Answer emergency and non-emergency telephones. Operators must listen accurately and record the information provided by citizens, police, fire, and medical personnel and be able to accurately relay this information to the appropriate person often called upon to make decisions quickly, accurately, and effectively. When a call is taken, the first concern is that of the caller. Each situation must be analyzed and evaluated individually, always keeping in mind the importance of the information imparted and treating each caller impartially and fairly. Call takers must be self-motivated and work well as a part of a team. To be successful you must be able to perform multiple tasks, at times under stressful conditions.

Complete assignment as directed; maintain work areas; knowledge of general orders; route calls to the proper agency; respond and request assistance from another agency; prioritize calls; operate NCIC/FCIC computer; operate the PSC computer/CAD; and notify agencies/floor supervisor of robberies and priority events.

Shift Work – The Emergency Operations Bureau (EOB) operates 24 hours per day/7 days per week. Shifts assignments include weekends, holidays, on call, hurricanes, evacuations, or other state of emergencies. Shifts are not rotating; you must be flexible and able to work 12-hour shifts including day shift (0700-1900) or night shift (1900-0700). There is no guarantee of shift assignment, it is based on the need once you graduate from the academy. Shift bid occurs once a year, the changeover and new assignments occur in January.

Minimum Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
An applicant who does not possess at least sixty (60) college credits from an accredited institution must successfully complete the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test and achieve a score of 248 or higher in Verbal Skills and 241 or higher in Quantitative Skills (math).
Must pass a timed 40 WPM minimum typing test.
Training: Communications Operator III paid training will begin with 7 weeks of a classroom style academy working 8-hr. shifts/40 hr. work week, then move to 16 weeks of field training. Upon completion of training, applicants will then move to 12-hr. shifts.
Certifications: During the first year of employment Operators will receive certifications in the following:
9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator Florida Certification
Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification (EMD)
Emergency Fire Dispatch Certification (EFD)
CPR Certification
As a condition of continued employment, the 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator Training Program must be completed, and the State of Florida 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification must be obtained within 12 months of appointment to the position.
Salary: $27.74 per hr./$57,699 annually based on 8-hr. shifts and $63,469 based on 12-hr. shifts. Long Term Cap $88,637

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

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