Communications Officer II

Communications Officer II Salary and Job Description

Communications Officer II Salary: $22.80 - $25.64 Hourly Location: City of Melbourne, FL Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 01582 Division: Police Support Services Opening Date: January 5, 2026 Closing Date: January 19, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Description and Benefits

The Melbourne Police Department offers a salary competitive with other local law enforcement agencies. The current starting salary range for Communication Officers is $47,442.46 to $53,344.20 annually ($22.80 - $25.64 hourly). Upon successful completion of the training period, candidates will receive a minimum 5% pay increase. Salary ranges are evaluated annually, and wage adjustments are approved by City Council. The City also provides a 4% shift differential pay for communication officers assigned to evening and midnight shifts after successfully completing training, as well as incentive pay for specialty teams. Applicants with less than 2 years experience qualify for a $2,500.00 sign-on bonus. Applicants with a minimum of 2 years experience working in a PSAP or 911 Center may qualify for a $5,000.00 sign-on bonus.

Responsibilities and Requirements

Under the general supervision of the Communications Shift Supervisor, the Communications Officer II must successfully complete all phases of the required training program to serve as a critical link between the public and emergency responders by receiving, prioritizing, and relaying emergency and non-emergency information for the City's public safety services. Responsibilities include:

• Answering 911 and non-emergency calls and taking appropriate action
• Processing and dispatching telephone and radio communications
• Monitoring alarm and emergency systems
• Managing high-stress public interactions
• Ensuring accurate transmission and documentation of information in accordance with established procedures, policies, and guidelines

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position is characterized by the continued development of academic and professional knowledge as required by the Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunication Program and the professional standards of the City of Melbourne Communications Center. Performs other duties as required.

Examples of Duties

• Attends the next available State of Florida Department of Health accredited 911 Public Safety Telecommunication Course
• Maintains an academic level which complies with the standards established by the accredited training facility and the Florida Department of Health
• Successfully completes and attains Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunication Certification as required by Florida State Statue 406.465
• Receives telephone communications and transfers them to appropriate person, department or agency
• Aids and assists the public with general information
• Takes messages
• Maintains required logs and related records
• Receives and accurately registers complaints in Computer Aided Dispatch System
• Operates manual system in the event of a CAD failure
• Assists officers/fire personnel and other department personnel within the means provided in the Communication Center
• Operates FCIC/NCIC Computer
• Communicates with the news media
• Operates 911 and related equipment, to include non-emergency phone and T.D.D. (Telephone device for the hearing impaired)
• Operates other related equipment, i.e. FAX machine, copy machine, two-way radio, etc.
• Interpret maps and provide clear/accurate directions
• Monitors alarms in the Communications Center (booking alarm, 911 alarm, generator alarm, stake out alarm, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• Must provide documentation prior to being hired
• Dispatcher, or telephone operator experience or progressively responsible work experience involving public contact and a fast-paced environment
• Emergency dispatch experience is beneficial
• Must pass the Critical testing with a minimum scores of 3500 KPH, 35 WPM, and overall score of 80% or higher
• Applicant must meet all Florida Department of Health requirements to be certified as a 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

• Must have a valid driver's license
• Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver's license must obtain a Florida license within 10 days of employment
• Must meet Criminal Justice Systems (CJIS) and Melbourne Police Department background investigation requirement and maintain compliance throughout employment
• Candidate must be able to achieve certification of the Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunication testing and be certified with in one (1) year of employment start date
• Applicant must be able to achieve FCIC/NCIC certification within six (6) months of employment and maintain a valid certification through employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to type with speed and accuracy while conversing with callers
• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in an efficient manner
• Knowledge of geography of the City's surrounding area
• Knowledge of modern practices, procedures, and equipment within the Communication Center operations
• Knowledge of the principles of telephone, computers and related communications equipment
• Ability to operate a telephone, or Teletype equipment, to include Teletype radio channel quickly and accurately under non-stress and stressful work conditions
• Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations
• Ability to discern several conversations simultaneously, disseminate appropriate information, prioritize actions and respond in an effective manner
• Ability to condense and organize large amounts of information into readable, sensibly typed remarks in a timely manner and recall numerous acronyms and type codes essential to efficient and accurate call processing
• Ability to make timely and appropriate decisions under emergency circumstances based on technical standards, criteria and policies
• Ability to remember numerous details and quickly re-call essential information
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in a well modulated voice
• Ability to operate a variety of machines and equipment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and to detect complete and accurate information from the general public when they may be in a distressed or confused state
• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in an efficient manner
• Ability to accurately maintain data files
• Ability to work various schedules including days, evenings, midnights, weekends, and holidays

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to hear and understand conversation of the English language spoken in a normal tone of voice and in a low or high pitch, whisper or loud voice and with an accent
• Ability to read and understand printing and cursive writing in the English language
• Read a computer screen
• Ability to work effectively while under stress
• Ability to write cursive or print in a legible and easily understood manner
• Must have physical dexterity to operate a computer keyboard
• Ability to learn and apply complex tasks and retain the knowledge to complete the tasks without assistance
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time in excess of four (4) hours at a time
• Ability to carry items which may weigh between one (1) and fifteen lbs. for a distance of ten feet or less
• Ability to bend, squat or stoop to retrieve items from floor level
• Ability to lift items one (1) to fifteen lbs. to shoulder height
• Ability to report to work on short notice or work extended hours when necessary
• Ability to work with equipment that emanates microwaves, generate static electricity and radio waves and generate a constant low-level noise
• Ability to talk on a telephone or radio and type on a computer keyboard at the same time
• Ability to speak in a clear, concise and well modulated understandable voice in the English language
• Obtain and record accurate information by means of conversation

Benefits

The City of Melbourne offers a generous benefit package to include:

• 100% City paid medical insurance for employee only; coverage available for family
• Health Insurance opt-out incentive for employees with other medical coverage
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance in the amount of 1 times your annual salary
• Additional life insurance to include coverage for your spouse and child(ren)
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• 457 Deferred Compensation
• Retirement Plans (FRS, local plan for Police and Fire personnel)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

Supplemental Questions

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.

Section 01: Education

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

PROOF OF EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR MUST BE UPLOADED TO APPLICATION.

Did not complete High School Diploma or GED High School Diploma or GED High School Diploma or GED and Some College Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Masters or Higher

Section 02: Driver's License

Do you possess a valid State of Florida driver's license, or a valid out of state driver's license?

Yes No

Section 03: Experience

How many years of experience do you have as a dispatcher, telephone operator or progressively responsible work experience involving public contact and in a fast-paced environment?

None Less than 1 year More than 1 year less than 2 years More than 2 years less than 3 years More than 3 years less than 4 years More than 4 years less than 5 years More than 5 years

Section 04: Emergency Dispatch Experience

Do you have prior emergency