Become a Police Department Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS)

Do you want to be a 911 operator?

Apply to become an emergency communications specialist with the Orlando Police Department. 911 operators answer emergency and non-emergency calls for police.

Salary: Starting pay is $18.93 hourly/$39,374 yearly.

The probationary period lasts one year. Employees receive a 7% salary increase after certifying in their second position.

Shifts: Employees work rotating shifts that include midnight, day and evening hours. Employees are required to work holidays and weekends. Shifts may include a combination of eight, 10 or 12 hour shifts.

Personal leave: Three weeks of vacation per year and seven paid holidays.

Training: Classroom and on-the-job training is provided, including required certifications. It generally takes three years to complete training in all positions.

Insurance: The City of Orlando offers medical and dental insurance. Coverage for eligible family members is available at an additional cost.

Retirement: The city offers a 401(a) plan and pays certain costs. Employees become fully vested at six years of service. Early retirement is available after 55 years of age or 10 years of service.

Uniforms: Provided after certifications are passed.

Online
Step 1. Check your eligibility

You should excel at multi-tasking and teamwork under pressure. You must have at least one year or more of experience with computers, communications systems or dispatching.

You must:

Be willing to work holidays, weekends and nights
Be 18 years of age or older
Have a high school diploma or GED
Have no felony convictions or question of integrity
Pass a medical examination including a drug screening
Pass testing with minimum scores of 80%
Pass a polygraph test
Pass a background check

Step 2. Gather your information

Once applications open, you will need the following documents for your job application:

Driver’s license or state ID card
Email address
Resume
References

Step 3. Submit your application

After we screen applicants, we will notify you if you are chosen to start the testing process.

Fill Out an Application

Step 4. We will contact you when it's time to apply

You will be automatically emailed once online applications are open.

After we screen applicants, we will notify you if you are chosen to start the testing process.

Step 5. Prepare for the interview and testing process

If you are selected, we will schedule you to complete the following:

Multitasking test via online portal
Interview
Polygraph
Background check
Medical exam (includes drug screening)

Step 6. Prepare for special training requirements

You must agree to a two-year contract and pass and maintain certain certifications within one year of employment.

You must also complete 24-hours of Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE) every two years.

Press left and right keys to move between tabs. Press down to focus tab content.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Orlando provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Orlando complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Orlando expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Orlando’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

View(PDF, 217KB) the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) Utilization Report.

View(PDF, 755KB) the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan.

Veterans’ preference

Veterans' preference is given according to Florida Law. Submission of a DD214 form and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) is required for consideration. Call 407.246.2235 if you have questions.

E-Verify

The City of Orlando participates in E-Verify and your rights, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

To apply: https://www.orlando.gov/Public-Safety/OPD/Become-an-Orlando-Police-Department-Emergency-Communications-Specialist