Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Looking for an exciting and rewarding professional career in public safety? You can make that happen by joining our hard-working team of Emergency Communications Dispatchers at the Largo Police Emergency Communications division where you can truly make a difference! Learn more below or contact Largo Police Recruiter Ofc. Nicole Cusumano at 727-588-1650 or [email protected].

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER OVERVIEW

What You'll Do
As an Emergency Communications Dispatcher, you will help serve our police officers and the citizens of Largo during non-emergency / emergency calls for service. At times you will be required to work under pressure, provide a calming voice to individuals in crisis and determine/dispatch necessary resources. We provide you the tips, tools, paid training, and support to prepare you for a successful career in public safety. 
WHAT'S REQUIRED
Successful candidates have good written and oral communication skills, possess good decision making, are able to prioritize, multi-task, quickly answer incoming calls/radio traffic, and have good interpersonal skills. Other requirements include: 
  • Must be at least 18 years of age 
  • A citizen of the United States of America 
  • High school diploma or general education diploma (GED) 
  • Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License within 30 days of hire 
  • No felony or misdemeanor of character convictions 
  • Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain required certifications including but not limited to; Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Full Access Certification and Criminal Justice Information (CJIS) Level 2 – CJIS Security Awareness Certification 
  • Successful completion of mandated training and passing State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification Examination with 12 months of hire
Hiring Process
  1. Apply online via the City of Largo job portal at Largo.com/Jobs
  2. Complete PEDs (background) packet
  3. Successfully pass Critical with an overall score of 80% or higher, minimum of 3,000 kpH or higher
  4. Complete an oral interview board
  5. Complete a final interview with the Largo Police Chief
  6. Selected applicants will be scheduled for a "sit-along" in the Communications Center to observe various elements of the position
next steps after job offer
  • Psychological Exam 
  • Background investigation with a polygraph
  • Medical Examination (to include vision/hearing) and drug screen 
  • Successful completion of a 9-month probationary period
Incentives and Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Additional starting pay incentive for those with previous public safety/dispatch experience 
    • Telecommunicator candidates with at least two years but less than four years of prior law enforcement Telecommunicator experience will be 5% above the established minimum salary
    • Telecommunicator candidates with four or more years of prior law enforcement Telecommunicator experience will be 10% above the established minimum salary
  • Increased compensation opportunities / adjustments throughout training program
    • 3% increase upon successful completion of classroom and calltaker training
    • 3% increase upon successful completion of Channel 1 training
    • 3% increase upon successful Channel 2 / Information training and being able to obtain Public Safety Telecommunicator certification
  • 7% Shift differential pay for working the night shift 
  • Opportunities for professional development training  
  • Become a Certified Training Officer (once eligible) with additional compensation of $3.00/hour regardless if you are actively training or not
  • Potential for career advancement to Communications Supervisor, Communications Training Supervisor, Communications Manager, etc.
Benefits
The City of Largo provides outstanding benefits including medical, paid holidays, and a team member wellness program. 
  • Single/Family Health and Dental Insurance 
  • Basic Life Insurance 
  • Post-employment Health Savings Plan 
  • Retirement  
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Annual Sick, Vacation, and Personal Leave

Potential Applicants

The tabs below gives potential applicants an idea of pay range upon hire, with or without experience.
No Prior Experience
I'm applying with... 
No prior police dispatch experience

Your hourly/salary pay will be… 
$21.21 an hour / $44,116.80 salary

After completing training your pay will be…
$23.19
2-4 years prior law enforcement dispatch experience
I'm applying with... 
2-4 years prior law enforcement dispatch experience (this will be verified) 

Your hourly/salary pay will be… 
$22.27 an hour / $46,321.60

After completing training your pay will be…
$24.34
4 or more years prior law enforcement dispatch experience
I'm applying with... 
4 or more years prior law enforcement dispatch experience (this will be verified)

Your hourly/salary pay will be… 
$23.33 an hour / $48,526.40

After completing training your pay will be…
$25.49

Population Size

4th

Largest City in Tampa Bay

Acres of Park Land

4.5K

Largo Businesses