Communications Officer
City of Rowlett, Rowlett, TX, United States
Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
Under direct supervision of a Communications Shift Supervisor, operates equipment and coordinates all emergency and non-emergency calls coming into the Police Department for Police/Fire/EMS services. Position requires constant contact with the public in stressful situations that require the ability to remain calm, think clearly, use good judgment, and have clear, understandable speaking skills.
Benefits at the City of Rowlett include:
TMRS participation 2:1 match
10 days of vacation/sick/holiday per year
Longevity Pay
Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
Basic Life/AD&D 2x annual salary
Long- and Short-Term Disability
Deferred Compensation
Employee Assistance Program
Annual Step/Merit Raises
FY2026 Step Pay Plan: Step 1 $51,909.96 Step 2 $55,204.75 Step 3 $58,499.54 Step 4 $61,794.34 Step 5 $65,089.13 Step 6 $68,383.92 Step 7 $71,678.71
Step increases are given annually on the employee's position date.
Lateral pay up to Step 3 ($58,499.54) will be considered for those with qualifying experience.
Recruitment Process
Online Application - deadline is 04/30/26 at 11:59pm
Criminal Database Check
CritiCall Testing
Communications Center Observation
Personal History Statement
Interview
Final Personal History Statement Review
Psychological Evaluation and Polygraph Testing
Conditional Offer of Employment and Tentative Start Date
Responsibilities Answers 911 emergency phone lines and non-emergency lines; obtains necessary information about emergencies or complaints; determines what Fire or Police equipment is needed on the scene; contacts police officers and fire personnel in the field via two-way radio and relays emergency information and pertinent data.
Monitors various Police, Fire and City radio frequencies; operates a Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to maintain accurate dispatch records; transmits relevant information to field officers as requested; notifies off‑duty and on‑call personnel when additional manpower is needed.
Monitors teletype for severe weather bulletins; broadcasts warnings over radio channels. Monitors city alarm systems; performs periodic tests on police and fire radio and warning equipment; files and maintains various communication logs and records; monitors closed theatre television equipment; updates and maintains various databases in the CAD system.
Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non‑disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.
Qualifications & Skills
High School Diploma or GED required; related experience with computer‑aided dispatch systems in a public safety position preferred.
General knowledge of office procedures such as filing and records maintenance; computer skills in Microsoft Office applications; ability to read, interpret and apply operating manuals and other reference materials.
Knowledge of two‑way radio, multi‑line telephone system, TDD phones, 911 equipment, and CAD.
Ability to successfully pass a simulated dispatch test with an overall score of 80%, and a minimum score of 4004 keystrokes per hour (KPH).
Speak clearly and concisely; exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under stress; effectively communicate with and elicit information from distraught and irate citizens; coordinate multiple activities at once under intense stress.
Valid driver’s license required. Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the city’s driving standards.
Must obtain state dispatcher certification within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Must attend in‑service training, including CPR, 40 hours of annual TCOLE training, and other mandated courses.
Must be able to work a variety of shifts as assigned, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment Work is performed primarily in a climate‑controlled office environment; physical demands are sedentary and include sitting for long periods of time and constant interaction with a computer.
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Under direct supervision of a Communications Shift Supervisor, operates equipment and coordinates all emergency and non-emergency calls coming into the Police Department for Police/Fire/EMS services. Position requires constant contact with the public in stressful situations that require the ability to remain calm, think clearly, use good judgment, and have clear, understandable speaking skills.
Benefits at the City of Rowlett include:
TMRS participation 2:1 match
10 days of vacation/sick/holiday per year
Longevity Pay
Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
Basic Life/AD&D 2x annual salary
Long- and Short-Term Disability
Deferred Compensation
Employee Assistance Program
Annual Step/Merit Raises
FY2026 Step Pay Plan: Step 1 $51,909.96 Step 2 $55,204.75 Step 3 $58,499.54 Step 4 $61,794.34 Step 5 $65,089.13 Step 6 $68,383.92 Step 7 $71,678.71
Step increases are given annually on the employee's position date.
Lateral pay up to Step 3 ($58,499.54) will be considered for those with qualifying experience.
Recruitment Process
Online Application - deadline is 04/30/26 at 11:59pm
Criminal Database Check
CritiCall Testing
Communications Center Observation
Personal History Statement
Interview
Final Personal History Statement Review
Psychological Evaluation and Polygraph Testing
Conditional Offer of Employment and Tentative Start Date
Responsibilities Answers 911 emergency phone lines and non-emergency lines; obtains necessary information about emergencies or complaints; determines what Fire or Police equipment is needed on the scene; contacts police officers and fire personnel in the field via two-way radio and relays emergency information and pertinent data.
Monitors various Police, Fire and City radio frequencies; operates a Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to maintain accurate dispatch records; transmits relevant information to field officers as requested; notifies off‑duty and on‑call personnel when additional manpower is needed.
Monitors teletype for severe weather bulletins; broadcasts warnings over radio channels. Monitors city alarm systems; performs periodic tests on police and fire radio and warning equipment; files and maintains various communication logs and records; monitors closed theatre television equipment; updates and maintains various databases in the CAD system.
Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non‑disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.
Qualifications & Skills
High School Diploma or GED required; related experience with computer‑aided dispatch systems in a public safety position preferred.
General knowledge of office procedures such as filing and records maintenance; computer skills in Microsoft Office applications; ability to read, interpret and apply operating manuals and other reference materials.
Knowledge of two‑way radio, multi‑line telephone system, TDD phones, 911 equipment, and CAD.
Ability to successfully pass a simulated dispatch test with an overall score of 80%, and a minimum score of 4004 keystrokes per hour (KPH).
Speak clearly and concisely; exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under stress; effectively communicate with and elicit information from distraught and irate citizens; coordinate multiple activities at once under intense stress.
Valid driver’s license required. Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the city’s driving standards.
Must obtain state dispatcher certification within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Must attend in‑service training, including CPR, 40 hours of annual TCOLE training, and other mandated courses.
Must be able to work a variety of shifts as assigned, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment Work is performed primarily in a climate‑controlled office environment; physical demands are sedentary and include sitting for long periods of time and constant interaction with a computer.
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