COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR 2, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Code: 21803C State Competitive Range: A16 (FY 2027) Work week 40: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $53,281.62 - $77,370.62/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the general supervision of a Communications Operator 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in a centralized communications center, functions as a lead worker, providing guidance to lower-level communications operators and taking the lead on work-related matters; monitors, receives, and transmits environmental emergency alarms including, but not limited to, incidents associated with fires, radiation accidents, toxic releases, chemical spills, and atmospheric pollution; receives requests for DEP emergency assistance and transmits same to first responders and/or law enforcement personnel, and other pertinent federal, state, county, and/or local authorities; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Takes the lead over lower-level communications operators; provides guidance and assists in providing instruction/training in the procedures of a centralized communications center involving the receipt and transmission of environmental emergency alarms and police operations.
• Upon receiving a complaint of an environmental and/or health hazard, completes an Incident Notification Report form and notifies appropriate DEP officials, first responders, and pertinent federal, state, county, and/or local authorities; documents verbal communication and any modifications made to the original report.
• During emergency situations, utilizes various electronic databases and maintains communication with first responders to provide sound technical data.
• Operates radio equipment in accordance with FCC regulations and standard operating procedures, and receives and transmits radio communications to law enforcement agencies, first responders, and others for appropriate action.
• Operates an aircraft and vehicle tracking system, computerized phone and recording system, and emergency electronic notification system(s).
• Creates incidents in the computer-aided dispatch system and the New Jersey Environmental Management System.
• Informs first responders about chemical compounds and toxic vapors to assess extent of potential damage.
• May work at the Forward Command Post as a radio operator to coordinate field units during nuclear training exercises and actual activations.
• Receives confidential and sensitive law enforcement information in a professional and courteous manner, creating an accurate record of information provided to aid in the investigation and apprehension of violators.
• Provides information upon request, in accordance with established procedures and regulations.
• Generates reports, statistical data, and other information; prepares and maintains essential records and files, and the official station records and log, as required.
• Maintains a daily electronic radio log of all incoming/outgoing communications.
• May review the work done by lower-level communications operators.
• May provide recommendations to the supervisory official for improving efficiency in the centralized communications center.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in work involving the monitoring, receiving, sending, transmitting, and relaying of electronic messages and/or electronic radio messages, and the receiving, relaying and recording of environmental complaints and requests for assistance which shall have included the use of computer-aided dispatch, data processing, or computer equipment and programs for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and/or other first responders.

<b>LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:</b>

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the geographic areas of the state and the names of locations and facilities.
• Knowledge of the operation of radio, computer, and telephone equipment in a complex communications program.
• Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, regulations, and policies.
• Knowledge of the federal Incident Command System terminology and procedures.
• Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch and other computer systems and records retrieval.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor while working with a sense of urgency to complete assigned tasks during stressful incidents.
• Ability to appropriately use scientific terms, chemical names, abbreviations, units of measure, and related vocabulary.
• Ability to use appropriate techniques to calm distressed callers, gain control of the conversation, gather necessary information, and create an accurate report to forward to decision makers and DEP first responders.
• Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to operate computer-aided dispatch systems, an aircraft and vehicle tracking system, a computerized phone and recording system, and emergency electronic notification systems.
• Ability to create incidents in the computer-aided dispatch system and the New Jersey Environmental Management System.
• Ability to understand the laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures of the Department of Environmental Protection as they relate to the work operations of a centralized communications program.
• Ability to speak clearly, professionally, and in a calm but authoritative manner.
• Ability to remain calm during periods of stress/emergency to avoid delays by first responders.
• Ability and willingness to work on any assigned shift to include weekends and holidays, times of inclement weather, and natural, man-made, and technological disasters.
• Ability to cooperate with supervisory officials to ensure calls are sent accurately/promptly.
• Ability to provide guidance, instruction, and training to lower-level communications operators.
• Ability to communicate the orders of supervisory officials to lower-level communications operators.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all personally identifiable information and police sensitive information received in the course of official duties.
• Ability to act with discretion and empathy when dealing with sensitive information and situations.
• Ability to accurately compile and prepare reports and other statistical data.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Appointees must possess certification in IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS-200.c: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, IS-700.b: National Incident Management System (NIMS) an Introduction, and IS-800.c: National Response Framework, an Introduction.

The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required certification rests with the Appointing Authority.

Appointees may be required to possess certification by the National Emergency Communications Institute (NECI) as an Emergency Communications Officer; or Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) as a Public Safety Telecommunicator; or International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as an Emergency Telecommunicator Communications.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.