Communications Dispatcher (Interest: Summer/Fall 2026)
About The Position
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is seeking interested and qualified candidates to be placed on their Communications Dispatcher Eligibility List. While there are no current vacancies, this process allows candidates to complete a substantial portion of the recruitment process. Those on the Eligibility List will have a quicker path to consideration when openings become available. This is a 12-hour position with rotating day and night shifts quarterly. The role involves answering regular and 911 phone calls, operating a radio console, following established communications protocols, and assisting the public, deputies, and other Sheriff's Office employees. Qualified applicants must pass a fingerprint scan, drug screen, call center test, interview, and background investigation.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma, Florida General Education Development Test (GED), or Out-of-state GED, with transcript of test results
- Valid Florida Driver's License if required to drive a Sheriff's Office vehicle
- Must meet minimum thresholds on CritiCall dispatcher pre-assessment
- Must be able to operate computer, two-way radio, copier, fax and telephone
- Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime, scheduled and unscheduled
- Drug use within the last 12 months (illegal drug use under Federal or State law) is an automatic disqualifier
- Misdemeanor conviction (including a plea of nolo contendere) within the last 5 years for DUI, Battery (including domestic violence), and/or Theft is an automatic disqualifier
- Suspension or revocation of license in the last 3 years is an automatic disqualifier
- Felony conviction (or pleads guilty or pleads nolo contendere) is an automatic disqualifier
- Misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement (found guilty, pleads guilty, or pleads nolo contendere) is an automatic disqualifier
- Dishonorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces is an automatic disqualifier
Nice To Haves
- NCIC/FCIC certification and 911 certification required within 6 months of employment
Responsibilities
- Dispatches and monitors the status of deputies on patrol
- Answers 911 calls and relays information in a timely manner
- Receives non-emergency calls and provides information and/or assistance as quickly as possible
- Must have knowledge of jurisdictional boundaries and transfer callers to other jurisdictions as necessary
- Must have the ability to prioritize calls and must have the ability to multi-task
- Must be able to process information received and ask appropriate follow-up questions
- Must be able to handle high stress situations and calm hysterical callers
- Monitors radio traffic
- Obtains information from deputies for NCIC/FCIC checks
- Requires regular and predictable attendance
- Must be able to cooperatively work with coworkers and general public
- Must be able to maintain a constant state of awareness and act in a safe manor
- Must have the ability to follow directives and policies of the agency
- Performs related duties as necessary
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
