Public Safety Communications Specialist

The Public Safety Communications Specialist is responsible for monitoring, responding, and taking appropriate actions for incoming calls for service; process emergency and non-emergency communications, multi-agency radio communications, and provide documentation for these incidents in support of Public Safety operations. This position also serves as the focal point for all Institute communications outside normal business hours

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, RPI offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

High School Diploma or equivalent required

• Ability to obtain and maintain a New York State Security Guard License
• Subject to criminal history check, background investigation, and physical examination

Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

• Requires ability to multi-task during multiple emergency situations
• Requires excellent customer relation skills
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast paced environment
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the use of computer based systems
• Must be detailed oriented
• Requires the ability to process and prioritize simultaneous situations
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Must be available for flexible shift scheduling

• Answer and document all telephone and multi-agency radio communications; take appropriate action based on the nature of the call. Prioritize and process all calls for service and conduct notifications as required to ensure prompt dispatch of personnel. Monitor duty locations and officer status during critical incidents. Provide additional resources, including dispatching personnel, equipment, and emergency response services as needed.
• Monitor and operate all electronic security systems. Dispatch appropriate resources to respond to alarms at various on- and off-campus locations based on received data.
• Coordinate and respond to requests for eJustice services, including but not limited to DMV information, entering data for lost or stolen property, missing persons, wanted persons, and required training notifications from DCJS.
• Perform emergency dispatch and notifications via radio, telephone, or pager for emergency personnel response teams for fire, intrusion, life-safety, and medical incidents. Coordinate emergency response services, including City of Troy emergency services and internal notification and response. Provide incident-specific briefings for RPI administrators as requested. Effectively manage and respond to simultaneous requests for service.
• Conduct inter-shift briefings with relief shifts, including updates on activities and the status of unresolved matters from the previous shift.
• Enter data into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for all calls for service for supervisory review and records management. File and forward reports as appropriate.
• Assign, distribute, and collect department and RPI equipment for various departments within the RPI community and authorized vendors (e.g., keys, access cards, radios, patrol vehicles). Return equipment to proper storage areas or departments as appropriate.
• Provide telephone and walk-in information assistance and route department and RPI calls (including backup support to the Institute Operator after regular business hours). Provide campus and local directions and general information.
• After normal business hours, provide emergency replacement of access cards as required via the Access Control System.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Public Safety: Various Shifts.  All members of the Department of Public Safety must be available for flexible shift scheduling Including:

• 3rd shift 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM
• 2nd Shift 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• 1st Shift 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

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