Public Safety Telecommunicator

The City of Rochester, MN
Rochester, Minnesota 55905 United States  View Map
Posted: Jun 06, 2026
  • Full Time
  • Dispatch and Telecommunications
  • Fire and EMS
  • Summary

    Public Safety Telecommunicator

    Print (

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    Public Safety Telecommunicator

    Salary

    $32.33 - $42.63 Hourly

    Location

    Police Department, 101 4th Street SE, Rochester, MN, MN

    Job Type

    Regular FT

    Job Number

    20260011A

    Department

    Rochester Police Department

    Division

    Police Services

    Opening Date

    04/29/2026

    • Description

    • Benefits

    • Questions

    POSITION DESCRIPTION

    The City of Rochester welcomes applications for:

    Public Safety Telecommunicator

    Public Safety Communications Center

    The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

    We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

    It takes us all working together

    Nature of Work

    As a Public Safety Telecommunicator, you are the first first responder—the calm voice in critical moments. You gather essential information, make rapid decisions, and ensure the right help reaches the right place at the right time. This role requires focus, attention to detail, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

    In this role you will:

    • Answer and assess emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, emergency medical (EMS) and rescue services.

    • Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD), multi-line phone systems, and radio communications equipment

    • Prioritize calls and determine appropriate response levels

    • Dispatch emergency personnel and monitor responder safety

    • Document critical information clearly and concisely while managing multiple systems simultaneously (typically 4-6 screens)

    Work is performed under the general direction of a Public Safety Communications Manager and in accordance with established procedures and protocols.

    Work Schedule and Conditions

    • 12-hour shifts 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

    • Includes nights, weekends and holidays

    • Rotating schedule with weekdays off

    Wage - The 2026 Starting wage is $32.33 to $37.10 per hour depending on experience. The 2026 wage range extends to $42.63 for those in the role 5 years.

    Shift differential of $3.50 added for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM

    Benefits - This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester. Please check out the benefits tab at the top of the page for more details.

    To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.

    Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

    Candidates selected to move forward will be required to complete a pre-employment skills assessment. Finalists will also complete an additional assessment as part of the interview process.

    The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM.

    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.

    *Serve as a public safety answering point (PSAP) telecommunicator

    • Answer incoming telephone lines and interpret information from callers on emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone lines, by text message or by online request.

    • Determine nature, location, priority and the correct course of action while following established procedures.

    • Direct or assign requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance to the appropriate law enforcement, fire or emergency medical service agency.

    • Maintain status updates and location of emergency personnel and monitor safety throughout incidents.

    • Dispatch appropriate equipment as required.

    • Operate telephones, radios, pagers, computer systems, recording equipment, intercoms, etc. to interact with and direct field personnel.

    • Provide essential communications support for Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS units in the field.

    *Process data through other local, state and federal agencies

    • Input data into local, state, and federal computer systems and query data for wanted persons, vehicles, and property.

    • Make proper entries and deletions from local, state, and federal computer systems.

    • Conduct driver's license and motor vehicle checks using computerized file information as requested.

    Perform other related duties as assigned

    *ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    Education and Experience

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Special Requirements

    • Individuals hired must acquire State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification within six (6) months from date of hire

    • This position requires completion of a finger-printed background investigation as a condition of employment

    • This position requires successful completion of a multi-tasking skills test and a pre-employment screening evaluation

    Desirable Qualifications

    • A degree in Communications, Criminal Justice, or a related field

    • One (1) year experience in communications operations, preferably as a call taker or dispatcher

    • One (1) year computer experience with PC keyboarding and multi-tasking skills

    • State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification

    • Experience speaking and understanding additional language(s)

    • Other relevant professional licenses and/or certifications

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

    In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

    In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

    Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

    Continuous demands: sitting, fine dexterity, and simultaneous use of the hands and wrists.

    Occasional demands: standing, walking.

    Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch.

    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY (

    01

    By completing your application and supplemental questions you are attesting all information is true, accurate, and verifies your relevant education and experience. Your submitted materials will be used to determine your employment eligibility. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

    • Yes

    • No

    02

    What is your preferred name?

    03

    Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)

    • Yes

    • No

    04

    This position requires working 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a fast-paced, high-stress environment where critical decisions must be made quickly. Are you willing and able to meet these conditions?

    • Yes

    • No

    05

    Are you able to work additional hours as needed or assigned?

    • Yes

    • No

    06

    Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

    • High school diploma or equivalent GED

    • Completion of some post-secondary educational course work or classes

    • Completion of a 2-year degree in communications, law enforcement, criminal justice, or closely related field

    • Completion of a 4-year degree in communications, law enforcement, criminal justice, or closely related field

    • Completion of a 2- or 4-year degree, or higher, in an unrelated area

    • N/A - None of the above

    07

    List the specific degree(s) that you have completed or possess. Include the name of the educational facility and location. Do not type "See Resume". If no program attended, type "N/A". NOTE: if asked to interview or upon hire, proof will be required.

