911 Operator-Communications Officer (4952-07)

Hamilton County Government • Cincinnati, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Hamilton County Communications Center is hiring 911 Operators (Communications Officers) to serve as the first point of contact for people facing emergencies, including medical emergencies and criminal situations. The role calls for calm, clear communication under pressure, sound judgment, and quick decisions that can affect the safety and well-being of people in distress. Operators respond to unpredictable situations and communicate with callers who may be emotional or panicked.

The position dispatches police, fire, and rescue agencies; coordinates communications and information for public-safety operations; and provides pre-arrival medical instructions using established questions and protocols. Work is full-time, with all shifts. During the 10–12 week training program, typical hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; after training, employees work 12-hour shifts across all shifts. Candidates with prior 911 call-center experience may be considered to bypass the training program. The next training class is expected to begin in late January or early February 2027, though the start date may vary.

The starting wage is $25.00 per hour, with paid training and automatic pay increases. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and the ability to exercise sound judgment under stressful circumstances, communicate effectively, and demonstrate excellent hearing, diction, and typing skills. Employees must obtain the specified public-safety and emergency medical certifications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience that includes comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements and communications equipment and methods.
• Demonstrable ability to exercise sound judgment under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent hearing and diction and demonstrable typing skill.
• Must obtain RCIC, LEADS, NCIC, CPR, APCO BASIC, and EMD certifications.

Nice To Haves

• Prior 911 call-center experience; candidates with this experience may have the opportunity to bypass the 10–12 week training program.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch police, fire, and rescue agencies to emergencies and other calls for assistance.
• Coordinate on-site activities of safety forces to support efficient and effective resolution of emergencies.
• Provide communications for support services, including Disaster Services, hospital notification, wreckers, utilities, and maintenance personnel.
• Monitor alarm panels and identify the status of emergency units; report for duty in the event of an emergency or disaster when required.
• Receive and screen telephone calls, gather information about crimes or emergencies in progress, and relay it to safety-force personnel.
• Analyze the nature of calls and determine the appropriate response.
• Provide pre-arrival medical instructions using predetermined telephone questions and protocols.
• Use computer terminals to disseminate and document critical information for Public Safety Agencies and maintain the location and status of public-safety units in the field.
• Use teletype and computer terminals to enter and retrieve information from police data systems; send and receive information and verify records involving stolen property, wanted persons, and other criminal data.
• Maintain the confidentiality of data.
• Obtain and maintain RCIC, NCIC, LEADS, CPR, APCO BASIC, and EMD certifications.

Benefits

• Starting salary of $25.00 per hour, paid training, and automatic pay increases.
• 11 paid holidays; vacation and sick time begin accruing immediately; paid parental leave.
• Ohio Public Employee Retirement System, including a 14% employer contribution and a defined-benefit option.
• Medical, HRA, dental, and vision benefits; employer-paid life insurance; long-term disability; wellness incentives; Employee Assistance Program; free medical and prescription services through Marathon Health; and behavioral and mental health resources.
• Tuition reimbursement and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Free on-site parking.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED