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Communications Operator

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
Sarasota, FL Full Time
POSTED ON 12/8/2025 CLOSED ON 1/6/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Operator position at Sarasota County Sheriff's Office?

To apply for this position, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sarasotasheriff

DUTIES
Answer emergency and non-emergency telephones. Operators must listen accurately and record the information provided by citizens, police, fire, and medical personnel and be able to accurately relay this information to the appropriate person often called upon to make decisions quickly, accurately, and effectively. Must be self-motivated and work well as a part of a team. To be successful you must be able to perform multiple tasks, at times under stressful conditions. As a condition of continued employment, the 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator Training Program must be completed, and the Florida Certification exam must be passed within 11 1/2 months of appointment to the position.

STARTING SALARY
Operator 3 – Call Taker: $64,613 - $73,765 (overall minimum/maximum salary). Salary is based on 12-hours shifts and on prior related experience which must be approved and is determined by agency policy.
$66,901 with 24 months of experience. Salary based on 12-hour shifts.
$69,189 with 48 months of experience. Salary based on 12-hour shifts.
$71,477 with 72 months of experience. Salary based on 12-hour shifts.
$73,765 with 96 months of experience. Salary based on 12-hour shifts.
Additional $1500 per year for night shift differential.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma or equivalent. An applicant who does not possess at least sixty (60) college credits from an accredited institution must successfully complete the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Must pass Oral Board interview.
  • Must submit to a complete background investigation, polygraph, and psychological evaluation and found to be of good moral character.
  • Must adhere to Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Drug Free and Tobacco Free policy.

OTHER INFORMATION

Work Schedule:
This position involves 12-hour shift work in a 24/7 operational environment, including weekends and holidays. Shifts are assigned as follows:

  • Day Shift: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Night Shift: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Employees must be available to work any assigned shift, including during hurricanes, evacuations, or other declared emergencies.

After the initial training period, shift schedules are determined though an annual shift bid process allowing team members to plan their schedules for the upcoming year.

Training:
Operator 3 (Call Taker) training will begin with a 6-week academy (classroom style) to include one week of EMD/EFD certification training and 16 weeks of field training. Please note: 8-hour shifts/40-hour work week during 7-week academy. Salary is $28.24 per hour/$58,739 annually based on 8-hour shifts.

Certifications:
During the first year of employment Operators will receive certifications in the following:

  • 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator Florida Certification
  • Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification (EMD)
  • Emergency Fire Dispatch Certification (EFD)
  • CPR Certification
  • FCIC/NCIC Certification

Contact Human Resources at 941-861-4140 for more information.

SCSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $64,613.00 - $73,765.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

  • Can you type a minimum of 40 words per minute?

Education:

  • High school or equivalent (Required)

Shift availability:

  • Day Shift (Required)
  • Night Shift (Required)
  • Overnight Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $64,613 - $73,765

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