Police Dispatcher

• Hiring Salary: $43,000 Annually
• Essential Personnel: Yes

University of South Florida Police Department – St. Petersburg Campus

Join a team where your role truly matters.

The USF Police Department at the St. Petersburg campus is seeking a Police Communications Specialist (Dispatcher) to support our campus community in a 24/7 communications center. This position plays a critical role in officer safety, emergency response, and daily campus operations.

Certified dispatchers are encouraged to apply, and training is available for qualified candidates new to the field.

If you are looking for a professional environment with strong teamwork and a leadership team committed to continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation

Salary Range: $43,000

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls for campus police services
• Dispatch officers and coordinate responses to calls for service
• Monitor radio traffic and maintain awareness of officer activity and safety
• Operate CAD, radio systems, and emergency communication equipment
• Conduct FCIC/NCIC queries including driver’s license, warrants, and criminal history checks
• Monitor campus camera activity and campus emergency phone systems
• Maintain accurate and timely call notes, logs, and reports
• Provide information and assistance to the campus community and visitors

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Computer and typing proficiency
• Ability to obtain and maintain FCIC/NCIC certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification
• Prior experience in law enforcement, dispatch, or emergency communications
• Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass a Level 2 background check
• Must meet all employment eligibility requirements in accordance with Florida law

Why USF St. Pete PD?

• Team-focused environment with a smaller agency feel where communication and support matter
• Campus policing environment with a mix of service calls, student interaction, and law enforcement response
• A role that offers variety and meaningful impact each shift

Work Schedule and Environment

• 24-hour operation including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility in scheduling required.
• Opportunities for overtime and shift coverage
• Collaborative dispatch center with shared responsibilities and strong teamwork

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR APPLICANTS:

Legal, Licensure, & USF Requirements: Employees in this classification are required to maintain all mandatory job-related certifications.

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.