Police Communications Operator

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Department of Police and Public Safety, is currently recruiting for a Police Communications Operator (PCO). Under general supervision, a PCO performs police communications and related clerical work in a central communications center.

The Department of Public Safety is a full-service police department that serves the UMB campus 24 hours a day; 365 days a year. The department has a strong commitment to timely notifications of crime incidents that impact the safety of the campus. The Communications Center is a 24/7 Operation and has three (3) shifts, subject to scheduling needs of the Department.

The shift for this position will be determined based on availability at the time the position is filled.

Benefits (Non-Exempt Regular):

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension), effective on your date of hire. Non-exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that starts with 14 days of vacation accrued per year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and time for community service; comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

The ideal candidate will personally connect with the Administration and Finance Guiding Principles which closely mirror UMB's core values: Respect and Integrity, Well-Being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Primary Duties:

1. Operates emergency telephones, two-way radios, teletype, telecommunications and computer terminal equipment, closed circuit televisions, remote control cameras, alarm, and security systems.
2. Answers emergency telephone lines. Monitors and maintains radio communications.
3. Receives and records information and requests related to police services. Dispatches police officers. Notifies command, supervisory, and administrative personnel about incidents.
4. Transmits and receives telephonic communications with the surrounding local jurisdictions.
5. Operates specialized communications networking equipment and computer terminals. Accesses restricted law enforcement networks.
6. Obtains, inputs, and receives data related to police activities such as criminal history, warrants, and vehicle registration.
7. Monitors radio frequencies and transmissions of the Allied Law Enforcement Agencies, National Weather Service, and Maryland Civil Defense.
8. Relays information from field officers requesting back up and support services such as crime lab technicians, K-9 unit, emergency medical services, rescue, and fire equipment.
9. Maintains manual and computerized logs and prepares complaint control cards and reports.
10. Monitors safety and security systems, reports malfunctions as appropriate, and dispatches appropriate personnel to alarm site.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED.

Experience: Two (2) years of clerical or other related experience.

Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Skill in the use of keyboards and office equipment. Ability to type accurately; to learn emergency communications work; to learn applicable procedures and regulations; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to react calmly, quickly, and decisively in emergency situations; to obtain, summarize and relay information orally and in writing; to follow oral and written instructions; to write legibly; to monitor multiple radio frequencies.

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants must submit to and successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Based on the duties of this position, selected candidates are eligible to participate in the Bargaining Unit (Union).

Hiring Range: $45,375 - $48,780.49 (pre-probation), commensurate with education and experience.