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Emergency Telecommunications Operator



EMERGENCY TELECOMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

GENERAL
INFORMATION AND BENEFITS

The City of El Campo Police Department is a progressive agency that serves a community of approximately 12,000 citizens.  The Department has 31 full-time officers and 12 civilian employees.  It supports and maintains the operation of a Uniformed Patrol Division, Detective Division, Communications Division, Animal Control, School Resource, Special Services, Warrant / Bailiff Division and Administrative Division.  The Department offers a competitive salary and benefit package to employees.  It recognizes their value to the success of the organization.  A brief summary of the qualifications and employee benefits are listed below.  These qualifications and benefits are subject to modification as determined by the Department and/or the City Council.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen (18) years of age or older with a high school diploma or equivalent. They must have a valid Texas driver license with a good record, no history of family violence, no history of alcohol or substance abuse, no criminal convictions above a class C misdemeanor and/or multiple class C misdemeanor convictions, and not less than an honorable discharge from any branch of the military. They must demonstrate basic computer, word processing, data entry, and clerical skills.  They must demonstrate effective oral and written communications skills.  They must undergo and pass an extensive pre-employment background investigation, a physical examination, and drug screen test.  A psychological examination may be required for first-time law enforcement telecommunication operators.   

SALARY:  Starting pay depends on the employee’s experience, educational background, and overall qualifications.  The current salary levels range from $44,007.60 – $62,724.48. 

HOLIDAY PAY: The City provides for (11) paid holidays per year as designated in the Personnel Policy Manual.  The dates may be added or deleted each year by action of the City Council.  Operators are paid for all holiday time.  If scheduled to work a holiday, they are paid at a rate of double time and a half their regular salary (or 18 extra hours of pay).  If not scheduled to work a holiday, they receive an additional (8) hours of regular pay.

CERTIFICATION PAY:  The Department offers TCOLE certification pay.  The amount depends on an operator’s certification level and currently ranges from $100.00 - $200.00 per month.

LONGEVITY PAY: All employees receive longevity pay.  It is calculated based on the number of months an employee has worked for the City.  The current rate of longevity pay is $5.00 per month for each month of continuous service with a maximum longevity period of (25) years (or 300 months).

OVERTIME: Operators are paid for all overtime such court, extra duty, administrative hearings, special event, etc.; however in-service training hours may be converted to compensatory time at the discretion of the scheduling supervisor.

 TRAINING: Probationary Operators must participate in and successfully complete a field-training program.  The length of this program may be amended for prior experience.  Probationary Operators must pass a basic (40) hour telecommunications certification course within the first (12) months of employment.   The Department provides all funding for the cost of mandatory, required in-service or Department sponsored training to include tuition, study materials, lodging, meals, and transportation.  Employees enrolled in undergraduate, graduate level studies and/or job-related, vocational training may qualify for tuition re-imbursement.

SHIFTS:  Operators work a permanent 12-hour shift with a (1) thirty-six hour week and a (1) forty-eight hour week each pay period.  The operator’s assignment is based on seniority and/or promotional rank and allows them to earn (8) hours of paid overtime every other week.

UNIFORMS: Operators are furnished with casual dress uniforms and/or associated allowances after completing an initial training and probationary period (normally six months).

PERSONAL LEAVE:  Employees earn (2.5) weeks of vacation per year during the first (9) years of employment accruing at the rate of 8.66 hours per month.  Employees with 10 – 14 years of service earn (3.5) weeks accruing at the rate of 12.00 hours per month.  Employees with 15 or more years of service earn (4.5) weeks accruing at the rate of 15.33 hours per month.

CATASTROPHIC/DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees with limited or no remaining leave time may be eligible to receive an additional (4) weeks (or 160 hours) of paid leave for serious illness or injury occurring to themselves or an immediate family member.  Employees who are entitled to such leave are restricted to (3) single events during their employment with the City.

SICK LEAVE: Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of 8.00 hours per month to a maximum of 960 hours.  Sick leave may be used for a personal illness or for an immediate member of an employee’s family.  Employees who separate service in good standing may be eligible for $5.00 an hour for every unused hour of accrued sick leave, not to exceed 960 hours (or $4,800.00).

RETIREMENT:  The City participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS).  The employee makes a required contribution of 6% of their earnings.  The City makes a matching contribution of 9%.  The City’s match is made only if the employee stays in the retirement system until they are eligible to retire.  If an employee leaves the City prior to reaching retirement, the employee is entitled to their accumulated deposits plus interest.  The City also offers other financial investment and planning options to its employees such as the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan that allows you to save and invest for your retirement.  Participation is handled through payroll deductions so your taxes are reduced each pay period.

MEDICAL AND LIFE INSURANCE: The City continually evaluates health / life insurance to provide the most competitive package for employees and dependents.  The City Human Resource Clerk can provide up to date details on current packages.

CREDIT UNION: The City is a participating member of a local credit union.  Employees and their families are eligible to become a member of the credit union and take advantage of available services provided.