TELECOMMUNICATOR
Salary
$53,500.00 - $75,900.00 Annually
Location
Miami Gardens, FL
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
10381
Department
Police
Opening Date
05/21/2026
Closing Date
6/21/2026 7:00 PM Eastern
General Description
$5,000 Hiring Incentive
The City of Miami Gardens is offering a $5,000 hiring incentive for qualified Telecommunicator candidates. The incentive will be paid as follows:
Employees receiving the hiring incentive will be required to sign a three (3) year Training Reimbursement Agreement. Employees who voluntarily separate from employment prior to completing the required three-year service commitment may be required to reimburse the City for training, certification, testing, onboarding, and related expenses on a prorated basis in accordance with the executed agreement and applicable City policy. All incentive payments are subject to applicable taxes and payroll deductions.
This is a non-sworn, full-time, non-exempt position involving responsible technical and communications work in receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls directed to the City of Miami Gardens Police Department and dispatching appropriate personnel and resources for police and emergency response services.
Under the general supervision of the Telecommunications Supervisor or designee, the Public Safety Telecommunicator operates a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, multi-line telephone systems, radio communications systems, recording equipment, and related public safety technology systems. Responsibilities include receiving requests for police services, evaluating information received, dispatching emergency personnel and equipment, monitoring field communications, and maintaining accurate records related to calls for service and public safety operations.
Public Safety Telecommunicators serve as the first point of contact during emergency situations and play a critical role in supporting public safety operations, officer safety, and emergency response coordination.
Essential Job Functions
This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
Receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for police services and obtains accurate, essential information to determine the appropriate response.
Dispatches police personnel and equipment using radio systems, telephones, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, and related communications technology.
Monitors multiple radio frequencies, communication channels, alarms, and emergency systems simultaneously while maintaining situational awareness during routine and critical incidents.
Enters, updates, and retrieves information from CAD, FCIC/NCIC, CJIS, and other law enforcement communication systems.
Maintains accurate logs, records, incident information, and documentation related to calls for service and communications activity.
Provides information and referral assistance to the public regarding police procedures, services, and other governmental resources.
Operates, monitors, and participates in the testing and troubleshooting of communications equipment and related systems.
Responds calmly, professionally, and effectively during stressful, high-volume, and emergency situations.
Exercises sound judgment and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls based on established procedures and operational needs.
Assists in training and mentoring newly assigned telecommunicators and trainees as assigned.
Attends required training programs, drills, certifications, and continuing education courses.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of public safety telecommunications procedures, practices, and radio communications operations. Knowledge of FCIC/NCIC systems, CAD systems, and modern communications technology. Knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office applications, and data entry procedures.
Ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and effectively, both orally and in writing, during routine and emergency situations. Ability to analyze information quickly, evaluate situations, and make sound decisions under pressure. Ability to manage multiple incidents simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to remain composed and maintain professionalism during stressful and emotionally charged situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, law enforcement personnel, outside agencies, and the public. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime assignments, and emergency activations. Ability to type accurately and efficiently while handling active communications traffic.
Education & Experience Requirements: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Prior customer service, clerical, call center, dispatching, or public safety experience preferred. Must possess and maintain State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification. Must successfully complete all required pre-employment assessments, including CritiCall testing and other communications aptitude evaluations as established by the Department. Must successfully complete all required Departmental training programs, including National Incident Management System (NIMS) training. Must obtain and maintain FCIC/NCIC certification within timeframes established by the Department. Ability to type a minimum of 30-35 words per minute preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license and satisfactory driving history throughout employment.
Employees are subject to rotating shifts and may be required to work extended hours during hurricanes, natural disasters, emergency activations, staffing shortages, or other critical incidents. Must be able to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Applicants selected for employment must successfully pass an extensive background investigation, fingerprinting, polygraph examination, and applicable CJIS/FCIC security requirements.
Supplemental Information
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed in a modern communications center environment utilizing computers, telephones, radios, CAD systems, and related communications equipment. Duties are primarily performed in a seated position and may involve prolonged periods of concentration, multi-tasking, and exposure to stressful emergency situations. Work is performed in a temperature controlled modern office setting, mostly from a seated position at a modular workstation. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level is quiet to moderately loud.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, and to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
Benefits available to FULL-TIME employees
Medical Insurance
Dental & Vision Insurance
Life Insurance & Disability
Voluntary Benefits
Employees may enroll in the following optional programs at full cost, paid via payroll deductions:
Additional Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free and confidential support services.
Personal Leave (PTO):
Accrual of 176 hours annually, on a pro-rata bi-weekly basis.
Usable for vacation, illness, or personal needs.
Note: Bargaining unit members should refer to their respective Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Paid Holidays:
13 paid holidays annually, including one floating holiday.
Floating holiday must be used by the end of the fiscal year; not payable upon separation.
Retirement
01
Which best describes your level of education?
02
Do you currently possess the State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification?
03
The Miami Gardens Police Department will disqualify an applicant if any of the following were indicated as a result of the polygraph examination or background investigation:
Please select YES if any of the above apply.
04
if you were referred by an active full-time or part-time City of Miami Gardens employee, please list the employees name below. (Only one employee may be listed at time of application)
05
Do you currently possess a valid State of Florida Drivers License?
06
This position involves irregular shift work and shift rotations necessary to provide services 24 hours a day. By selecting YES, you acknowledge and agree to this condition of employment if you are to continue in the selection process.?
07
This position requires you to take and pass a polygraph examination and complete an extensive background check as a condition of employment. By selecting YES, you acknowledge and agree to this condition of employment if you are to continue in the selection process.
08
If applicable, have you attached a copy of the required certification(s) with your application?
Required Question
Employer City of Miami Gardens
Address 18605 NW 27 Avenue
Miami Gardens, Florida, 33056
Phone 305-622-8030
Website http://www.miamigardens-fl.gov