ONEIDA COUNTY GOVERNMENT
NOTICE OF VACANCY
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
CIVIL SERVICE TITLE: Public Safety Telecommunicator (HELP Program)
CLASSIFICATION TYPE: Non-Competitive
SALARY (GRADE): $22.14 Hourly (3D) Part-Time
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 31, 2026
APPLY ONLINE*: https://oneida-portal.mycivilservice.com/post/jobopps
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The incumbent in this class serves as the vital communications link
between the public needing help and emergency services response. As members of the public safety ecosystem, PSTs are
typically the first point of contact when a person reaches out for help. This entails a candidate to be able to work
independently in a high-stress environment while receiving and evaluating incoming emergency and administrative requests
for emergency services, including but not limited to law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS); triaging
those requests for service; providing guidance and assistance to the public in life-safety situations; and coordinating
appropriate responses to high-risk, high-stress operations, with the objective of keeping all participants safe.
The incumbent operates a sophisticated workstation comprised of multiple computer systems, computer-aided dispatch
(CAD) software and geographical information systems (GIS), call handling including teletypewriter (TTY) and text-to-911
sessions, as well as communications systems such as radio dispatch consoles and recording systems. These systems are
used to acquire, relay and dispatch emergency personnel and equipment, as well as inquire, enter, and maintain public
safety related databases. An employee in this class will be familiar with and fully capable of operating such equipment at
each operational position of the communications center.
An employee in this class exercises independent judgment, alertness, and responsiveness within the parameters of
established operating policies, procedures and guidelines which aid in reacting to incidents which may involve danger to life
and/or damage to property. The employee in this class prioritizes multiple events based on available resources using critical
thinking skills. The work is performed under the general supervision of a Senior Public Safety Telecommunicator,
Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator, or other authorized personnel.
Areas of assignment may include: answering telephone requests for emergency and non-emergency calls for service from
the public and associated public service providers; the dispatching of police, fire/rescue, EMS and public service provider
personnel and equipment to emergency and non-emergency incidents; database inquiries, entries, and maintenance;
training; and public relations events.
The job involves an unusual working environment. There can be sudden changes in work activity. High stress conditions
may exist when dealing with life and death situations. The ability to remain calm in emergency situations, and the ability to
be polite, especially when dealing with angry and abusive people, is needed. Employees are required to work shifts which
cover both day and night hours, weekends, and holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage. Employees in this class may be required
to assist with training, development, and evaluation of new personnel. The job also requires employees to always maintain
a clean and tidy work environment, thus promoting a clean, safe, and healthy workplace. Supervision of subordinate
employees is not exercised in this class. The incumbent performs related work as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION: Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications at time of application.
Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Candidates shall be subject to a background investigation, including a fingerprint based
criminal history search, medical examination to include a hearing test, and a psychological examination/personality
assessment, prior to appointment. All such assessments shall be in conformity with New York Executive Law article 15
(Human Rights Law).
**Oneida County is an equal opportunity employer**
- If you do not have internet access, paper applications can be picked up in the Personnel Department on the 6th Floor of the Oneida
County Office Building. You may also request a paper application to be mailed by calling 315-798-5726.
Issued: 04/09/2026
