Telecommunications Operator - Police Testing
Dates Friday, August 21, 2026 @ 9:30 a.m.
400 W. King Avenue Kingsville Texas 78363
APPLICATION DEADLINE - Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 5pm
Job Description
Dispatch and receive calls on police radio. Answer emergency phones. Answer multi-line telephones. Complete dispatch calls for service on the police records database.
Essential Job Functions
Responsible for receiving; evaluating and dispatching calls for police; fire and EMS calls for service in a timely manner; and performing notification and information gathering duties in support of personnel in the field. Operators also receive paperwork generated by police personnel and properly route and file such paperwork.
Plans; organizes and performs work according to standardized procedures.
Receives telephone; radio calls and mechanical alarm signals for police; fire or medical emergency services.
Enters information into Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD).
Retrieves information for dispatch from CAD System.
Dispatches police vehicles by radio; receives and transmits orders and instructions using appropriate code language to police officers at the scene of an emergency.
Coordinates radio communication with State Police and other local Police Departments as needed.
Receives fire emergency calls; or fire security system signal; sounds alarm and monitors equipment responding by radio.
Dispatches police vehicle to emergency medical calls.
Uses computer terminal to input; retrieve and transmit information from National Crime Information System.
Receives and transmits information from state motor vehicle files to patrol officers.
Reports major criminal or emergency calls to Chief of Police or Officer in Charge.
Enters data into computer system for records keeping.
Retrieves data from computer system and assists in preparation of court information files and case incident reports and prepares files and records.
Enters data into computer system for records keeping.
Maintains daily log, wrecker rotation log and security systems files.
Responds to after-hour informational calls for town departments.
Tests and performs minor maintenance on equipment.
Reports equipment failure to supervisor.
Performs related administrative-clerical duties as required.
Performance Measurement
Ability to type thirty (30) words per minute. Additional testing may be administered by the City of Kingsville: Standard & Associates’ National Dispatch Selection Test used to assess skill level in reading; comprehension; listening; problem solving; prioritizing and multi-tasking.
Position requires working on shift assignments. Must obtain Telecommunication certification within one year of employment. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely; orally and in writing with attention to detail in documentation and presentation. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to communicate with department personnel, City employees and the public.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of Police Department and Communication Division rules; regulations; and guidelines relating to the processing; evaluation; and dispatching.
Knowledge of the console communications system; operation of back-up two-way radios.
Knowledge of department and division record keeping and reporting procedure.
Knowledge of the geography of the City.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees.
Ability to extract pertinent details from monitor screens; audio tapes; radio speakers or telephonic communications system.
Substantial demand on mental/ cognitive abilities and emotional stability; communicate with the public under stress; involving understanding of and adhering to complete confidentiality.
Ability to work shifts of 8; 10; or 12 hours; overtime required when necessary.
Physical Requirements
Requires acute sight and hearing; distinct speech for radio and phone communication; and ability to communicate well in written form.
Additional Information
Employee Behavior and Conduct City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include but are not limited to being communicative informative fair honest and respectful. All City employees are required in the course and scope of their employment to provide services for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations that threaten the safety of Kingsville’s citizens. City employees must be able to work immediately before during and/or immediately after an emergency.
All positions require the following:
1) High School diploma or equivalent
2) Valid driver’s license
3) satisfactory driving record and
4) proof of eligibility to legally work in the U.S. The successful applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background investigation.
Disclaimer
The information listed above reflects minimum standards and illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific job functions requirements or tasks does not exclude them from the job if the work is similar related or a logical extension of the work assigned.
