Attached is information about Police Communications Operator positions with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Currently, Abilene has two vacancies with more statewide. Below is basic information on the vacancy — more information located at http://www.joindps.com.
Requirements for Communications Operator
- Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent.
- Must qualify for and obtain TLETS and TCIC/NCIC Terminal Operator certification within six (6) months of employment.
- Must qualify for and obtain Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement within twelve (12) months of employment.
- Previous law enforcement experience is not necessary, but, helpful.
- The person filling this position must be able to work individually with minimal supervision.
- Applicants must have the ability to operate computers systems, speak clearly, perform multiple duties simultaneously, comprehend and process written and verbal directions.
- Skill in dealing with the public and other law enforcement personnel.
- Ability to operate computer systems.
- Must pass medical and psychological screening.
- Ability to tolerate confinement to work area for duration of work shift.
- Ability to perform multiple duties simultaneously.
- Ability to comprehend and execute written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to tolerate and react to high stress situations and emergencies while maintaining composure.
Benefits For Communications Operator
- State-paid health and life insurance plans for you. Insurance becomes effective the first month following the 90-day waiting period. (Hourly and Part-time employees, State-paid at 50%)
- Optional dental plan and health insurance for your family members
- State retirement matching contribution of 6.5 percent of gross salary. Starting after your 90th day of employment, mandatory 6.6% of your monthly salary is deducted pre-tax and deposited into your personal state retirement account.
- Optional 401K and 457 Plans
- Flexible health and dependent day care accounts
- Optional term life insurance for you and your dependents
- Short and long term disability insurance for you
- Voluntary AD&D insurance
- Employees Retirement System (ERS)
- Longevity Pay (Full-time employees)
- Direct Deposit
- Paid sick leave accrues from your first day at work
- Sick Leave Pool for catastrophic illnesses and injuries
- Family Medical Leave
- Smoke-free workplace
- Paid vacation accrues from your first day worked
- Paid Federal and State holidays
- Free Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Programs
- DPS Credit Union
- On-site training opportunities
- Use of gym/fitness center (not available at all locations)
- Health and Wellness Program
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 8 hours per month and may be carried from year to year. A Sick Leave Pool is available to those who make a contribution to the pool.
Vacation
Vacation is earned according to the following schedule:
| Length of service | Hours accrued per month |
| 0 > 2 years | 8 |
| 2 > 5 years | 9 |
| 5 > 10 years | 10 |
| 10 > 15 years | 11 |
| 15 > 20 years | 13 |
| 20 > 25 years | 15 |
| 25 > 30 years | 17 |
| 30 > 35 years | 19 |
| 35+ years | 21 |
Salary For Communications Operator
Salary Information
- Starting – PCO (probationary) – $2775.08
- PCO II at 2 years – $2960.23
- PCO III at 4 years – $3214.20
- PCO IV at 7 years – $3429.22
- PCO V at 10 years – $4211.73
- SR PCO at 16 years – $4619.19
- Will pay for experience as a Licensed Telecommunicator
Overtime
On occasions when personnel are required to work overtime, it is submitted for payment at time and a half.
Compensatory
Holiday Time is earned when employees work on designated state and federal holidays observed by the State of Texas. Holiday Time must be used within a year after it is earned.