NEXT CLASS STARTS AUGUST, 2025

Starting pay of $22.15* hour. Upon completion of training receive a promotion to 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator with a pay increase to $24.37 per hour.

Employees are eligible for an additional stipend(s).

• 7% market driven skills supplement once the employee is working independently and initial training is completed.
• 5% shift differential for afternoons  (majority of shift between 5pm and midnight) & 10% shift differential for nights (majority of shift between midnight and 6am) 

*Candidates with recent (within 1 year) experience in an emergency communications center may be eligible for a higher starting pay

Hours:

9-1-1 is a 24/7 call center environment. 9-1-1 Telecommunicators are considered ‘essential employees’. Schedules are varied, please read the details below.

Classroom Training:

• 8 weeks long – starting at 6 AM ending at 2 PM or 6 PM, depending on syllabus
• Five-day work week
• 40 to 44 hours each week
• Monday – Friday schedule

On the Job Training (OJT):

• 8 weeks long
• During OJT, you are paired up with a veteran telecommunicator and will follow their schedule. Could be 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd shift
• 4-day 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, you will know your shift for four months at a time
• Typically, shifts are 4 days long, consisting of a combination of 8- and 12-hour shifts, will include weekends and holidays
• Shift times vary, but typically fall between the hours of 6am-6pm, 2pm-2am, or 6pm-6am
• Overtime is available on an as-needed basis

***Please note, during disaster situations, you are required to remain at the 9-1-1 center 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 Would You Do?

• Screens emergency and non-emergency 9-1-1 calls, texts, and video requesting emergency assistance or information from citizens.
• Gathers information from 9-1-1 callers, while simultaneously inputting the information accurately by utilizing multiple software programs and computer screens.
• Dispatches fire and medical first responders.
• Implements 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.
• Communicates with first responders using telephone, radio, and computer-aided dispatch software.
• Performs 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.
• 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 check*.

***9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicators are subject to a Level 2 Criminal History Check completed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.***

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.

911 Public Safety Telecommunicator