We are seeking experienced Emergency Communications professionals who bring a strong commitment to public service and a solid foundation of technical skills. This lateral position is ideal for candidates who are ready to contribute immediately while continuing to grow within a supportive, team-oriented environment.
At Frederick County Public Safety Communications, you’ll work in a fast-paced, modern facility that leverages cutting-edge technology to provide critical support to the public 24/7/365 in a growing region.
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes full health and dental coverage, paid life insurance, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, and generous paid time off. We also offer on-call pay along with other various differentials and have a Career Development Program.
The requirements for this position include, but are not limited to, those outlined below. All job qualifications and physical requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. It is the employer's discretion to add or change the duties or requirements of this position at any time.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls.
- Assess, prioritize, and process calls to determine the appropriate response.
- Provide life-saving instructions and maintain caller communication during emergencies.
- Dispatch and relay critical information to public safety personnel via radio and CAD systems.
- Monitor and document incidents using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and related systems.
- Coordinate with law enforcement, fire/rescue, and other agencies to ensure effective response.
- Access and interpret local, state, and national databases (including VCIN) as needed.
- Maintain situational awareness of locations, resources, and incidents within Frederick County and surrounding areas.
- Exercise sound judgment and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
- Deliver professional, courteous service to the public and partner agencies.
- Work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school, or equivalent General Educational Development (GED) required.
EXPERIENCE:
- Lateral Communications Officer I: Must have comparable emergency communications center experience that handles non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone calls, uses a CAD system, and dispatches for police, fire, and rescue services
- Lateral Communications Officer II:Current personnel must meet the requirements of the Career Development Program. Others must have at least 5 years’ experience at a comparable emergency communications center that handles non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone calls, uses a CAD system, and dispatches for police, fire, and rescue services. There can be no more than one year lapse in employment between the previous experience and the application.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND/OR REGISTRATIONS:Must possess required certificationsORbe prepared to obtain them immediately upon employment:(1) Virginia Basic Telecommunicator, including National Emergency Management Systems (NIMS) 100, 200,700 and 800
(2) Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) full access
(3) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)(4) IAED Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)(5) IAED Emergency Fire Dispatch
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the geography within the Frederick County service area including, but not limited to streets, highways, boundaries, thoroughfares, landmarks, businesses, and locations of law enforcement and fire stations and districts. Understands state and federal laws, regulations, and statutes governing dispatch for emergency services. Handles multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency situations. Closely follows verbal and written instructions and procedures. Operates standard and specialized public safety hardware and software to enter information with speed and accuracy. Deals tactfully and courteously with public, handles stressful situations and angry people, and obtains information from hostile and emotional callers.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Work performed is primarily an office classification in a call center/dispatch environment, although occasional standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, to enter, and to retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio. Positions in this classification occasionally (daily, weekly, or monthly) bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees may occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:Employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and minimal direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Work is performed in a fast-paced, call center environment. Employee must remain alert and responsive while coordinating stressful situations in a fluid and dynamic work environment. Personnel are required to wear a headset device. Employee will be required to work some combination of weekends, nights, or be on-call as a regular part of the job.Supplemental Information
All positions are subject to a criminal background check for any convictions that relate to the job duties and responsibilities. Frederick County Virginia Government an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.The County’s EEO Utilization Report is available atwww.fcva.us/jobs
