About the role
Emergency Communications Officer (Certified Lateral) CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA
Serve with honor, where public safety begins!
Starting Salary: $54,400 - $81,519 DOQ Full-Time | 42 Hours/Week l Benefits
Start a Stable, Essential Career Serving Your Community!
What You’ll Do
Persons applying should be interested in a full-time position that significantly impacts the safety of the general public and responding agency personnel. Under general supervision, a Communications Officer receives incoming emergency and non-emergency phone calls to the Emergency Operations Center, dispatches police, fire, and EMS personnel, performs a variety of administrative functions for the Police and Fire Departments, and performs related tasks as required including extensive computer work. This position will involve shift work to include nights, weekends, and holidays, so a flexible schedule is required.
Job Responsibilities will include:
Emergency and Non-Emergency Call Processing Public Safety Radio Communications * Receive, process, and prioritize emergency and * Dispatch law enforcement, fire and emergency medical non-emergency requests for law enforcement, fire and resources based on the nature and priority of incidents. emergency medical services. * Maintain continuous radio communication with field * Utilize extensive customer service skills and techniques personnel on multiple radio channels and accurately to guide callers through high-stress situations while document unit status and activity. obtaining information necessary to ensure an effective * Provide responders with timely, accurate, and public safety response. safety-critical information throughout incidents. * Provide appropriate pre-arrival instructions and lifesaving guidance in accordance with established protocols. Responder and Public Safety Community Engagement and Public Relations * Monitor responder activity and maintain awareness of * Serve as the primary point of contact between the public responder locations, assignments, and status. and emergency services. * Maintain calm, professional and efficient radio * Communicate with callers professionally, respectfully, communications during emergency conditions. and compassionately, particularly during stressful or * Use industry standard calming techniques to separate traumatic situations. parties and de-escalate situations prior to the arrival * Participate in Department Community Outreach events. of responders. Interagency Coordination and Incident Support Administrative and Special Assignments * Facilitate communication with law enforcement, fire and * Participate in required training and maintain applicable emergency medical services, emergency management, and certifications and qualifications. other public safety partners. * Assist with projects, special events, emergency * Obtain additional resources and coordinate mutual aid operations, public education, recruitment, instructing, when necessary, to support a safe and effective emergency and other agency initiatives. response. * Experienced personnel may be approved to serve in * Civilian staff are permitted to serve on authorized specialized roles such as Communications Training special teams such as Crisis Negotiation, Drones, Officer, General Instructor, and instructor for a variety Incident Management and Peer Support. of specialized programs
Why Join Our Team?
A Career with Purpose Comprehensive Benefits Join a dynamic team where collaboration, creativity, and The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that professional growth are valued, and where you can make a includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, paid leave, meaningful impact every day. paid training, a one-for-one service credit, and participation in the Virginia Retirement System.
Certified Communications Qualifications
* Virginia DCJS Communications Basic certification (or approved out-of-state equivalent) * Current VCIN certification (or approved out-of-state equivalent) * Current CPR certification * Current APCO or Medical Priority Emergency Medical Dispatch certification * 12-months continuous employment as a public safety tele-communicator
Minimum Qualifications
* 18 years of age * United States Citizen or lawful resident for ten consecutive years * High School Diploma or GED * No more than two moving violations within previous 24 months * No record of convictions within previous 60 months for DUI, eluding, leaving the scene of an accident or vehicular manslaughter * No record of 2nd or subsequent DUI * No current or previous revocations or suspension of license within previous 60 months due to a moving violation * Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in the Commonwealth of Virginia * Not have been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to a Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any offense that would be a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to petit larceny under 18.2-96, or any offense involving moral turpitude that would be a misdemeanor if committed in the Commonwealth of Virginia * Not have been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to any misdemeanor sex offense in the Commonwealth of Virginia, another state, or the United States, including but not limited to sexual battery under 18.2-67.4 or consensual sexual intercourse with a minor 15 or older under clause (ii) of 18.2-371 * Not have been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to domestic assault under 18.2-57.2, or any offense that would be domestic assault under the laws of another state or the United States * Undergo a physical examination, subsequent to a conditional offer of employment * Not have produced a positive result on a pre-employment drug screening
BE PART OF SOMETHING ESSENTIAL This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to build a stable, rewarding career while serving the City of Fredericksburg. Join a knowledgeable, dedicated team that values accuracy, fairness, collaboration, public service, and committed to the City’s Core Values.
Apply online: www.fredericksburgva.gov/careers
This opportunity will remain open until filled.
Questions? Please contact: Sergeant Adrian Velasco 540-654-5716 [email protected] Email correspondence is preferred.
The City of Fredericksburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.