Recruiting
To become an Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS), you must first meet the minimum requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Have no felony convictions or a history of incidents where the applicant’s integrity was in question.
There are three intricate sections in the Communications Center:
- Call taker – handles incoming emergency and non-emergency calls using a computer aided dispatch system.
- Radio Dispatch – dispatches call for service to the citizens of Orlando via an 800 MHz radio system.
- Teletype – retrieves information from the Criminal Justice Information System. Individuals assigned to Teletype handle radio and telephone requests for wanted persons inquiries, vehicle registration checks and other tasks related to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) functions. Teletype operators enter missing persons records and stolen property records into the state and national computer systems.
The Communications Center has 93 civilian employees consisting of Emergency Communications Specialists, Supervisors, Technical Support and Managers.
Hiring Process
You may contact the City of Orlando Human Resources for information about employment opportunities. Apply online at cityoforlando.net
An ECS applicant must successfully complete the following:
- Pass a Typing Test – 25 correct words per minute
- Pass the Public Safety Telecommunications Test (Aptitude Test)
- Pass Practical Tests
- Pass Polygraph
- Formal Interview
- Background Check
- Medical Exam (includes drug screening)
Benefits and Information
Salary: The starting salary for an Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS) is $16.27 per hour, $33,841.60 annually. There is a 90-cent per hour shift differential for hours worked on the evening or midnight shift. Time and a half is paid for hours worked over 40 per week.
Employees must complete a on year probationary period. Employees receive a seven percent salary promotional increase after completing training in the second and third positions.
Merit: Employees receive an annual merit increase based on job performance.
Shifts: Employees work a combination of 12-hour and 8-hour shifts. Hours include holidays and weekends. (Shifts are subject to change.)
Leave: Three weeks of paid vacation leave per year and six paid holidays.
Uniforms: Provided after completion of six months of employment.
Training: 12 – 24 weeks of classroom and structured on the job training.
Insurance: Variety of insurance options. Dependent coverage available at an additional cost to the employee.
Retirement: 401(a) Plan. The City pays certain costs. Partial vested rights after three years and early retirement after 55 years of age or 25 years of service.
If you are interested in employment opportunities with the Orlando Police Department Communications Division, please contact Recruiting at:
Email: CommunicationsRecruit@cityoforlando.net
Phone: 321.235.5313
Fax Resume: 407.249.4601.
The City of Orlando is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
Email questions or comments to: norman.poe@cityoforlando.net.
