Public Safety Systems Operator

Salary: $78,486.00 - $107,920.00 Annually
Location : 10005 E. Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Police Department
Division: Police-Administration
Opening Date: 10/08/2026
Closing Date: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

Definition
Under the supervision of the Salt River Police Department (SRPD) Administration Lieutenant and/or Administration Sergeant, this non-sworn position provides in-progress public safety systems support to sworn personnel, supervisors, and incident commanders. The position conducts in-progress assessments, deploys and operates Department unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drones), monitors authorized in-progress video and public safety information systems, and gathers and disseminates critical information during priority calls for service, emergencies, tactical incidents, searches, and special events. The position supports officer safety, situational awareness, operational decision-making, and the effective use of existing Department technology. This position may work rotating or non-traditional schedules aligned with operational needs. This job class is treated as FLSA Non-exempt and considered a DRIVING position.
Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

1. In-Progress Operational Support:
   • Monitor Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), authorized in-progress video feeds, mapping platforms, and other law enforcement/public safety systems to identify incidents where additional information or technology can assist responding personnel.
   • Conduct in-progress assessments of priority calls for service and provide relevant, timely information to responding officers, supervisors, and incident commanders as events unfold.
   • Proactively monitor authorized systems and video sources to identify possible crimes, hazards, developing incidents, or officer-safety concerns and communicate information through established Department procedures.
   • Support suspect searches, perimeter containment, missing person and vulnerable population incidents, serious traffic collisions, tactical operations, structure fires, emergency management incidents, and other critical events.
   • Assist with in-progress situational awareness during special events and other planned operations.
   • Document operational activity and prepare supplemental reports, logs, or other records when required.
2. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS/Drone) Operations:
   • Deploy and operate Department UAS in support of calls for service, searches, tactical overwatch, collision and crime scene documentation, emergency response, structure fires, and other authorized public safety missions.
   • Serve as Pilot in Command, when assigned, and conduct flights in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, Department policy, applicable law, and operational procedures.
   • Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections, assess airspace and environmental conditions, maintain required flight documentation, and ensure safe deployment and recovery of UAS equipment.
   • Maintain operational readiness of UAS equipment, batteries, controllers, software, accessories, and related field equipment; coordinate maintenance, repair, replacement, and firmware/software updates as needed.
   • Maintain FAA, training, certification, flight, maintenance, and program records as required.
3. Systems, Equipment, and Program Readiness:
   • Maintain familiarity with Department public safety technology and authorized law enforcement information systems used to support field operations.
   • Conduct routine equipment checks and immediately report system, hardware, software, connectivity, or operational issues through the appropriate chain.
   • Assist with program scheduling and coverage planning to maximize availability during peak-demand and high-risk operational periods.
   • Coordinate training, certification tracking, recurrent training, and proficiency requirements for applicable systems and UAS operations.
   • Support testing, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of new or upgraded public safety technology.
4. Data, Analytics, and Performance Reporting:
   • Collect and maintain accurate operational data regarding deployments, flight activity, calls supported, response outcomes, equipment use, and system availability.
   • Prepare recurring performance reports and statistics to evaluate program utilization, coverage, effectiveness, and return on existing technology investments.
   • Identify trends, operational gaps, and opportunities to improve coverage, deployment practices, and resource efficiency.
5. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Coordinate with Patrol, Investigations, Communications, Special Operations, Fire, Emergency Management, Information Technology, and other internal or external partners as operational needs require.
   • Communicate clearly and professionally with sworn personnel, supervisors, dispatch personnel, partner agencies, and other stakeholders during routine and high-stress incidents.
6. Miscellaneous:
   • Performs other job-related duties to maintain or enhance departmental operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions, history and government of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of law enforcement and public safety operations, terminology, policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and officer-safety considerations.
• Knowledge of in-progress public safety operations, incident support, situational awareness, and emergency response principles.
• Knowledge of FAA rules and regulations applicable to small unmanned aircraft systems, including Part 107 operations.
• Knowledge of UAS flight operations, airspace considerations, weather, risk assessment, equipment inspection, and safe operating practices.
• Knowledge of CAD, mapping, in-progress video, law enforcement databases, and related public safety technology.
• Knowledge of records management and handling of confidential or sensitive law enforcement information.
• Skill in rapidly evaluating multiple sources of information and identifying information relevant to an active incident.
• Skill in communicating concise, accurate, and timely information to first responders and supervisors.
• Skill in operating computers and public safety technology and entering and retrieving information accurately.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Tribal Officials, Community Members, SRPMIC departments, public safety personnel, partner agencies, and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive law enforcement information.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and remain focused during rapidly changing and high-stress incidents.
• Ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions, laws, policies, procedures, and technical requirements.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and timely reports, logs, records, and performance data.
• Ability to work rotating or non-traditional schedules, including evenings, overnight hours, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as assigned.
• Ability to work in office and field environments and safely transport, set up, and operate UAS and related equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: High School Diploma or GED is required; Associates, bachelor's, or other advanced degree preferred.

• Two (2) years of work experience in law enforcement, public safety, emergency communications, military, emergency management, or aviation/UAS operational environment.
• Five (5) years of work experience utilizing computers and technology systems to enter, retrieve, evaluate, and communicate information.
• Experience working in a time-sensitive environment requiring accuracy, confidentiality, multitasking, and sound judgment.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications

• Experience as a sworn law enforcement officer, police/fire dispatcher, 911 operator, in-progress crime center operator, crime analyst, public safety systems operator, or similar public safety position.
• Experience using CAD, in-progress video systems, mapping/GIS, law enforcement databases, records management systems, or other public safety technology.
• Experience operating unmanned aircraft systems in a public safety or emergency response environment.
• Experience supporting priority calls, critical incidents, tactical operations, missing-person searches, major collision scenes, special events, or emergency management operations.
• Experience preparing reports, maintaining operational records, and collecting performance or program data.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position will be considered.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.
Special Requirements

• Because of the confidential and sensitive nature of the information handled, successful completion of the applicable SRPMIC/SRPD background investigation is required.
• Must pass Criticall Modules in the testing process.
• Must possess or obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107 within 30 days of hire and maintain the certification while assigned duties requiring UAS operation.
• Must complete Department-required training and demonstrate proficiency in assigned public safety systems, UAS equipment, and operational procedures.
• Must successfully complete any required criminal justice information system/terminal operator certification within 30 days of hire and maintain the certification.
• Must maintain a valid Arizona Driver License or otherwise meet Community requirements for operating Department vehicles.
• May be required to work beyond normal work hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, emergency call-outs, and special events.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.