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Public Safety Telecommunicators

Do you have what it takes to answer the call?

Pinellas County Regional 9-1-1 is the crucial link between those facing life safety emergencies and the public safety field responders who can help them. As a telecommunicator, you will obtain and relay necessary information to save lives.

Our telecommunicators earn $41,516 a year while training. After that training period, your pay will be increased to approximately $44,000 a year for day shift and at least $48,000 if assigned to night shift. You’ll also receive a benefits package that ranks #1 compared to 12 local public entities.

Are you interested in becoming part of our team? Review the information below to learn more about being a Pinellas County telecommunicator.

The Role

Pinellas County Public Safety Telecommunicators make a real difference in people’s lives as they answer and process emergency and non-emergency calls, provide life-saving instructions to callers and support field responders on the scene. Additionally, telecommunicators provide radio dispatch to County fire departments and mentor trainees as needed.

Requirements

You will work in an environment with crisis situations that require major decisions, prioritization and multi-tasking. Additionally, you must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.).
  • Be able to speak, write and comprehend English.
  • Be able to successfully obtain and maintain required certifications including, but not limited to: Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Level 3 – CJIS Security & Awareness Certification; State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification; Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Fire Dispatch Certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (when assigned to 911 call-taking duties), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification.

While not required, we’re always looking to welcome bilingual telecommunicators to our team. Contact Safety & Emergency Services (727) 464-3835 to learn more.

Hiring Process

  1. Apply online at pinellas.gov/careers.
  2. Pass Criticall Test with a score of 85 or higher.
  3. Complete background and scenario questionnaire.
  4. Participate in an oral interview.

The Job Offer

Upon receiving a job offer, you will need to:

  • Complete onboarding and fingerprinting as soon as possible.
  • Complete form reference ability to complete job duties.
  • Complete pre-training documents.

Incentives and Career Advancement Opportunities

As a Pinellas County telecommunicator, you will receive:

  • A one-time 7% pay increase after training.
  • 5% evening shift differential.
  • 10% overnight shift differential.
  • Opportunities to promote and develop skills in areas of interest such as instruction, mentoring, peer support, etc.
  • Opportunities for continuing education in a wide range of areas.

Do you have previous experience as a telecommunicator? We offer higher starting salaries based on experience and would love to walk you through our hiring process. Contact Safety & Emergency Services at (727) 464-3835 to learn more.

Benefits

Pinellas County’s benefits package ranks #1 compared to 12 local public entities and includes medical, prescription, dental, behavioral/mental health, paid holidays and more.

  • Life Insurance 
  • Disability (Short and Long Term)
  • Retirement  
  • Basic Life Insurance 
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Wellness Program
  • Annual Sick, Vacation and Personal Leave

Questions?

Are you interested in the position but have additional questions? Contact Safety and Emergency Services at (727) 464-3835 to learn more.