dispatch work in the Rochester/Olmsted County Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC). Responsibilities include operating computer aided dispatch system, multi-line telecommunications system, and 800 MHz radio communications equipment to receive requests for emergency public safety assistance. Individuals are also required to make independent decisions to determine priority type and level of response necessary, accomplish timely and effective dispatch of emergency personnel and equipment, monitor response and safety of responding units, and retrieve supplemental information from other local, state, and federal information systems. The PST will monitor four to six computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, condensing, and documenting caller and/or first responder information into clear, concise, and readable notes. Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules, regulations, and procedures under general direction of a Public Safety Communications Manager.The position requires shift, holiday, and weekend work.2025 Starting wage is $31.09 to $34.07 depending on experienceThe 2025 wage range extends to $39.07 for those in the role 4 years.Shift differential of $1.75 added for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AMWages will be adjusted when the 2026 contract is approved.To have your application considered in the first round of interviews, please apply by Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.Serve as a public safety answering point (PSAP) telecommunicator Answer incoming telephone lines and interpret information from callers on emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone lines, by text message or by online request. Determine nature, location, priority and the correct course of action while following established procedures. Direct or assign requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance to the appropriate law enforcement, fire or emergency medical service agency. Maintain status updates and location of emergency personnel and monitor safety throughout incidents. Dispatch appropriate equipment as required. Operate telephones, radios, pagers, computer systems, recording equipment, intercoms, etc. to interact with and direct field personnel. Provide essential communications support for Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS units in the field. Process data through other local, state and federal agencies Input data into local, state, and federal computer systems and query data for wanted persons, vehicles, and property. Make proper entries and deletions from local, state, and federal computer systems. Conduct driver's license and motor vehicle checks using computerized file information as requested. Perform other related duties as assignedESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation and ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalentSpecial Requirements Must acquire State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification within six (6) months from date of hire This position requires completion of a finger-printed background investigation as a condition of employment This position requires successful completion of a multi-tasking skills test and a pre-employment screening evaluation Desirable Qualifications A degree in Communications, Criminal Justice, or a related field One (1) year experience in communications operations, preferably as a call taker or dispatcher One (1) year computer experience with PC keyboarding and multi-tasking skills State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification Experience speaking and understanding additional language(s) Other relevant professional licenses and/or certifications ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESKnowledge of: law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services and their general procedures/operations; the general operations and interrelationships of city, county, state and federal governmental units; the general principles of computers and software; the geography of the Rochester/Olmsted County area; utility, maintenance and other service agencies operating in the Rochester/Olmsted County area.Skill in: the use of computers and typing, Microsoft Office, telephone systems and software, 800 MHz radio systems, and radio paging equipment; communicating using proper grammar and correct spelling.Ability to: remain calm, use independent judgment and make proper decisions in emergency and non-emergency situations; perform responsibilities in a professional manner using extensive communication skills while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality; read to understand; write in a clear, concise, courteous, and professional manner; speak in a clear, well-modulated tone; hear clearly; function effectively and courteously under pressure; work in a high stress environment; simultaneously handle multiple tasks; work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays; deal effectively with a demanding and diverse public in a variety of stressful situations; follow oral and written instructions; distinguish various colors on color PC monitors; perform responsibilities in a tactful and professional manner while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality; demonstrate excellent oral, listening, and written communication skills.PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIAIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:Continuous demands: sitting, fine dexterity, and simultaneous use of the hands and wrists.Occasional demands: standing, walking.Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch.EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY (01The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. You must be honest and accurate in answering the supplemental questions and do not type "see resume". You may also be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview for this position. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement? Yes No 02What is your preferred name?03Have you ever been denied employment in a law enforcement related position based on the findings of a background investigation? Yes No 04Have you been convicted of a crime, such as a felony, that would prohibit you from performing the duties of a Public Safety Telecommunicator? Yes No 05If you have been denied employment in a law enforcement related position based on the findings of a background investigation or have been convicted of a crime, such as a felony, that would prohibit you from performing the duties of a Public Safety Telecommunicator, please describe the circumstances.06Questions 6 through 8 indicate your willingness to accept the working conditions for this position. If you answer "NO" to any of these questions, you may want to reconsider applying for this position. The Law Enforcement Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If hired as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, are you willing to work a non-traditional schedule consisting of 12-hour shifts, which includes rotating, days, and overnights, as well as holidays and every other weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)? Yes No 07The Communications Center environment exposes Dispatchers to individuals who may be angry, emotional, or upset. Are you willing to work in a highly stressful environment and make critical decisions under considerable pressure on a daily basis? Yes No 08Are you able to work additional hours as needed or assigned? Yes No 09Which of the following best describes your highest level of education? High school diploma or equivalent GED Completion of some post-secondary educational course work or classes Completion of a 2-year degree in communications, law enforcement, criminal justice, or closely related field Completion of a 4-year degree in communications, law enforcement, criminal justice, or closely related field Completion of a 2- or 4-year degree, or higher, in an unrelated area N/A - None of the above 10List the specific degree(s) that you have completed or possess. Include the name of the educational facility and location. Do not type "See Resume". If no program attended, type "N/A". NOTE: if asked to interview or upon hire, proof will be required.11Have you completed any of the following certifications? (Select all that apply) The Association of Public Safety Communication Officers (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator I training certificate The State of MN Criminal Justice Information System (MNCJIS) Basic Operator's certification ICS 100/200 ICS 300/400 ICS 700/900 Other: (List below) N/A - I have not completed any of the above training certifications 12List the specific specialized training courses/certifications you have completed or possess. Include the name of the educational facility, location and date(s) obtained. Do not type "See Resume". If no program attended, type "N/A". NOTE: if asked to interview or upon hire, proof will be required.13Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment performing Public Safety Telecommunicator duties? No experience Less than 6 months More than 6 months, but less than 1 year More than 1 year, but less than 3 More than 3 years, but less than 5 More than 5 years, but less than 7 More than 7 years, but less than 10 10 or more years 14Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment performing Public Safety Telecommunicator duties? I worked for a law enforcement agency, such as a police department or sheriff's office, in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) position where I received 911 calls directly from the caller I worked in a secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) position, such as for a medical provider or ambulance service where calls are forwarded by a law enforcement agency N/A - I do not have any experience working in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) position 15Did your experience performing public safety communications and/or dispatching duties include working with any of the following equipment, software, or enhanced 911 systems? (Select all that apply) Tyler Technologies/New World Systems Lumen Power 911/Viper, Solacom, ComTech, or other Public Safety phone systems Records Management Systems PSPortals Westnet - First In Motorola Radios Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) N/A - I do not have any experience with any of the above 16Which of the following best describes your typing ability? I can proficiently type more than 60 words per minute I can accurately type approximately 45 words per minute I have not been tested, but I can type accurately without looking at the keyboard My typing skills are limited and I rely on the "two finger hunt and peck" method I cannot type 17Describe your experience or ability speaking and understanding languages other than English. Do not type "See Resume". If no experience, type "N/A".18Share with us why you would like to be a Public Safety Telecommunicator.19OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Describe any other special training you have completed or skills and experience you possess that would make you the best-qualified person for this position.20CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history? Yes No Required QuestionEmployerCity of RochesterAddress201 4th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota, 55904Phone(507) 328-2555WebsiteApplyPlease verify your email address Verify Email

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