Kentucky State Police is currently seeking people to join the agency as a telecommunicator to fill 46 full-time positions at 13 posts across the commonwealth, including Post 4 in Elizabethtown.
Telecommunicators are front-line essential law enforcement personnel who answer the call to provide assistance and assurance to both citizens and law enforcement officers when someone calls 911, state police said.
“Telecommunicators are essential to our law enforcement and are truly the bridge between our state troopers and the public,” Gov. Andy Beshear stated. “I encourage any Kentuckian who wants a challenging, yet rewarding career, to serve their community by applying today. Let’s work together to create a better, safer Kentucky for future generations.”
KSP telecommunicators oversee dispatch duties for Kentucky State Troopers, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Conservation Officers and other emergency service agencies as needed.
New hires will undergo four weeks of training totaling 160 hours at the KSP academy in Frankfort. Major training areas include mitigation PTSD, handling callers in distress, proper dispatching and call-taking techniques with an emphasis on responder and caller safety, emergency medical dispatch and more.
KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. says the role of a telecommunicator is critical to public safety and that unfortunately KSP is experiencing the highest vacancy rate for this position in the agency’s history.
“Now more than ever, we are seeking individuals who want a purposeful and fulfilling job,” Burnett said. “We provide paid training, a clothing allowance and a great benefit package, plus the opportunity to make a difference every day.”
The starting salary for KSP telecommunicators ranges from $27,733 to $33,559 annually based on experience, plus a $5,500 training stipend after successful completion of the Telecommunications Academy. Additional benefits include paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick leave and the opportunity to earn compensatory pay.
The requirements to become a KSP telecommunicator include:
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to multi-task
- Ability to handle extremely stressful and challenging conditions
- Handle flexible work schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays
- Ability to learn and adapt, especially in areas of technology
- Must be a high school graduate
To apply for a telecommunicator career with KSP visit the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet’s website and search for “Public Safety Telecommunicator” or contact Post 4 by calling 270-766-5078.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
