TPWD - Police Communications Operator I-II-III-IV-V

Job Description:

TPWD - Police Communications Operator I-II-III-IV-V

Description

Job Description

TPWD MISSION

To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

HIRING CONTACT: Kameron Moncus, (512) 389-4848, [email protected]

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Law Enforcement Communications, 5805 N Lamar Blvd, Bldg B, Austin, TX 78752

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Communications Supervisor, this position is responsible for police and emergency management communications work as a licensed first responder. Performs and coordinates radio and telephone communications by following Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) to provide assistance to callers. Responding to high-risk incidents involving the safety of the public or law enforcement. Serves as the primary contact for agency officers, other state, federal and local law enforcement agencies requesting assistance, information, or coordination. May be responsible for functioning as the Unit's Project Liaison for areas of expertise and special projects. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• PCO I-V: Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

• PCO I: No experience required;
• PCO II:
  
  • One year experience as a Police Communications Operator I:
  • Experience in dispatch, telephone, police, and emergency management communications work;
• PCO III:
  
  • Three years experience as a Police Communications Operator, of which one (1) must have been as a Police Communications Operator II;
  • Experience in dispatch, telephone, police, and emergency management communications work.
• PCO IV:
  
  • Four years experience as a Police Communications Operator, of which one (1) must have been as a Police Communications Operator III.
• PCO V:
  
  • Eight years experience as a Police Communications Operator, of which four (4) must have been as a Police Communications Operator IV;
  • Experience in dispatch, telephone, and emergency management communications work.

Licensure - PCO I:

• Must possess a valid class "C" Texas driver's license;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within six months of employment, a Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Basic Telecommunicators Course and Crisis Communications certification;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, an approved Department of Public Safety (DPS) NLETS/TLETS Basic Procedures course and a TCIC/NCIC Full Access course;
• Must have completed or be able to successfully pass, within one year of employment, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) State Telecommunicators examination;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator License.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon passing examinations and obtaining and maintaining required licenses, certifications, and continuing education training.

Background Check:

• Required to pass a national fingerprint-based background check prior to employment offer. Potential candidates will be responsible for expenses related to the background check.

NOTE: Must complete or have successfully completed/passed DPS/FBI Fingerprint return.

Licensure - PCO II:

• Must possess a valid class "C" driver's license;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within six months of employment, a Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Basic Telecommunicators Course and Crisis Communications certification;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, an approved Department of Public Safety (DPS) NLETS/TLETS Basic Procedures course and a TCIC/NCIC Full Access course;
• Must have completed or be able to successfully pass, within one year of employment, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) State Telecommunicators examination;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator License.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon passing examinations and obtaining and maintaining required licenses, certifications and continuing education training.

Background Check:

• Required to pass a national fingerprint-based background check prior to employment offer. Potential candidates will be responsible for expenses related to the background check.

NOTE: Must complete or have successfully completed/passed DPS/FBI Fingerprint return.

Licensure - PCO III:

• Must possess a valid class "C" driver's license ;
• Must possess a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Intermediate Telecommunicator Proficiency Certification (120 hours) or higher;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within six months of employment, a Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Basic Telecommunicators Course and Crisis Communications certification;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, an approved Department of Public Safety (DPS) NLETS/TLETS Basic Procedures course and a TCIC/NCIC Full Access course;
• Must have completed or be able to successfully pass, within one year of employment, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) State Telecommunicators examination;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator License.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon passing examinations and obtaining and maintaining required licenses, certifications and continuing education training.

Background Check:

• Required to pass a national fingerprint-based background check prior to employment offer. Potential candidates will be responsible for expenses related to the background check.

NOTE: Must complete or have successfully completed/passed DPS/FBI Fingerprint return.

Licensure - PCO IV:

• Must possess a valid class "C" driver's license;
• Must possess a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Advanced Telecommunicator Proficiency Certification (240 hours) or higher;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within six months of employment, a Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Basic Telecommunicators Course and Crisis Communications certification;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, an approved Department of Public Safety (DPS) NLETS/TLETS Basic Procedures course and a TCIC/NCIC Full Access course;
• Must have completed or be able to successfully pass, within one year of employment, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) State Telecommunicators examination;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator License.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon passing examinations and obtaining and maintaining required licenses, certifications and continuing education training.

