Public Safety Telecommunicator

Are you a multitasker who enjoys work that is fast-paced and exciting? Do you want to be a hero without the badge? Consider a career as a Telecommunicator I - 911 specialist. We are looking for a responsible team player who is an excellent communicator, independent decision maker, and wants to grow within our organization. If you are ready to embark on a career that is essential to helping our community, come join the FIRST nationally accredited communications center in Virginia. Come be a part of the public safety team, make a difference in your community, and help us save lives!

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

About This Role:

As a Telecommunicator, you will provide service and assistance to residents, visitors, and public safety partners. You will be responsible for promptly receiving and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls from the public. This includes gathering essential information and details from callers to assess the nature of the situation accurately and dispatching the appropriate resources and public safety personnel. You will have a unique responsibility in a fast-paced environment that requires careful attention to detail, multi-tasking, and good communication skills. 

After you have completed training and are released to solo duty, there are many opportunities for upward growth and promotion as a Telecommunicator II (Police or Fire dispatcher) and a Telecommunicator III (Police and Fire dispatcher), with each step including a 10% increase in salary. 

Minimum Requirements:

All applicants must: 

• Must be 18 years of age at date of hire
• Must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United

States and eligible for naturalization

• Have a high school diploma or General Education Requirement (G.E.D.)
• Type 30 words per minute
• Must successfully pass full background investigation to include polygraph, psychological evaluation, drug test and software-based application skills test.

Preferences:

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience as a 911 operator or in a high-volume call center
• Certifications in CPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and basic telecommunicator class (e.g., APCO)
• Foreign language translation skills
• Experience providing instructions over the phone and dealing with the public in stressful situations
• Basic knowledge of computers and software (e.g., Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management System and Microsoft Office, etc.) 

Special Requirements:

The applicant must:

• Pass a software-based application skills test
• Pass a polygraph, drug testing, criminal history check, a physical, hearing test and a psychological examination
• While in training, must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), and CPR certification

Work Schedule:

Schedule Requirements:

The Department of Public Safety Communications is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year including holidays and weekends. The four squads each work four (4) days or nights and then are off for four (4) days or nights. The shifts are 12 hours long; either from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. There is one squad that works straight days, one squad that works straight nights, and two squads that work rotating shifts (2 days on, off 24 hours and then 2 nights on with 4 days off). Placement on specific squads/shifts is not guaranteed. The applicant must be available for duty around the clock. This position is designated as essential and must report to work during times when the local government/agencies are closed and is subject to callback/holdover to maintain minimum staffing 24/7.  

Starting Salary Range: $23.25 - $24.41 Hourly

Hiring Process
The selection process takes approximately three months after the initial application has been received. Applicants must successfully complete the below stages:

• Application:   Submit online application
• Screening and Assessment:  software-based application skills test, criminal history check, interview, sit-along, personal history statement, and conditional offer of employment
• Evaluations and Polygraph: psychological evaluation, medical examination including hearing and vision testing, and polygraph examination
• Final Assessments & Final Offer:  background investigation, final interview and formal job offer

Full time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Learn more at Student Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid.

 

Note: 
The above position description is intended to represent the key areas of responsibilities specific to this role. To view the class description in its entirety, please click here.
 
Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Salary : $23 - $45