About the Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist Position

The Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist is responsible for delivering quality emergency communication services to the public, as well as providing accurate and timely dispatch support to police officers and fire rescue personnel. The Communications Specialist has a unique responsibility in a fast-paced environment that requires careful attention to detail, multi-tasking, and good communication skills. The Communications Specialist obtains location and other pertinent details from the caller to make the initial determination of the level and type of service needed when processing emergency calls for service. This is a challenging and rewarding career that affords one the opportunity to provide a vital service to the community. Major duties include answering 9-1-1 emergency calls, and dispatching police officers and fire rescue personnel to respond to calls, using a computer system known as Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Salary range for Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist (PSECS):

Salary**                                           Effective 06/16/2024 for June 2024 & September 2024 Training Classes

Starting Salary for PSECS I:                  $51,579

Salary range for PSECS II:                    $55,648 - $87,456

Salary range for PSECS III:                   $60,335 - $95,425

Salary range for PSECS IV:                   $62,872 - $99,710

Salary range for Senior PSECS:            $66,551 - $104,210

This position has a very extensive upward mobility career ladder as indicated below:

  1. Employees will receive Proficiency Advancement with a 10% increase in salary to Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist (PSECS) II (grade 17) after achieving check-off as a multi-discipline public safety call taker with at least five (5) months experience as a PSECS I.
  2. Employees will receive Proficiency Advancement  with a 10% increase in salary to Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist III (grade 19) after achieving check-off in a single discipline public safety dispatch with at least three (3) months experience as a PSECS II.
  3. Employees will receive Proficiency Advancement  with a 5% increase in salary to PSECS IV (grade 20) after achieving check-off in all disciplines public safety dispatch with at least twelve (12) months experience as a PSECS III.
  4. Employees will receive Proficiency Advancement with a 5% increase in salary to Senior Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist (grade 21) after 24 months as a PSECS IV.

**Please note that salary is subject to change.

Hiring Bonus**
  • -Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist will be paid $1,000 upon initial hiring.
  • -When the Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist completes the first 3 months of training, they will be paid $1,000.
  • -After the Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist has completed another 6 months of training, they will be paid $1,500.
  • -After the Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialist has completed another 3 months of training right up to the 12-months, they will be paid $1,500.
**Please note that the hiring bonus is subject to change

Benefits**

Montgomery County Government offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

  1. Full salary and benefits begin first day of training
  2. Potential for 23% salary increase after first year
  3. Pension Retirement
  4. Bonus pay for trainers
  5. Medical I Dental I Vision I Life Insurance I Prescription Drug Plans (County contribution up to 80%)
  6. Paid Holidays, Accrued Sick, Annual, and Compensatory Leave
  7. Paid Military Leave for Training Purposes (15 days per year)
  8. Personal Leave
  9. Pay Differential for evening and midnight shifts
  10. Multilingual pay upon certification
  11. All uniforms furnished (cleaning and alteration provided)
  12. Promotional opportunities
  13. Medical catastrophe benefits/Workman’s compensation insurance
  14. Meal reimbursement program
  15. Credit Union
  16. Schedule Options
  17. Cost of Living Wage Adjustment (COLA)
  18. May advance to "professional level" without degree

**Please note that benefits are subject to change

Contact Us

By Phone: 240-773-5300

By Email: MC911.Recruitment@montgomerycountymd.gov

Download the brochure
PSECS Handout
How to Apply

Recruitment Events Calendar