About the role
Campus
OSU-Stillwater
Contact Name & Email
Lori McDonald, lori.mcdonald@okstate.edu
Work Schedule
Must be able to work all shifts.
Appointment Length
Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice
Hiring Range
$17.00 - $25.00
Hourly
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.
About this Position
The Public Safety Communications Officer (PSCO) is a vital member of the OSU Police Department, providing leadership and critical support through emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio dispatch services for citizens, police, fire, and ambulance personnel. This role is responsible for maintaining police and public safety data files to support OSU and authorized law enforcement agencies. In addition, the PSCO performs essential administrative duties within the Public Safety Communications Unit and operates specialized electronic equipment integral to the unit’s operations.
Required Qualifications
- High School/GED (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
- PSCO I - requires no prior experience. PSCO II - requires one year of experience in public safety communications or a closely related field. PSCO III - requires two years of experience in public safety communications or a closely related field. PSCO Senior - requires three years of experience in public safety communications or a closely related field. Completion of a department-approved management training seminar is also required.
Post-secondary education may substitute for years of required experience.
Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses
PSCO II - Basic APCO Certification and OLETS Teletype Certification.
PSCO III - APCO Communication Training Officer (CTO) Certification.
PSCO Senior - APCO Basic Instructor Certification, and either APCO CTO Instructor Certification or advanced training and development in an approved specialty area within the emergency communications field.
Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge
Good physical condition is required, including visual acuity, excellent hearing, and physical dexterity sufficient to operate computer equipment and navigate stairs.
Candidates must also be able to lift or carry items weighing more than 15 pounds.
The position requires the ability to work flexible shifts within a 24-hour operational schedule and proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Vocational/Technical Criminal Justice
- Two (2) years of related experience
Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses
Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Basic Certification Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS) Teletype Certification
Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge
2 years experience working as a call taker, dispatcher, or similar role which requires individuals to obtain information and dispatch units to respond with detailed information. Knowledge of a Computer Aided Dispatch system.
Working Conditions
Shift work is required, with mandatory overtime as needed. This position is expected to work any hours and days necessary to support the department’s mission. Occasional regional travel may be required to attend schools, seminars, or training sessions. Communications officers regularly interact with OSU students, staff, and administration, as well as with off-campus agencies, community groups, businesses, parents, applicants, and others, providing and receiving information and assistance on a daily basis.
The ability to lift or carry in excess of 15 pounds