Background Check:

• Required to pass a national fingerprint-based background check prior to employment offer. Potential candidates will be responsible for expenses related to the background check.

NOTE: Must complete or have successfully completed/passed DPS/FBI Fingerprint return.

Licensure - PCO V:

• Must possess a valid class "C" driver's license;
• Must possess a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Master Telecommunicator Proficiency Certification (500 hours);
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within six months of employment, a Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Basic Telecommunicators Course and Crisis Communications certification;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, an approved Department of Public Safety (DPS) NLETS/TLETS Basic Procedures course and a TCIC/NCIC Full Access course;
• Must have completed or be able to successfully pass, within one year of employment, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) State Telecommunicators examination;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator License.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon passing examinations and obtaining and maintaining required licenses, certifications and continuing education training.

Background Check:

• Required to pass a national fingerprint-based background check prior to employment offer. Potential candidates will be responsible for expenses related to the background check.

NOTE: Must complete or have successfully completed/passed DPS/FBI Fingerprint return.

Geography:

• Must reside, or relocate to, within 50 air miles of duty station.

Citizenship:

• Must be a citizen of the United States.

Background:

• Applicants will be subjected to, and must successfully pass, a thorough and comprehensive background investigation. The applicant must be of good moral character and not have any of the following incidents in their criminal history:
  
  • a conviction for any Felony or Class A Misdemeanor offense at any time.
  • a conviction for any Class B Misdemeanor offense within 10 years prior to the date of application, which includes convictions for DWI (driving while intoxicated), DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) and BWI (boating while intoxicated) never have been convicted of any family violence offense currently on court-ordered community supervision, probation or parole for any criminal offense above the grade of Class C Misdemeanor.

Military Service:

• The applicant must not have been discharged from any military service under less than honorable conditions.

Drug Use:

• The applicant may have no current illegal drug use and will be or must have been subjected to and successfully passed a drug screening procedure.

Psychological Condition:

• The applicant must be or have been examined by a licensed psychologist and be declared to be in satisfactory psychological and emotional health prior to employment.

Physical Condition:

• The applicant must be or have been examined by a licensed physician and be declared to be able to physically perform the essential duties of the position prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• College coursework in Criminal Justice.

Experience:

• Experience as a Police Communication Operator.

Licensure:

• Current Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator license, DPS;
  
  • TCIC/NCIC Full Access and Interpol Certifications;
  • Basic Telecommunication Proficiency Certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

PCO I:

• Knowledge of public safety communications rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of public safety communication equipment, and policies and procedures used in entering and retrieving appropriate information;
• Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of public safety communications equipment;
• Knowledge of automated and manual information systems and of the procedures used in entering and retrieving information;
• Knowledge of local geography, such as roads, highways, cities, towns, terrain, and landmarks in the area of operation;

PCO II-III-IV: Knowledge of PCO I, Plus:

• Knowledge of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) communications equipment regulations;
• Considerable knowledge of local geography, especially the roads, highways, cities, towns, terrain and landmarks in the area of operation;

PCO V: Knowledge of PCO II-III-IV, Plus:

• Knowledge of local complex geography, such as roads, highways, cities, towns, terrain and landmarks in the area of operation;

PCO I:

• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook;
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
• Skill in the operation of telecommunications equipment, computers, and office equipment;
• Skill in using standard office equipment;
• Skill in operating security equipment;
• Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner;

PCO II: Skill of PCO I, Plus:

• Skill in using TPWD BRITS, LEC, OGTS, TLC and other department related computer systems;

PCO III: Skill of PCO II, Plus:

• Skill in using TPWD Law Enforcement communications radio equipment;
• Skill in coordinating special projects within communication center;

PCO IV: Skill of PCO III, Plus:

