The Texas Department of Public Safety is hiring communications operators statewide. In Abilene, a hiring event is planned for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 and 25 at West Central Texas Council of Governments, 3702 Loop 322.
Requirements for communications operator
- Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent;
- Must qualify for, and obtain, TLETS and TCIC/NCIC terminal operator certification within six months of employment;
- Must qualify for and obtain basic telecommunicator proficiency certificate from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement within 12 months of employment;
- Previous law enforcement experience is not necessary, but, helpful;
- The person filling this position must be able to work individually with minimal supervision;
- Applicants must have the ability to operate computers systems, speak clearly, perform multiple duties simultaneously, comprehend and process written and verbal directions;
- Skill in dealing with the public and other law enforcement personnel.
- Ability to operate computer systems;
- Must pass medical and psychological screening;
- Ability to tolerate confinement to work area for duration of work shift;
- Ability to perform multiple duties simultaneously;
- Ability to comprehend and execute written and verbal instructions;
- Ability to tolerate and react to high stress situations and emergencies while maintaining composure.
Benefits For communications operator
- State-paid health and life insurance plans for you. Insurance becomes effective the first month following the 90-day waiting period. (Hourly and part-time employees, state-paid at 50%);
- Optional dental plan and health insurance for your family members;
- State retirement matching contribution of 6.5 % of gross salary; starting after your 90th day of employment, mandatory 6.6% of your monthly salary is deducted pre-tax and deposited into your personal state retirement account;
- Optional 401K and 457 plans;
- Flexible health and dependent daycare accounts;
- Optional term life insurance for you and your dependents;
- Short and long term disability insurance for you;
- Voluntary AD&D insurance;
- Employees Retirement System (ERS);
- Longevity pay (full-time employees);
- Direct deposit;
- Paid sick leave accrues from your first day at work;
- Sick leave pool for catastrophic illnesses and injuries;
- Family medical leave;
- Smoke-free workplace;
- Paid vacation accrues from your first day worked;
- Paid federal and state holidays;
- Free tobacco prevention and cessation programs;
- DPS Credit Union;
- On-site training opportunities;
- Use of gym/fitness center (not available at all locations);
- Health and wellness program
Sick leave
Sick leave is earned at the rate of eight hours per month and may be carried from year-to-year. A sick leave pool is available to those who make a contribution to the pool.
Vacation
Salary for communications operator
- Starting - PCO (probationary) - $2775.08;
- PCO II at two years - $2960.23;
- PCO III at four years - $3214.20;
- PCO IV at seven years - $3429.22;
- PCO V at 10 years - $4211.73;
- SR PCO at 16 years - $4619.19;
- Will pay for experience as a licensed telecommunicator
Overtime
On occasions when personnel are required to work overtime, it is submitted for payment at time-and-a-half.
Compensatory
Holiday time is earned when employees work on designated state and federal holidays observed by the State of Texas. Holiday time must be used within a year after it is earned.