    08

    Have you completed any of the following certifications? (Select all that apply)

    • The Association of Public Safety Communication Officers (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator I training certificate

    • The State of MN Criminal Justice Information System (MNCJIS) Basic Operator's certification

    • ICS 100/200

    • ICS 300/400

    • ICS 700/900

    • Other: (List below)

    • N/A - I have not completed any of the above training certifications

    09

    Tell us how your professional, educational, and lived experience would help you be successful in this role. Include any specialized training courses/certifications you have completed or possess.

    10

    Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment performing Public Safety Telecommunicator duties?

    • No experience

    • Less than 6 months

    • More than 6 months, but less than 1 year

    • More than 1 year, but less than 3

    • More than 3 years, but less than 5

    • More than 5 years, but less than 7

    • More than 7 years, but less than 10

    • 10 or more years

    11

    Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment performing Public Safety Telecommunicator duties?

    • I worked for a law enforcement agency, such as a police department or sheriff's office, in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) position where I received 911 calls directly from the caller

    • I worked in a secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) position, such as for a medical provider or ambulance service where calls are forwarded by a law enforcement agency

    • N/A - I do not have any experience working in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) position

    12

    Did your experience performing public safety communications and/or dispatching duties include working with any of the following equipment, software, or enhanced 911 systems? (Select all that apply)

    • Tyler Technologies/New World Systems

    • Lumen Power 911/Viper, Solacom, ComTech, or other Public Safety phone systems

    • Records Management Systems

    • PSPortals

    • Westnet - First In

    • Motorola Radios

    • Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

    • N/A - I do not have any experience with any of the above

    13

    Which of the following best describes your typing ability?

    • I can proficiently type more than 60 words per minute

    • I can accurately type approximately 45 words per minute

    • I have not been tested, but I can type accurately without looking at the keyboard

    • My typing skills are limited and I rely on the "two finger hunt and peck" method

    • I cannot type

    14

    Share with us why you would like to be a Public Safety Telecommunicator.

    15

    CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not be limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?

    • Yes

    • No

    Required Question

    Employer

    City of Rochester

    Address

    201 4th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

    Phone

    (507) 328-2555

    Website

    Apply

    Please verify your email address Verify Email

  • Job Description

    Public Safety Telecommunicator

    Print (

    Apply

    

    Public Safety Telecommunicator

    Salary

    $32.33 - $42.63 Hourly

    Location

    Police Department, 101 4th Street SE, Rochester, MN, MN

    Job Type

    Regular FT

    Job Number

    20260011A

    Department

    Rochester Police Department

    Division

    Police Services

    Opening Date

    04/29/2026

    • Description

    • Benefits

    • Questions

    POSITION DESCRIPTION

    The City of Rochester welcomes applications for:

    Public Safety Telecommunicator

    Public Safety Communications Center

    The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

    We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

    It takes us all working together

    Nature of Work

    As a Public Safety Telecommunicator, you are the first first responder—the calm voice in critical moments. You gather essential information, make rapid decisions, and ensure the right help reaches the right place at the right time. This role requires focus, attention to detail, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

    In this role you will:

    • Answer and assess emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, emergency medical (EMS) and rescue services.

    • Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD), multi-line phone systems, and radio communications equipment

    • Prioritize calls and determine appropriate response levels

    • Dispatch emergency personnel and monitor responder safety

    • Document critical information clearly and concisely while managing multiple systems simultaneously (typically 4-6 screens)

    Work is performed under the general direction of a Public Safety Communications Manager and in accordance with established procedures and protocols.

    Work Schedule and Conditions

    • 12-hour shifts 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

    • Includes nights, weekends and holidays

    • Rotating schedule with weekdays off

    Wage - The 2026 Starting wage is $32.33 to $37.10 per hour depending on experience. The 2026 wage range extends to $42.63 for those in the role 5 years.

    Shift differential of $3.50 added for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM

    Benefits - This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester. Please check out the benefits tab at the top of the page for more details.

    To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.

    Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

    Candidates selected to move forward will be required to complete a pre-employment skills assessment. Finalists will also complete an additional assessment as part of the interview process.

    The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM.

    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.

    *Serve as a public safety answering point (PSAP) telecommunicator

    • Answer incoming telephone lines and interpret information from callers on emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone lines, by text message or by online request.

    • Determine nature, location, priority and the correct course of action while following established procedures.

    • Direct or assign requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance to the appropriate law enforcement, fire or emergency medical service agency.

    • Maintain status updates and location of emergency personnel and monitor safety throughout incidents.

    • Dispatch appropriate equipment as required.

