Public Safety Communications Officer I-SR

Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Shannon Hansen,

Work Schedule

Shift Varies

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous / Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$17.00 - $25.00

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include a Resume and cover letter.

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.

Certifications, Registrations, and / or Licenses :

PSCO II - Basic APCO Certification and OLETS Teletype Certification.

PSCO III - APCO Communications 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.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Before being hired, applicants must be willing to participate in a structured interview process, which may include interviews with the Emergency Services Captain, a selection committee, and the departmental Director or Chief. They must complete a background investigation packet provided by the OSU Police / Public Safety Department and successfully pass an extensive background investigation.

Applicants must be capable of performing the essential physical functions of the position and must meet all minimum qualifications. They must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not have been convicted of any felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, unless a full pardon has been granted by the appropriate authority.

Candidates must be willing to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They must demonstrate the ability to enter data into police databases accurately and at a pace that matches the demand of incoming calls. A reliable landline or mobile telephone must be maintained to ensure availability for emergency or alert calls, and applicants must be prepared to report for duty immediately when called.

All candidates must agree to conduct themselves—both on and off duty—in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma and the policies, procedures, and regulations of both Oklahoma State University and the OSU Police Department. Additionally, they must comply with the university’s faculty / staff tuition waiver policy, which limits enrollment in academic courses to a maximum of five credit hours per semester. All class schedules must be approved by a supervisor prior to the beginning of the semester.

Post-Employment Requirements

Upon hire, employees must obtain Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS) teletype certification within the first year of employment, with recertification required every two years thereafter. They must also complete Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Basic Certification within the first year.

In addition to certification, employees are required to complete Critical Incident Response Training, OSU Police network communications training, and participate in supervised in-service training as determined by the department.

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

Five (5) 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