Communications Officer I

Frederick County Local Government; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

Paid life insurance

Virginia Retirement System

Paid time off

On‑call pay

Differentials

Career Development Program

Job summary

Frederick County Public Safety Communications seeks a Communications Officer I to serve as a first point of contact, gathering critical information and directing callers to appropriate public safety resources. Join a modern 24/7 facility that uses cutting-edge technology to provide essential support to a growing region.

Responsibilities include prioritizing calls, dispatching law enforcement, fire, and EMS, and providing pre‑arrival instructions while maintaining calm under pressure.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.
• Previous experience in emergency communications, public safety, customer service, call center operations, dispatching, or another role requiring multitasking, data entry, and public interaction is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Receive, evaluate, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls for service, gathering critical information to determine the appropriate public safety response.
• Dispatch and coordinate law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety resources using 9‑1‑1, radio, CAD, and other communications systems.
• Provide approved pre‑arrival instructions to callers and maintain communication until responders arrive or the incident is resolved.
• Monitor radio traffic, responder status, and incident activity to support effective coordination and responder safety.
• Operate CAD, 9‑1‑1, radio, mapping, recording, and other emergency communications systems.
• Enter, access, and disseminate criminal justice information through VCIN, NCIC, and other authorized databases in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Maintain accurate incident documentation and develop knowledge of Frederick County geography, roadways, addresses, and response areas.
• Exercise sound judgment and remain calm and professional while managing multiple incidents, changing priorities, and high‑stress situations.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and provide professional service to callers, responders, partner agencies, and the public.
• Maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work 12‑hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Skills

Multitasking

Public interaction

Data entry

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Are you looking for a career where your voice can make a life‑saving difference? Frederick County Public Safety Communications is seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to join our team as a Communications Officer I. Whether you are beginning your career in emergency communications or looking for an opportunity to serve your community, this is a role where you can make a meaningful impact every day. As a Communications Officer I, you will be one of the first points of contact for people in need, providing reassurance, gathering critical information, and connecting callers with law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety resources.

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, various differentials, and a Career Development Program.

As a Communications Officer I, you will:

• Receive, evaluate, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls for service, gathering critical information to determine the appropriate public safety response.


• Dispatch and coordinate law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety resources using 9‑1‑1, radio, CAD, and other communications systems.


• Provide approved pre‑arrival instructions to callers and maintain communication until responders arrive or the incident is resolved.


• Monitor radio traffic, responder status, and incident activity to support effective coordination and responder safety.


• Operate CAD, 9‑1‑1, radio, mapping, recording, and other emergency communications systems.


• Enter, access, and disseminate criminal justice information through VCIN, NCIC, and other authorized databases in accordance with applicable requirements.


• Maintain accurate incident documentation and develop knowledge of Frederick County geography, roadways, addresses, and response areas.


• Exercise sound judgment and remain calm and professional while managing multiple incidents, changing priorities, and high‑stress situations.


• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and provide professional service to callers, responders, partner agencies, and the public.


• Maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work 12‑hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Requirements:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.


• A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.


• Previous experience in emergency communications, public safety, customer service, call center operations, dispatching, or another role requiring multitasking, data entry, and public interaction is preferred but not required.

The successful candidate must be able to pass all required pre‑employment background investigations, including:

• Criminal history checks


• Fingerprint‑based records checks


• Maintain eligibility for access to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements.

Certifications (within one (1) year of employment and maintained thereafter as a condition of continued employment):

• Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Certification


• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification


• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certification


• IAED Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) Certification

Certifications (within two (2) years of employment):

• Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Basic Telecommunicator Certification


• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS‑100 Certification


• FEMA NIMS IS‑200 Certification


• FEMA NIMS IS‑700 Certification


• FEMA NIMS IS‑800 Certification

Physical Demands:

The position is primarily performed in a communications center and requires prolonged sitting while operating computers, telephones, radios, and other communications equipment. Employees must be able to communicate clearly, maintain concentration, rapidly process information, make timely decisions, and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment. Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds may be required.

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed in a 24/7 Emergency Communications Center providing continuous emergency communications services. Regular and reliable attendance is essential. Employees must be available to work rotating 12‑hour day or night shifts, weekends, holidays, mandatory overtime, emergency call‑back assignments, and schedule changes based on operational needs. Employees may be required to work extended shifts, including up to 16 hours during emergencies. The position requires sustained concentration, rapid decision‑making, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, high‑stress environment while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and composure.

To learn more about Frederick County, Virginia employee benefits, please visit the following webpage: https://www.fcva.us/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits

All positions are subject to a criminal background check for any convictions that relate to the job duties and responsibilities. Frederick County Virginia Government is 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 at www.fcva.us/jobs