Telecommunications Operator

Role overview

The City of Pearland, Texas is hiring a full-time Telecommunications Operator for its dispatch center. This role is suited to someone who is calm under pressure, service-focused, and able to thrive in a busy, high-volume environment.

Compensation and benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.61 to $23.39 per hour, depending on qualifications. The city covers 100% of employee dental, long-term disability, and life insurance premiums, and pays most of the medical premium for employees and their dependents. Additional benefits include retirement through the Texas Municipal Retirement System with a 2:1 employer match, life insurance, disability coverage, access to the city recreation fitness center, an employee assistance program, educational assistance, 11 paid holidays, 2 designated paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and a wellness program that supports physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.

About the city

Pearland is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, known for its affordable housing, strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and high quality of life. It has been ranked among the ten safest cities in Texas and sits about 20 minutes from downtown Houston, giving residents access to major sports, cultural venues, and recreation. The city has also earned workplace recognition, including a 2023 USA Top Workplaces award and a Houston Metro Area Top Workplace honor.

The organization emphasizes collaboration across teams, open communication, ongoing learning, employee growth, and a workplace culture that supports innovation.

What you will do

In this position, you will handle incoming calls related to police, fire, EMS, and other city services; monitor radio channels; answer 911 calls; and direct communications to the correct units.

• Manage radio traffic across multiple channels, dispatch calls, provide live updates on emergencies, verify the status of wanted persons, stolen property, and vehicles, and handle computer-free motorcycle unit tracking.
• Respond to urgent 911 calls by staying composed with distressed callers, gathering key safety and suspect details, and making fast decisions in time-sensitive situations.
• Take non-emergency calls, provide information on warrants and vehicles, answer questions about the city and law enforcement services, and serve as a communication hub for police specialties and city operations.
• Enter and maintain TCIC/NCIC records for warrants, stolen vehicles, stolen property, and stolen license plates, and confirm outside-agency record hits.
• Receive, manage, and distribute official police teletype messages, including alerts, location attempts, warrant holds, and other interagency communications.
• Coordinate with outside agencies on jurisdiction issues, prisoner transport or pickup locations, SWAT paging, and police or city callouts such as animal control and traffic lights.
• Verify and update municipal and criminal warrants with external agencies, including prisoner location confirmation, hold notices, and release notices.
• Carry out monthly validation of all updated TCIC/NCIC records.
• Use multiple systems and public/city resources to look up current addresses, phone numbers, and related information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Schedule and working conditions

This is a 12-hour-shift role. Availability is required for any assigned shift, including weekends and holidays. Shift times run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Minimum qualifications

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of telecommunications or related experience.

Certifications

• CPR certification
• Notary certification
• Basic Telecommunications Operator certification, to be obtained within one year of hire
• Intermediate Telecommunications Operator certification is preferred

Additional notes

This position is based in the city dispatch center and involves coordinating critical public safety communication across police, fire, EMS, and city departments.