Careers

Communications Center Call Scenario

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. citizen or registered alien.

• High School diploma or equivalent recognized certificate

• General office experience preferably in emergency services or equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in an efficient manner.

• Must be able to type with speed and accuracy.

• Ability to work various schedules including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

When completing the application process, all forms must be signed and returned with application packet.

TESTING PROCESS

Applications that meet minimum requirements will be forwarded to the Communications Center. Screening will identify candidates who have the desirable characteristics for vacant positions. Applicants meeting this criteria will be required to:

Testing will be conducted at the Brevard Community College Criminal Justice Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32935.

Applicants will be notified for dates and times of the critical testing in a follow-up letter mailed to each applicant.  Applicants must score seventy (70) or higher to be selected for an interview. Any applicant, who does not complete any of the required steps, will become ineligible to continue in the process.

Applicants meeting the above criteria will be selected for an interview. The board will rate the candidates on the following:

• Oral Communications/Comprehension

• Composure/Self Confidence

• Ability to make decisions

• Professional Knowledge

• Motivation/Attitude relative to Emergency Service Communication

• Appearance

All testing scores will be forwarded to the Support Service Commander for review, who will forward all testing material to the Chief of Police for final review. The Chief of Police will render the final decision on a candidate's suitability for employment.  Candidates who receive an offer of employment will be scheduled for medical examinations and drug screening. All candidates will be subjected to a complete background investigation.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

The Communications Center contains multiple interacting positions: Call Takers / Teletype Operators (Communications Officer I), Fire Radio Dispatchers (Communications Officer II), and Police Radio Dispatchers (Communications Officer III).

After three weeks of classroom training, new employees will be placed on a shift for one-on-one training with a certified Communication Training Officer. After each position is cleared, the employee can move up to a new title with a salary increase. All employees start employment as a Communications Officer I, regardless of experience.  However, experienced dispatchers can be compensated for their experience at a rate that is generally one step higher than starting salary.

The following is a brief description of duties and benefits for a Communications Officer:
Salary: The base starting salary of an employee is $13.24-$22.23 per hour depending upon experience.

Additional salary ranges are:

Time and a half is paid for all hours worked over 40 hours.  A step-plan provides employees with one-step annual pay increases in reward of continued satisfactory service. City Counsel determines cost of living increases each year.

Work hours are 36 hours one week and 48 the following week. Four hours can be flexed out as staffing permits.  Twelve-hour shifts are 0700-1900 and 1900-0700.  Shift bids are completed annually, based on seniority and time in position. However, management has discretion in this decision.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Insurance: HMO or PPO plans are available.  The City pays 100% of employee’s standard health insurance, and 50% of dependent health insurance.  Optional insurance plans include dental, supplemental and dependent life insurance, and disability insurance.  A $25,000  term life insurance policy is provided.  Retirement benefits are provided through a City of Melbourne General Pension Plan.