Communications Officer

Communications Officer

The City of Palm Bay is actively recruiting Communications Officers and Communications Officer Trainees.

Please note : The starting salary for a Communications Officer Trainee is $38,242. Once Public Service Telecommunicator (PST) certification is received, the employee will receive a promotional increase of 5% or the minimum of the paygrade ($46,483), whichever is greater at the time of promotion. Newly hired (entry level) employees of the Communication Center may be eligible for a lump sum signing payment at the Chief's discretion based upon the following schedule :

a. Newly hired (entry level) Communication Officer Trainees, with PST certification not yet achieved may receive a one-time signing bonus of $2,500. Payment of the bonus will be as follows : 25% at hire, 25% at 6 months, and the remaining 50% of the bonus paid upon completion of probation. If the employee resigns during the first three (3) years of employment, the employee is required to reimburse the City for the full amount of the sign-on bonus that has been received up until that date. Repayment is to be made within 3 months of resignation date.

b. Newly hired (entry level) Communication Officers, who possess a PST certification and have one or more years of experience in the field, may be eligible for a lump sum signing bonus at the Chief's discretion not to exceed $4,000. Payment of the bonus will be as follows : 25% at hire, 25% at 6 months, and the remaining 50% of the bonus paid upon completion of probation. If the employee resigns during the first three (3) years of employment, the employee is required to reimburse the City for the full amount of the sign-on bonus that has been received up until that date. Repayment is to be made within 3 months of resignation date.

Graduation from high school, or GED. Requires typing skills and multi-tasking skills. Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License and have and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Must be able to accurately type a minimum of forty (40) WPM. Adjusted or Net typing test score must be 40 wpm or greater. Within twelve (12) months of being assigned to the position, must receive training in dispatching police units and attain 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification through the Department of Health. This certification is the individual's responsibility. Direct supervision is required until this certification is achieved. Employee will promote to Communications Officer upon completion of training and certification. Must be available to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and during emergencies. Must be able to work 12 hour shifts as needed.

Within six (6) months of being assigned to the position, must attain certification by the Criminal Justice Training Section of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in operation of the Florida Criminal Information Center and National Crime Information Center.

This position is covered under the NAGE White Collective Bargaining Agreement. Health Insurance : Health care plan options include HDHP, OAPIN and OAP through Cigna. Dental Insurance : Dental coverage is offered in three plans that include DHMO & PPO High / Low plans. Vision Insurance : Vision coverage includes an annual eye exam, frames and lenses or contact lenses in lieu of eyeglasses. Life Insurance : The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with life insurance in the amount of one time their annual base salary at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee's cost up to the Guaranteed Issue amount of $250,000. Dependent / Spouse Life Insurance : The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with dependent / spouse life insurance in the amount of $5,000 per dependent at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee's cost. Short Term Disability : Coverage pays 66 2 / 3% of employee's annual base salary during a short-term disability period not to exceed 26 weeks. Long Term Disability : Coverage pays 66 2 / 3% of employee's salary at time of disability after a 180 consecutive day waiting period. Defined Contribution Retirement Plan : City contributes a base of 3%. Employees may contribute up to 6% and the City will match the employees contribution. Holidays : 10 holidays, 1 birthday holiday and 1 anniversary holiday. Paid Leave : Accrue 96 hours of vacation per year, accrued hours increase after 10 years of service based on years of service. Accrue 96 hours of sick leave per year. Tuition Reimbursement : Upon completion of the initial probationary period, employees are eligible for tuition and book reimbursement for college level courses for Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. (Currently frozen due to budget)