Benefits Information (PDF)
How to Apply to be a Public Safety Communications Operator

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or have valid immigration status
• High School diploma or equivalent recognized certificate
• At time of hire, be at least 18 years old 
• Must have the ability to work any shift assigned, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• One year (2080 hours) of public contact work that included providing customer service, or successful completion of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours at an  college or university.
• Must have no felony convictions (to meet FDLE qualifications for CJIS access).
• Be able to type at least 28 words per minute
• Achieve a minimum score of 80% on a Communications Center simulation test
• Pass polygraph, psychological screening, background investigation, interview with Communications staff, vision and hearing screening, and pre-employment drug test.

Job Description

Download Job Description (PDF)

CDA Application and Employment Information

The Consolidated Dispatch Agency has 100 full time positions, several of which become vacant each year. The Communications Center contains multiple interacting units: Call Takers, Teletype Operators, and Radio Dispatchers. All new PSCO employees receive six weeks of classroom training, after which they receive on-the-job training in each unit from designated co-workers who provide one-on-one instruction. All PSCO employees must pass the State Certification exam at the end of the classroom training. In addition to completing and submitting a City of Tallahassee Online Employment Application, all applicants must complete and submit a PSCO Questionnaire and Personal History Statement (PDF) along with the following documents:

• Military Record – DD214 (Member 4 Copy) showing type of military discharge.

Please be prepared to submit the following documents if necessary:

• A copy of high school diploma or G.E.D. or college transcript if applicable.
• A copy of Selective Service Registration or Exemption card if you are a male applicant between the ages of 18 – 26.

Import the PSCO Questionnaire and Personal History Statement with your City of Tallahassee Online Employment Application when you submit your application and attachments via the online application process.

Please review the Application Instructions and Selection Process document for a full explanation of what to expect in the hiring process. This document can be downloaded or printed for future reference.

The base starting pay for a Communications Operator is $18.41 per hour up to $34.31 per hour depending upon experience.

Time and a half is paid for all hours worked over 40 per week. Employees also receive a “Flexbucks” allowance of $$82.50 per pay period, which can be applied toward insurance premiums or taken as additional salary.

Merit Increases: Employees are evaluated annually. Merit pay raises may be awarded based on performance.

Hours: 12 hour shifts – 6 a.m – 6 p.m and 6 p.m – 6 a.m. All employees may be required to work overtime depending upon current staffing levels.

Leave:

• Personal leave: 10 hours earned monthly
• Sick leave: 4 hours earned monthly. After two years, employees are also eligible for 1200 hours of catastrophic leave for use in the case of extended illness or disability.
• Holiday leave: 10 paid holidays per year; generally, holidays are scheduled workdays.

Uniforms: Uniforms are provided at successful completion of classroom training.

Insurance: The CDA provides two choices of health care benefits (Capital Health Plan or Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and pays a portion of their premium. The CDA also provides life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance at 1x base pay rate, and the employee may buy supplemental coverage. Other optional insurance plans available include dental, legal, and eye care.

How to Apply to be a Public Safety Communications Operator