911 Operator-Communications Officer (4952-07)

Hamilton County, Ohio•Cincinnati, OH

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The 911 Operator (Communications Officer) is the first point of contact for people experiencing emergencies, including medical emergencies and criminal situations. The role requires staying calm under pressure, making quick and critical decisions, and communicating effectively with callers who may be emotional or panicked. Operators make decisions that affect the safety and well-being of people in distress and provide essential support to Hamilton County residents. The position dispatches police, fire, and rescue agencies; coordinates on-site safety-force activities; supports related services; monitors alarm panels; and maintains information about public-safety units. Operators receive and screen calls, gather information about crimes or emergencies, determine appropriate responses, and provide pre-arrival medical instructions using established questions and protocols. They use computer and teletype systems to share and document information, query police data systems, and maintain the confidentiality of records. The position is based at the Hamilton County Communications Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is full-time and includes all shifts. Training typically lasts 10–12 weeks, with typical training hours of 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; after training, employees work 12-hour shifts on all shifts. Applicants 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.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Experience that includes comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements, communications equipment, and communications methods.
Demonstrable ability to exercise sound judgment under stressful circumstances.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Excellent hearing and diction.
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, wrecker services, utilities, and maintenance personnel.
Monitor alarm panels and identify emergency-unit status.
Receive and screen telephone calls; collect 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.
Operate 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 confidentiality of data.
Maintain RCIC, NCIC, LEADS, CPR, APCO BASIC, and EMD certifications.
May be required to report for duty in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Benefits

Paid training.
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 benefits.
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Long-term disability coverage.
Wellness incentives.
Employee Assistance Program.
Access to free medical and prescription services through Marathon Health.
Behavioral and mental health resources.
Tuition reimbursement.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
Free on-site parking.