COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Career Family: COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
New Jersey treats Communications Operator, Department of Corrections as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
Eligibility comes down to 1 year of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $50,059 and $72,550, and state payroll currently lists about 97 people in the title, most of them at Corrections.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Communications Operator, Department of Corrections appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Corrections.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Corrections | 97 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 97 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $70,096. The agencies employing the most are:
- Corrections (97)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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 close supervision of a custody supervisor or other supervisory official in the Department of Corrections, performs a variety of technical, clerical, and communications functions: receives/transmits messages; assists in the mail processing, collection, and distribution system within the institution; under supervision, develops and adjusts daily work schedules; and assists in the inmate visit program by confirming eligibility of visitors; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Assists in processing inmate visitors by matching visitor identification against authorized visitor list.
- Receives and transmits a variety of calls/messages utilizing available communications systems.
- Records and maintains information/data as requested by supervisory personnel (for example, may log money orders being returned to sender describing the process for depositing in inmate accounts).
- Maintains a daily log of incoming and outgoing communications, as directed.
- Enters and/or sends information using manual or computerized record keeping systems and updates records.
- Determines nature of incoming calls and routes to proper area.
- Provides information on request in accordance with established procedures and regulations.
- Issues and receives paychecks, mail, and other items.
- Under supervision, develops and adjusts regular/special work schedules for custody staff; checks leave requests, and informs supervisor if action may be necessary to ensure adequate post coverage and takes action as instructed.
- Maintains lists for voluntary/involuntary overtime.
- Receives tardiness/absence calls from employees and reports information to appropriate personnel.
- May assist in updating leave time balances.
- Reviews schedules and other documentation to identify/resolve questions regarding time and attendance records.
- Operates and adjusts communication equipment and inspects equipment to ensure proper functioning, and notifies appropriate personnel of problems with communications systems.
- Receives, sorts, and distributes incoming mail within the institution and maintains schedules of deliveries.
- Collects and sorts outgoing mail for delivery to the US Post Office and maintains schedules of collections and deliveries.
- Maintains, troubleshoots, and adjusts mail processing machinery/equipment.
- Maintains records of postal fees including metered postal accounts, special handling/delivery items, air mail, registered mail, and other postage accounts.
- Prepares reports of unit activities.
- Maintains records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
One (1) year of experience in work involving the receiving, transmitting, and relaying of messages and/or the performance of routine clerical or secretarial tasks.
License
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 essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of methods for operating a centralized telephone communication system.
- Knowledge of filing and other office routines.
- Ability to follow the visitation procedures and regulations.
- Ability to learn Federal Communication Commission rules, regulations, and policies.
- Ability to operate computer terminals.
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information received.
- Ability to communicate orally.
- Ability to follow oral or written orders, directions, or plans.
- Ability to compare numerical, written, or printed material for accuracy.
- Ability to interact with public and communicate effectively.
- Ability to understand basic laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures as they relate to work operations of a centralized communications program
- Ability to keep accurate records.
- Ability to provide clear instruction/guidance to callers .
- Ability to file using manual and/or computerized filing or data management systems.
- Ability to relay instructions or questions accurately/clearly.
- Ability 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 as long as 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.