Telecommunications Operator I

SALARY: $24.35 - $35.83, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 08/04/2026
CLOSING DATE: 08/11/2026

JOB SUMMARY
To perform a variety of duties involved in the receipt and dispatch of incoming calls and triggered alarm systems for public safety services, including emergency and non-emergency assistance; to dispatch appropriate units via radio and telephone; to provide assistance to the general public; and to provide highly responsible staff assistance as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives supervision from higher level supervisory staff.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Receive and process E-911, emergency and non-emergency calls requesting services and information, respond to triggered alarms, determine nature and location of all calls, determine priority and dispatch safety units in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of safety field units.

Maintain daily log of all field calls and units dispatched, and assign case numbers to each call requiring safety action through computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software/manual log.

Enter, update and retrieve information from the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.

Monitor security screens for assigned areas including juvenile process, Municipal Court and police stations.

Send emergency and informational messages using Southeast Texas Alerting Network (STAN), Blackboard Connect and/or other mass notification systems.

Greet and direct visitors as assigned, answer questions and provide information to the public; provide assistance to citizens filling out various complaint forms, collect service fees as necessary.

Operate and maintain various telecommunications devices for the deaf/text telephone (TDD/TTY) and hearing-impaired devices and recording equipment.

Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.

Receive, respond to and document requests for warrants and state agency print-outs; verify, type and file warrants; document vehicle impound information.

Perform a variety of clerical and data entry duties; receive and transmit facsimile materials; maintain and update a variety of records and logs.

Test and inspect equipment as required; notify supervisor in case of equipment
malfunction or failure.

May search female prisoners as requested.

May train new employees in duties, policies and procedures.

Operate and maintain various telecommunications equipment including deaf and hearing impaired devices and recording equipment.

May assist in preparing cases for the District Attorney's office as needed.

Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Basic Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations governing operation of radio telephone transmitting and receiving systems.

Standard radio broadcasting and dispatch procedures and rules.

Geographic features and streets within the area served.

Procedures used in operating computer aided dispatch and E-911 systems.

Policies and procedures of receiving and processing emergency calls including safety codes.

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, ordinances and regulations.

Ability to:
Operate the city's computer aided dispatch and E-911 systems including radio transmitting equipment.

Distinguish between emergency and non-emergency calls and assign appropriate codes.

Operate computerized crime center networks to receive and dispatch information.

Effectively communicate with and elicit useful information from upset and irate citizens.

Type accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Tactfully respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Work various shifts as assigned.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• speaking in a clear, easily understood voice
• quickly assessing and responding to emergency situations
• making observations
• reading and writing English (bi-lingual a plus)
• operating assigned equipment
• multitasking
• retain and recall information from memory
• distinguishing differences between colors
• communicating with others

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

• making sound decisions under stress and pressure
• distinguishing between emergency calls and non-emergency calls
• demonstrating intellectual capabilities
• perform basic mathematical calculations.
• pass appropriate psychological assessment

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• effectively dealing with emergency situations
• operating assigned equipment
• passing pre-employment physical and screenings

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Pass a criminal background check pursuant to TCOLE rules including conviction history, mitigating circumstances and community supervision history as applicable.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES - Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
One (1) year of increasingly responsible experience in receiving and processing emergency public service calls, preferably in a computer aided dispatch, E-911 or police related area.

Training:
Must have completed the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training as required by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement ( TCOLE, formerly TCLEOSE) and the City.

Must take, and successfully pass, the (TCOLE) Telecommunication’s License Exam within six (6) months of completing the Basic Telecommunications Certificate Course.

Maintain certification in NCIC, TCIC, mass notification systems (STAN and Blackboard Connect), and other specialties as needed.

Note: Regular attendance essential duty for this position, as it is essential pursuant to the City’s Emergency Management Plan.

Telecommunications Operator I – Police - Posting #26-073.

CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer