Salary: $70,193.00 - $92,471.00 Annually
Location : Communications Center, 6023 NE 14th St., Des Moines, IA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 27-1007
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: T
Hours: To be Determined
Bargaining Unit: Teamsters
Salary Grade: 15
Location: PCSO Communications Center

Under general supervision, operates a complex communication system for the Polk County Sheriff's Office; responds to emergency and administrative calls and dispatches public safety and public service personnel and equipment.

Illustrative Examples of Work

1. Operates a computerized radio console and paging encoder system; receives and transmits radio messages; broadcasts pertinent information as required.
2. Operates an enhanced 911 system and a telephone console; receives and relays messages; directs requests for assistance for police, fire, and ambulances to the appropriate agency; prioritizes calls for service and dispatches in appropriate order; operates a recording device.
3. Maintains a complete log of telephone and radio calls received and transmitted via a computerized dispatching system in accordance with Federal Communication Commission regulations.
4. Inputs data into the computerized dispatching system to produce information for mandated and management reports; enters information into the computer; enters, files, cancels, and verifies data on warrants issued by courts in accordance with applicable state and Federal laws; maintains files and records of no-contact orders issued by the courts; performs tests of emergency communications equipment.
5. Retrieves on-line data and paper file information from a variety of sources and relays information to the appropriate destination.
6. Receives and directs messages, inquiries, and information requests from the public to the appropriate source; releases impounded vehicles in accordance with the applicable laws; maintains building security during non-office hours.
7. Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of Polk County boundaries of jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of State laws pertaining to civil and criminal procedures.
• Knowledge of two way radio communications systems, computer-aided dispatch system, and dispatch policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the organization of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
• Knowledge of first aide and basic emergency medical dispatch procedures.
• Knowledge of procedures for entering and retrieving information from the IOWA System, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Systems, and the National Law Enforcement Teletype System (NLETS).
• Knowledge of laws and requirements on working with confidential information and ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to verbally communicate accurate information distinctly, accurately, and concisely in a non-emotional manner.
• Ability to effectively listen and elicit appropriate information.
• Ability to operate a two way radio.
• Ability to operate a personal computer utilizing a windows software environment.
• Ability to process electronic mail and utilize word processing software.
• Ability to operate a tele-communications system for the deaf.
• Ability to reason logically, react calmly and quickly, and maintain composure under stress.
• Ability to keep accurate records and to make verbal and written reports.
• Ability to work in close proximity with co-workers.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Skill in dealing with people and situations in a professional and tactful manner.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
• Ability to operate common office equipment such as a facsimile machine, copy machine, time clock, and shredder.
• Demonstrated ability to perform accurate and efficient data entry.
• Ability to hear a conversational voice.
• Ability to read fine print on documents and computerized screens.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional relationships with people from all sectors including other staff, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, and the general public.

Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education, and
• Six months experience operating radio communication equipment, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must pass a written examination and data entry test.
• Iowa On Line Warrants and Articles and National Crime Information Center certification is required within six months of hire.
• Completion of Communications Field Training required within six months of hire.
• Completion of forty hour BASIC Telecommunications program through the IOWA Law Enforcement Academy within one (1) year of appointment is required.
• Completion of Emergency Medical Dispatching certification within one (1) year of appointment is required.
• Candidate must have corrected or uncorrected vision of not less than 20/20 in both eyes and pass the Ishihara Test for Color Deficiency.
• Candidate must have normal hearing in both ears with or without use of hearing aids.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A criminal background check is required.

Advanced annual entry salary of up to 12% for prior experience.
Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.
01

Will you be at least 18 years of age on the date of the written examination (Testing date options will be July 11, 14, 16)?

• Yes
• No

02

You must be a high school graduate and possess a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate (GED). Can you provide this documentation?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires working one of the following three shifts: 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; or 10:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with the majority of days off scheduled during weekdays based on seniority. Would you be able to meet this job requirement?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you willing to work weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

05

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform accurate data entry; therefore, testing will be administered to determine eligibility. By checking yes, I acknowledge that I understand the testing requirement.

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have six (6) months of full time 911 Telecommunicator experience where providing service for Police, Fire and EMS services was the primary responsibility?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you knowledgeable in operating a computer-aided dispatch system?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have experience operating two way radio communications systems?

• Yes
• No

09

Have you completed:1. A Public Safety Communicator six (6) month course2. An EMT program3. Fire Fighter Academy4. Six (6) months of work experience as a Military Police Officer5.None of the above.**Please type in the text box below which of the 5 options below you have completed. If none, please write "None of the above."
10

Polk County will perform a criminal background check on all applicants. By providing the information listed below, you are authorizing us to perform this check.1.) Full name2.) Maiden name (if applicable)3.) Date of Birth4.) Social Security Number
11

Do you understand that you will be required to pass the IOWA / NCIC (National Crime Information Center) certification test?

• Yes
• No

12

Have you ever been arrested?

• Yes
• No

13

If you answered yes to question #12, what were the circumstances for which you were arrested?
14

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Please be advised that answering yes will exclude you from the hiring process.

• Yes
• No

15

Do you understand that the use of any illegal drug or conviction of a felony or other serious offense after becoming an applicant will disqualify you?

• Yes
• No

16

For questions #16 - #18, list three (3) references. Give names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your current abilities who we may contact for a reference. DO NOT LIST RELATIVES.Reference #1:
17

Reference #2:
18

Reference #3:
19

If qualified for this position you will be required to complete a computerized test that measures your ability to make decisions. Qualified candidates will receive further instructions on how to schedule the test and must attend one of the scheduled dates. Testing will be held September 1, 2, & 3. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

Required Question