Job Description
Are you looking for a career that makes a tangible difference in your community? The City of Tampa is seeking dedicated, detail-oriented individuals to join our elite team as Police Dispatcher Trainees. As a vital component of the Tampa Police Department, our dispatchers are the lifeline between the public and our officers, ensuring rapid response times and public safety.
This is a unique opportunity to enter a rewarding career path with comprehensive training, mentorship, and a clear trajectory for advancement. If you thrive in high-pressure environments and possess the composure to handle crisis situations with empathy and efficiency, we want to hear from you.
Why Join Our Team?
- Impactful Work: Play a critical role in protecting the safety of Tampa's residents and visitors.
- Professional Development: Receive hands-on training from experienced dispatch veterans.
- Competitive Benefits: Access to comprehensive health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
What You Will Do
As a Dispatcher Trainee, you will undergo rigorous training before assuming full responsibility for emergency communications. You will be responsible for receiving and processing requests for assistance, maintaining situational awareness, and coordinating resources effectively.
Responsibilities
- Receive and process emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for service with speed, accuracy, and empathy.
- Dispatch law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency medical services units to incident locations.
- Monitor police radio frequencies and CCTV systems to maintain situational awareness of city events.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs and records.
- Provide critical information to field personnel to ensure officer safety and efficient operations.
- Perform multi-tasking duties, including answering secondary lines and updating status information.
- Collaborate with other public safety agencies and courts to ensure seamless communication.
Qualifications
- Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or Communications is a plus.
- Licensure: Valid Class C Florida Driver’s License with a good driving record.
- Skills: Ability to type 35+ words per minute (10-key experience preferred).
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to speak clearly over radio and telephone.
- Stability: Proof of US citizenship or legal right to work in the United States.
- Behavior: Ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress, rapidly changing situations.