Job Description Summary

The Emergency Communications Center within the Department of Public Safety is staffed by Police Communications Operators (PCO) who are responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatching these calls, initiating EMS responses, monitoring alarm systems, and working the customer service desk. Police Communication Operators receive incoming calls for police, dispatch officers appropriately, monitor police radio alarms; document police requests in an electronic records management and dispatch system; operate the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) console, Police Mutual Aid Radio System (PMARS), a computer aided mobile dispatch system, and interoperable radio console.

PCO’s s will become First Responder, CPR, NCIC, and Public Safety Telecommunicator Certified through APCO and Incident Command through FEMA at a minimum.

The hiring process for Police Communications Operator takes approximately 4 months and consists of a written examination (CritiCall), In-Person Interview, Background Investigation, Sit Along, truth verification, medical examination, psychological examination and drug screening. Applicants who are not selected for hire during this process may reapply for future vacancies in one year unless notified of disqualification.

PCO’s work 4 – 10-hour shifts which may include nights, weekends and holidays. The position is considered essential.

Preferences:
Previous emergency dispatch experience. Thorough knowledge of emergency communications practices and procedures. Skill in the operation of assigned communications equipment; in obtaining essential information in emergency situations; in summarizing and relaying information; in the use of keyboards and office equipment. Ability to lead and train others in police communications work; to type accurately; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to react calmly, quickly, and decisively in emergency situations; to obtain, summarize and relay information orally and in writing; to follow oral and written instructions; to write legibly; to monitor multiple radio frequencies.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED AND Two years clerical or other related experience. Applicants must submit to and successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Additional Job Details

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

VPA-Public Safety

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$45,375.00 - $54,450.00

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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