JOB LOCATION
15001 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1554City of Aurora, Colorado
It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
Why Work for Aurora?
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Hiring Salary for this position is $30.59 - $38.24 hourly
This is classified as VHBE (Variable Hour Benefit Eligible), where the selected candidate will work an average of 40 hours per week. The selected candidate will be eligible to elect Medical Benefits as well as accrue paid time off and receive 11 paid holidays.
The deadline to submit applications is December 19th, 2025. Please note, the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine a qualified pool of applicants exists, this position may be closed without notice.
The Real-Time Information Center Specialist is a critical role within the Aurora Police Department's (APD) Real-Time Information Center (RTIC), which serves as the department’s central hub for real-time monitoring, analytics, and coordination of DFR missions. In this role, you will provide critical information to first responders by analyzing video feeds, license plate reader data, and other integrated information sources. You will also be responsible for operating Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations as part of the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. This initiative aims to enhance officer safety, improve situational awareness, and deliver rapid aerial intelligence. You will provide real-time intelligence to first responders during high-risk incidents, emergencies, tactical deployments, and proactive policing efforts. This role combines technical expertise, real-time observation, and drone piloting skills to enhance safety and efficiency, while also supporting informed decision-making during incidents.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Monitor and evaluate 911 service calls and first responder radio transmissions to assess the need for immediate assistance.
Operate, monitor, and analyze surveillance systems and data sources to gather essential real-time information, relaying critical updates to first responders and dispatch personnel before, during, and after incidents, including ongoing crimes, medical emergencies, and fire or rescue situations.
Safely and effectively operate/monitor Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, APD policies, and legal requirements as part of the Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. This initiative aims to respond to service calls, provide situational awareness, enhance the safety of officers and the community, and support proactive policing efforts.
Capture images and/or videos during SUAS flights that may assist with investigations or operational needs.
Effectively manage data information systems.
Integrate observational data with information from databases to identify investigative leads and crime trends.
Quickly and accurately communicate critical observations to help first responders make informed decisions.
Identify suspicious criminal activities and potential crimes in progress through surveillance systems, including SUAS footage, while gathering essential real-time intelligence to support first responders and dispatch personnel.
Assist first responders with scene information using a network of surveillance cameras, SUAS, and other technologies to determine resource allocation.
Prepare comprehensive reports that document observations and actions in accordance with APD policies.
Maintain thorough flight logs, video archives, and incident reports in accordance with operational and legal standards.
Understand district boundaries, crime trends, and strategies aimed at reducing crime.
Ensure surveillance platforms and databases operate according to expected standards and protocols, and report issues as necessary.
Read and interpret maps to provide locational data to first responders and dispatch personnel.
Collaborate effectively with sworn personnel, civilian staff, dispatchers, and the public
Participate in training exercises, flight simulations, and ongoing education to maintain FAA certification and technical proficiency.
Manage and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ensure that both digital and physical evidence are appropriately handled according to APD policies.
Provide testimony in municipal, state, and federal courts as necessary for criminal investigations.
Train new members of the RTIC and attend training sessions as required.
Coordinate projects and complete additional administrative tasks.
Create and manage spreadsheets and other analytical tools as needed.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. These duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:
Associate degree from an accredited college or university OR
Experience:
Two years of professional law enforcement, military, or security experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
A college degree from an accredited institution, along with professional experience in law enforcement, military, or security fields.
Possession of an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate.
Experience operating unmanned aircraft systems for public safety, commercial, or military operations.
Experience working in a real-time information center.
Experience in operating surveillance systems and utilizing data sources for security or law enforcement purposes.
Knowledge of radio communication systems and computer-aided dispatch systems.
Proficiency in law enforcement applications and data entry.
Experience in conducting investigative research.
Experience with authorizing law enforcement reports for criminal prosecution.
Ability to prepare and deliver training curriculum.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Knowledge/Training:
Law enforcement technologies, including surveillance systems and law enforcement databases.
Elements of criminal offenses, relevant case law, and department policies.
Aurora911, the call signs used by the Aurora Police Department, and the codes utilized by police officers during radio dispatch.
Skills:
Professional and articulate, demonstrating good independent judgment and discretion.
Maintain a calm, professional, and courteous demeanor when facing unusual or stressful situations.
Detail-oriented and disciplined, capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact at all levels of the organization while functioning as a team player.
Strong problem-solving and investigative skills.
Skilled in operating and managing advanced surveillance systems and information databases.
Skilled in monitoring police dispatch frequencies and providing support as issues arise.
Abilities:
Manage and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
Detail-oriented approach when gathering and documenting information.
Take initiative, prioritize competing tasks effectively, and manage deadlines successfully.
Analyze data to gain intelligence that identifies investigative leads and crime trends.
Produce thorough and well-articulated reports and correspondence.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Valid Colorado driver’s license.
Certification from the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is required within six months of hire.
An FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate must be obtained within six months of hire. This certification requires specialized aviation knowledge and operational proficiency, along with ongoing recertification every 24 months in accordance with 14 CFR Part 107.65.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Essential Personnel:
When the city declares a local announcement of emergency or disaster, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. RTIC personnel are employees of the Aurora Police Department and may be called in for operational needs at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
Physical Demands:
The ability to walk, stand, or sit for long periods.
The capacity to bend, reach, lift, and pull office equipment.
The ability to operate cameras, control room equipment, handheld radios, and other related devices.
Vision that allows for effective perception to make observations and recognize images.
Hearing adequate to understand conversations and instructions both in person and over the radio or telephone.
Work Conditions:
Secure law enforcement facility with an office setting.
May require working varied hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on operational needs.
For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.
Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.
Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.