Communications Officer 1

Salary

$2,784.00 - $5,009.00 Monthly

Location

Lake Charles, LA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

225292

Department

Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

9/7/2026 11:59 PM Central

About this Job

TO ACTIVELY CREATE, FACILITATE AND ENHANCE BENEFITS FROM MARITIME TRANSPORTATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS, STAKEHOLDERS, AND THE CITIZENS OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

Overview of the Role
Serves as the Communications Officer (Dispatcher) for the Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District (Port of Lake Charles) and the Harbor Police Department. The communications officer operates the Security Center section that is equipped with the latest technology. All Communications Officers are trained in the operation of the CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch), police radio system, and the state computer system. Involves crucial responsibilities within emergency response operations. Operating in a 911 communications capacity, Communications Officers use radio systems to connect with Police Officers, Sergeants, and the Police Major. All communication traffic is meticulously recorded into the Computer-Aided Dispatch Software (CAD). Acts as the point of contact with the general public and other law enforcement agencies seeking assistance for emergencies, accidents, complaints, etc. Maintains security of facilities and grounds under local, state, and federal laws, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) regulations; Assists the District’s Harbor Police Department, an armed, uniformed, and commissioned police force

About this position:
Duties include: Monitoring closed-circuit television in the Security Command Center; Documenting visitors; Checking credentials for entry; Dispatching calls using radio systems and computer-aided dispatch; Acting as point of contact in emergencies, accidents, and complaints; Maintaining security of facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Six months of experience in transmitting and receiving messages by radio or in administrative services; OR

Six months of training in a business or clerical-related curriculum in a business school or technical institute; OR

Fifteen semester hours of college training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
All persons appointed to this job will be required by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Louisiana State Police Terminal Operator Certification Program Guidelines to meet the terminal operator certification/re-certification requirement within six months of employment.

An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties and Other Information

Job Duties:

• 20% Reports directly to the Police Sergeants on shift and the Police Major or supervisor of a higher rank. Assigned to the Communications Unit of the Harbor Police Department. Serves primarily as a communications radio/computer dispatcher in constant communication with law enforcement officials, parking and traffic officials, and civilians.
• 20% Provides constant communication services, and accesses sensitive information for the department, other agencies, or authorized personnel. Operates/monitors multiple radios, computers, and telecommunications equipment specific to the Harbor Police Department. Uses surveillance camera system for specific, port-wide, and satellite locations to assist responding units. Monitor PortVision (vessel tracking system), Milestone (surveillance system), C-Cure 9000(secure facility door & gate system), and marine radio.
• 20% Maintains proficiency through training from the Terminal Agency Coordinator. Utilizes information from NCIC/local/state/federal agencies. Monitors fire/burglar alarms, status of field personnel by radio, dispatches personnel to related situations. Conducts confidential inquiries into highly sensitive computerized files.
• 20% Routinely accesses the Radio System and RMS/CAD. Receives, analyzes, prioritizes, and initiates response to complaints/incidents requiring immediate attention. Receives information by telephone/teletype/ 2-way radio, and transmits to appropriate personnel. Maintain and properly secure records and update shift logs
• 10% Receives/transmits information on motor vehicle accidents/fatalities/hazardous conditions. Processes driver’s license ID, motor vehicle title/registration ID, wanted/missing persons ID, Page 3 of 3 stolen property ID, criminal history info, and wrecker/ambulance services. Assists walk-ins on emergency medical/police situations, complaints, directions, lost/found, report requests, background, and other.
• 10% Assist with traffic control/direction for special events on port property. Monitor and assist contract security. Sign in/out TWIC Escorts. Performs other duties as needed or assigned (including but not limited to District grounds foot or vehicle patrols; security checks of buildings and grounds; securing minor disturbances and situations)

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Communication Officer 1

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

How To Apply:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

• Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Jo Ellen Elliot
Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District
337-493-3522
[email protected]

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:

Insurance Coverage More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement– State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others