    • Operate telephones, radios, pagers, computer systems, recording equipment, intercoms, etc. to interact with and direct field personnel.

    • Provide essential communications support for Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS units in the field.

    *Process data through other local, state and federal agencies

    • Input data into local, state, and federal computer systems and query data for wanted persons, vehicles, and property.

    • Make proper entries and deletions from local, state, and federal computer systems.

    • Conduct driver's license and motor vehicle checks using computerized file information as requested.

    Perform other related duties as assigned

    *ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    Education and Experience

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Special Requirements

    • Individuals hired must acquire State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification within six (6) months from date of hire

    • This position requires completion of a finger-printed background investigation as a condition of employment

    • This position requires successful completion of a multi-tasking skills test and a pre-employment screening evaluation

    Desirable Qualifications

    • A degree in Communications, Criminal Justice, or a related field

    • One (1) year experience in communications operations, preferably as a call taker or dispatcher

    • One (1) year computer experience with PC keyboarding and multi-tasking skills

    • State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certification

    • Experience speaking and understanding additional language(s)

    • Other relevant professional licenses and/or certifications

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

    In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

    In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

    Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

    Continuous demands: sitting, fine dexterity, and simultaneous use of the hands and wrists.

    Occasional demands: standing, walking.

    Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch.

    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY (

    01

    By completing your application and supplemental questions you are attesting all information is true, accurate, and verifies your relevant education and experience. Your submitted materials will be used to determine your employment eligibility. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

    • Yes

    • No

    02

    What is your preferred name?

    03

    Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)

    • Yes

    • No

    04

    This position requires working 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a fast-paced, high-stress environment where critical decisions must be made quickly. Are you willing and able to meet these conditions?

    • Yes

    • No

    05

    Are you able to work additional hours as needed or assigned?

    • Yes

    • No

    06

    Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

    • High school diploma or equivalent GED

    • Completion of some post-secondary educational course work or classes

    • Completion of a 2-year degree in communications, law enforcement, criminal justice, or closely related field

    • Completion of a 4-year degree in communications, law enforcement, criminal justice, or closely related field

    • Completion of a 2- or 4-year degree, or higher, in an unrelated area

    • N/A - None of the above

    07

    List the specific degree(s) that you have completed or possess. Include the name of the educational facility and location. Do not type "See Resume". If no program attended, type "N/A". NOTE: if asked to interview or upon hire, proof will be required.

    08

    Have you completed any of the following certifications? (Select all that apply)

    • The Association of Public Safety Communication Officers (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator I training certificate

    • The State of MN Criminal Justice Information System (MNCJIS) Basic Operator's certification

    • ICS 100/200

    • ICS 300/400

    • ICS 700/900

    • Other: (List below)

    • N/A - I have not completed any of the above training certifications

    09

    Tell us how your professional, educational, and lived experience would help you be successful in this role. Include any specialized training courses/certifications you have completed or possess.

    10

    Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment performing Public Safety Telecommunicator duties?

    • No experience

    • Less than 6 months

    • More than 6 months, but less than 1 year

    • More than 1 year, but less than 3

    • More than 3 years, but less than 5

    • More than 5 years, but less than 7

    • More than 7 years, but less than 10

    • 10 or more years

    11

    Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment performing Public Safety Telecommunicator duties?

    • I worked for a law enforcement agency, such as a police department or sheriff's office, in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) position where I received 911 calls directly from the caller

    • I worked in a secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) position, such as for a medical provider or ambulance service where calls are forwarded by a law enforcement agency

    • N/A - I do not have any experience working in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) position

    12

    Did your experience performing public safety communications and/or dispatching duties include working with any of the following equipment, software, or enhanced 911 systems? (Select all that apply)

    • Tyler Technologies/New World Systems

    • Lumen Power 911/Viper, Solacom, ComTech, or other Public Safety phone systems

    • Records Management Systems

    • PSPortals

    • Westnet - First In

    • Motorola Radios

    • Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

    • N/A - I do not have any experience with any of the above

    13

    Which of the following best describes your typing ability?

    • I can proficiently type more than 60 words per minute

    • I can accurately type approximately 45 words per minute

    • I have not been tested, but I can type accurately without looking at the keyboard

    • My typing skills are limited and I rely on the "two finger hunt and peck" method

    • I cannot type

    14

    Share with us why you would like to be a Public Safety Telecommunicator.

    15

    CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not be limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?

    • Yes

    • No

    Required Question

    Employer

    City of Rochester

    Address

    201 4th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

    Phone

    (507) 328-2555

    Website

    Apply

    Please verify your email address Verify Email

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    Whether you’re starting your career or seeking new opportunities, these roles provide pathways for growth, security, and service.

    Explore positions across a wide range of fields and take the first step toward a rewarding future in public service.

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