Public Safety Telecommunicator II Trainee - 2026

St Johns County Sheriff's Office•St. Augustine, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

If you are hired as a Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST), and meet the following criteria, you are eligible for a one-time signing incentive upon successful completion of initial probation: Possess a valid Florida State Certification in Public Safety Telecommunications - $2000 Possess a valid PST State Certificate and completed one (1) year PST non-probationary experience with an Emergency Management agency in the State of Florida - $4000 Possess a valid PST State Certificate and completed two (2) years PST non-probationary experience with an Emergency Management agency in the State of Florida - $6000 This incentive will be subject to a supplemental tax as required by IRS guidelines. This is a trainee-level classification in which employees are expected to successfully complete call taker training and radio training. Upon successful completion of call taker training and radio training, the employee will be transferred to PST II pay grade. If PST II Trainee does not successfully complete radio training within the initial probation period, the trainee will be terminated from employment or may be allowed to transfer to a PST I position, if one is available. Primary Purpose The Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) II Trainee is a highly responsible civilian position which performs a tactical function. This position is required to receive emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for Law Enforcement, enter data into a computer while questioning callers for information and determine the nature, validity and disposition of calls. This position also requires a PST to utilize computer generated messages, operate a variety of communications equipment including mapping system and telephones, answer or refer inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters, and will access, retrieve and relay relevant situational information to other public safety agencies. This position is required to receive and dispatch emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for Law Enforcement, operate a variety of communications equipment including radio systems and telephones, perform dispatch activities utilizing computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, dispatch and monitor deputies and other designated personnel during emergencies and normal operations, answer or refer inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters, access, retrieve, and transmit vehicular or personal information to field units, and relay relevant situational information to other public safety agencies.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalency
Valid Florida Driver’s License
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
Basic knowledge of general office equipment
Limited Access FCIC/NCIC able to become certified
Must be able to become Florida PST Certified
Must be able to work days, nights, weekends and/or holidays and natural disasters to ensure minimum staffing 24/7, as this position is essential and must report to work during times when the government/agency is closed.
Employees must be able to work either shift, including weekends and holidays

Responsibilities

Answer both emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for service; accurately evaluate and take appropriate action
Distinguish between emergency/non-emergency calls, effectively prioritize calls for service
Enter calls and process information using a computer-aided-dispatch (CAD) system to include formats, commands, radio and case disposition codes
Must condense large amounts of information into readable and sensibly typed remarks in a timely manner and have the ability to recall numerous acronyms and codes essential to appropriate call processing
Perform several activities simultaneously while maintaining rapid and accurate decisions
Quickly and accurately recognize letters, numbers, addresses, names and license numbers received by radio, by telephone, or on a computer monitor.
Monitor and respond to text messages received on 911 or on our administrative line
Monitor public access to COMM Center, respond to and/or report unusual or suspicious activity
Notify appropriate agency/personnel of incidents of concern
Operate digital mapping system (GIS), Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), and Mobile Data Computer (MDC
Be familiar with jurisdictional boundaries, as well as landmarks, public buildings and waterways within the jurisdiction
Testify at trials, hearings, grand juries or depositions
Maintain accurate and up to date communications logs pursuant to all applicable State regulations and agency policies
Assist in maintaining computerized Master Street Addressing Guide (MSAG) and E911 database by collecting incorrect E911 address and data and relaying the information to the E-911 Coordinator
Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages
Effectively obtain, convey, and establish priorities and pass on information as needed
Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with fellow employees, representatives from other departments, and supervisors
Determine priorities of multiple requests for assistance based on nature of crime or incident
Assist in locating or contacting individuals needed for staff response
Work effectively in a disciplined environment with close supervision and carry out lawful orders according to policies regardless of personal opinion
Demonstrate a high level of mental stability and professionalism.
Utilize two-way radio system to provide and maintain effective communications with Agency personnel
Dispatch appropriate unit(s) in response to calls for service based on priority, location, and resource availability
Provide and update responding unit(s) and/or supervisor(s) with all available pertinent information
Track, monitor, and document all deputies and other designated personnel's activities as required during the tour of duty
Monitor and respond to alerts from our license plate readers
Monitor and maintain radio communication with field personnel (patrol units, intelligence cars, bomb disposal units, divers, aircraft, and water craft vehicles) to ensure their safety, determine availability of units, and deploy back-up when necessary
Communicate with other Law Enforcement agencies and in-house personnel, ensure proper coordination of multi- agency efforts involving the establishment of roadblocks, warrant verification, pursuit efforts, translators, K-9’s, intoxilizer operators and other legitimate requirements, etc.
Respond to DMV record requests made by field unit
Other duties assigned