• Skill in effective communication with various callers to obtain complete information to determine urgency and need for response;
• Skill in preparing reports, logs, and correspondence that accurately documents law enforcement communication using appropriate agency policies and procedures;

PCO V: Skill of PCO IV, Plus:

• Skill in the operation of telecommunications, computers and security equipment;

PCO I:

• Ability to handle crisis situations;
• Ability to maintain and prepare logs and reports;
• Ability to multi-task and adjust to changing priorities;
• Ability to comprehend and execute written and verbal instructions;
• Ability to operate automated and manual information systems;
• Ability to operate multi-channel, two-way radio systems and telephone/switchboard;
• Ability to work under stressful conditions;
• Ability to react to emergency situations while maintaining composure;
• Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;
• Ability to effectively use operations and reference manuals, maps and directories;
• Ability to work under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the sue of initiative and independent judgment;
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

PCO II: Ability of PCO I, Plus:

• Ability to prioritize calls, and to communicate effectively;
• Ability to adapt quickly to a variety of personalities and situations;
• Ability to tolerate and react to high stress situations and emergency situations while maintaining composure;
• Ability to work alone and independently on a regular basis;
• Ability to assist in training less tenured PCOs;
• Ability to analyze situations accurately, exercise proper judgment, establish priorities, and take appropriate action;
• Ability to determine caller's welfare from voice inflection and to anticipate need for assistance;
• Ability to effectively use operations and reference manuals, maps and directories;
• Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment;

PCO III: Ability of PCO II, Plus:

• Ability to operate computer systems, speak clearly while performing multiple duties simultaneously;
• Ability to operate multi-channel, two-way radio systems and telephone/switchboard;
• Ability to effectively use operations and reference manuals, maps and directories;
• Ability to comprehend and process written and verbal directions;
• Ability to work under stressful conditions;
• Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;
• Ability to adapt quickly to a variety of personalities and situations;
• Ability to tolerate and react to high stress situations and emergency situations while maintaining composure;
• Ability to work alone and independently on a regular basis;
• Ability to assist in training less tenured staff;
• Ability to establish and operate temporary communications command sites during special assignments and/or disaster deployments;
• Ability to work under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement;

PCO IV: Ability of PCO III, Plus:

• Ability to coordinate and lead others during crisis situations;
• Ability to maintain and prepare logs and reports;
• Ability to multi-task and adjust to changing priorities;
• Ability to determine caller's welfare from voice inflection and to anticipate need for assistance;
• Ability to operate computer systems, speak clearly while performing multiple duties simultaneously;
• Ability to adapt quickly to a variety of personalities and situations;
• Ability to tolerate and react to high stress situations and emergency situations while maintaining composure;
• Ability to work alone and independently on a regular basis;
• Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment;

PCO V: Ability of PCO IV, Plus:

• Ability to work under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must reside, or relocate to, within 50 air miles of duty station;
• Required to work 40 hours per week, with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays;
• Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary;
• Required to work overtime as necessary;
• Required to adjust to changing schedules;
• Required to work a permanent or rotating shift;
• Required to perform independent shift work often without breaks;
• Required to respond to on-call situations;
• Required to perform work in a confined work environment;
• Must be able to work during inclement and sometimes hazardous weather conditions;
• Required to pass a national fingerprint-based background check to maintain employment;
• May be required to operate a State vehicle;
• Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays;
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures;
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

PLEASE NOTE:

All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attached RÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:

• Job title,
• Employer name,
• Dates of employment (month/year),
• If employment is less than full-time status, indicate part-time in the work history section or résumé, and
• Description of duties performed.
  NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.

IMPORTANT:

• College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
• "N/A" may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
• Omission of required information may result in disqualification.

Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:

• WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
  
  • Human Resources will contact Work In Texas applicants via email with further instructions.
• To complete these questions, log in to CAPPS Candidate Gateway .
• If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the "Create a Résumé" link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website .

If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your application will be considered incomplete.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities. Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE:

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted . If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/ .

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Closing Date/Time: 2026-08-10

Salary:

$4594.50 - 6335.66 Monthly