Communications Specialists support field personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week by rapidly and efficiently broadcasting information from the Highway Patrol’s Central Communications Center in Salina, Kan. Daily responsibilities include operating a data entry terminal and radio communication system to send, relay, and receive information. Communications Specialists maintain continuous contact among Highway Patrol personnel and other emergency response agencies, and they disseminate information for officers to apprehend offenders, develop investigative leads, track criminal activity, identify stolen property, and locate missing persons.
Communications Specialists also coordinate emergency medical relays across the state using aircraft and ground units, and monitor alarms and warning systems, such as those issued by the National Weather Service and local emergency managers.
Applicants interested in the position of Communications Specialist must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen of at least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Be free of conviction of any crime punishable by imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary
- Be in good physical and mental condition
- Must pass vision and hearing tests and meet minimum standards
- Must pass a typing test
- Analyze and disseminate information quickly and accurately
- Perform several physical activities simultaneously
- Remain calm and think clearly in highly emotional and stressful situations
- Must be willing to work in Salina, Kansas
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HIRING PROCESS
Candidates are screened through an application process. Successful applicants are interviewed by a board of KHP personnel and are required to pass a typing test. A background investigation and polygraph precede any offer of employment.
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TRAINING
Communications Specialists receive five weeks of classroom training followed by eight weeks of intensive on-the-job training in various aspects of law enforcement telecommunications. They receive extensive detailed and technical training in law enforcement computer services, including NCIC, NCIC 2000, NLETS, EPIC, ALERT, and Criminal History. Training is provided for operating a complex multi-channel repeater radio system that consists of multiple base and mobile stations, and receives and transmits information on frequencies along trunk line and conventional radio system.
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SALARY
Communications Specialist I – Pay Grade 18 - Step 8
- Hourly – $14.30
- Annually –$29,744.00
Applicants may be hired at a Communications Specialist II level, if the applicant has a minimum of two years of emergency services dispatching experience.
Communications Specialist II – Pay Grade 20 - Step 8
- Hourly – $15.75
- Annually –$32,760.00
Promotions
After two years of service, Communications Specialists I are eligible for promotion to Communications Specialists II and receive an accompanying salary increase. With additional years of service, promotions may become available for Communications Specialist Supervisor.
Retirement
Communications Specialists are members of the Kansas Public Employees' Retirement System. Members may retire with full benefits at the age of 65, at age 62 with 10 years of service credits, or at any age when combined age and years of service equal 85 credits.
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BENEFITS
- Professional and rewarding career with a premier law enforcement agency
- Promotional opportunities
- Competitive salary
- Group health and dental insurance
- Optional group life insurance
- Worker's compensation protection
- Optional individual retirement account
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Advanced educational opportunities
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(Please note: This is a tentative schedule and dates are subject to change.)