Posting Close Date: 

Applicants must submit their completed application by 01-19-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must pass Background and Polygraph
• Must pass Non-NIDA Drug Test
• Must pass Hearing Test
• Training in one of three functions, Call taking, Police Dispatch or Fire Dispatch,
must be completed prior to the completion of the probationary period and
must be maintained throughout employment in this position.
• An Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) Network Terminal
Operator Certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire and must be
maintained throughout employment of this position.
• A Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification must be obtained within
6 months of hire and must be maintained throughout employment of this
position.

IMPORTANT:

• A typing assessment is required to be considered for this position. A link will
be sent to applicants.

IMPORTANT DATES:

o Virtual Interviews will be held on Microsoft Teams on the following dates:

- February 2, 2026
- February 3, 2026
- February 4, 2026

o Pre-employment testing: February 11, 2026 - February 20, 2026
o Tentative Start date: Week of March 30, 2026

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Specific Summary

The Telecommunicator I position at the City of Tucson’s Public Safety Communications Department answers and processes emergency and non-emergency calls, gathers and records information to assess level and type of response needed; or provides radio support and dispatches first responder units to calls for service. This position serves as a point of contact and a crucial link to those in need of service and first responders.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Public Safety Communications Supervisor. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Screens and answers all incoming calls to gather information from non-emergency and emergency calls for service.  Assists callers with non-emergent issues (3-1-1) by providing them with City resources and information that address their concerns or questions. Assists callers with potential life-threatening and emergency issues (9-1-1) requiring Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical (EMS) response by providing immediate life-saving instructions prior to first responder arrival. Operates multiple administrative telephone lines, utilizes language service providers, and Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) when necessary. Uses various geographical maps to pinpoint callers' location. Uses call data to prioritize and determine if an emergency or non-emergency response is needed. Utilizes defined dispatch protocols to input incident data into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system under strict time constraints for emergency response. Utilizes intuitive triaging platform to record information gathered from calls, assess level and type of response needed, and to provide lifesaving instructions.
• Processes time-sensitive information about emergency situations, identifies community, scene, and responder safety concerns, determines type of response required, and coordinates the dispatch of appropriate first responder units; while adhering to applicable standards, procedures, and policies. Maintains two-way radio communication with first responders through multi-channel radio and internal messaging system to gather, verify, and communicate scene information. Utilizes geographical and real time maps to identify, track and document all unit locations and safety, find alternate routes and monitor change in scene or caller location. Relays requests for resources and services to other units, administrative support personnel, other agencies, and emergency service providers. Uses CAD system to review, interpret, and prioritize requests for emergency response and communicates with Call Takers as needed for additional scene information. Gathers and documents vehicle information, persons information, and description of scene from responding units. Verifies that emergency situations have been addressed and closes out the request for service with appropriate notes to avoid additional units from being dispatched. Maintains records of emergency response time, time stamps of unit locations, and reports of calls within CAD and mapping systems. Inputs, reviews, and transmits emergency response information from automated files via multiple computer databases to assist with responses to inquiries from both the public and City departments while maintaining current and accurate records.
• Tracks public work orders and property watches relevant to dispatched events and provides assistance to appropriate public safety agencies or City departments as needed. Communicates with internal and external organizations such as City departments, school safety teams and Alarm companies for fire drills and routine fire alarm practices. Enters, retrieves, and updates information from 3-1-1 and non-emergency law enforcement communication networks related to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and other information. Partners with Crisis handlers for calls requiring emergency mental or emotional attention. Enters service requests for maintenance and repairs of City resources, facilities or other issues into City of Tucson’s 3-1-1 request and work management system. Offers assistance and support to new personnel throughout their employment by sharing knowledge and experience.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Department operates 24/7, 365 days per year and individuals in this position will be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Scheduled hours/days are subject to change.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Responsibilities

Minimum Education Level & Type: High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Minimum Experience Qualifications: 0 years

Equivalency: Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.

 
Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with windows computer programs with a minimum typing speed of 40 WPM 

Familiarity with computer systems and data entry  

Spanish/English bilingual skills   

Previous experience in a call center or public safety field 

One (1) year of customer service experience

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J6330 - Telecommunicator I

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G104

Hourly Range

$19.97 - 29.95 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Public Safety Communications

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Public-Safety-Communications

Background Check:  This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.  The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.  If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).  Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD 

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.   

Recruiter Name

Toni Linden (200998)

Recruiter Email

pscd_hr@tucsonaz.gov

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.