Public Safety Communications Officer I-Sr 631285

Oklahoma State University • Stillwater, OK

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Safety Communications Officer (PSCO) is a vital member of the OSU Police Department, providing leadership and critical support through emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio dispatch services for citizens, police, fire, and ambulance personnel. The role maintains police and public safety data files to support OSU and authorized law enforcement agencies, performs administrative duties within the Public Safety Communications Unit, and operates specialized electronic equipment integral to the unit’s operations.

The position requires work across shifts in a 24-hour operational schedule, with mandatory overtime as needed. Officers may need to work any hours and days necessary to support the department’s mission. Occasional regional travel may be required for schools, seminars, or training sessions. Communications officers interact daily with OSU students, staff, administration, off-campus agencies, community groups, businesses, parents, applicants, and others, providing and receiving information and assistance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, conferred on or before the agreed-upon start date.
• PSCO I requires no prior experience.
• PSCO II requires one year of experience in public safety communications or a closely related field.
• PSCO III requires two years of experience in public safety communications or a closely related field.
• PSCO Senior requires three years of experience in public safety communications or a closely related field.
• Completion of a department-approved management training seminar is required.
• Post-secondary education may substitute for required years of experience.
• PSCO II requires Basic APCO Certification and OLETS Teletype Certification.
• PSCO III requires APCO Communication Training Officer (CTO) Certification.
• PSCO Senior requires APCO Basic Instructor Certification and either APCO CTO Instructor Certification or advanced training and development in an approved specialty area within emergency communications.
• Good physical condition, including visual acuity, excellent hearing, and dexterity sufficient to operate computer equipment and navigate stairs.
• Ability to lift or carry items weighing more than 15 pounds.
• Ability to work flexible shifts within a 24-hour operational schedule.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software.

Nice To Haves

• Vocational/technical education in Criminal Justice.
• Two years of related experience.
• APCO Basic Certification.
• Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS) Teletype Certification.
• Two years of experience as a call taker, dispatcher, or in a similar role requiring information gathering and dispatching units with detailed information.
• Knowledge of a Computer Aided Dispatch system.

Responsibilities

• Provide emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio dispatch services for citizens, police, fire, and ambulance personnel.
• Maintain police and public safety data files supporting OSU and authorized law enforcement agencies.
• Perform administrative duties within the Public Safety Communications Unit.
• Operate specialized electronic equipment used by the unit.
• Work any hours and days necessary to support the department’s mission, including mandatory overtime as needed.
• Provide and receive information and assistance through daily interactions with OSU and external community members and organizations.
• Attend regional schools, seminars, or training sessions when required.

What This Job Offers

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