Dispatcher

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Virginia's Dept of Wildlife Resources seeks an Emergency Coordinator I. This role acts as a Law Enforcement Telecommunications Officer, receiving and dispatching routine and emergency calls to support staff, responders, and the public across wildlife regulations.

The position requires operating multiple systems, maintaining logs, and using CAD/VCIN/NCIC; it works rotating 10–12 hour shifts and is essential personnel, with stringent training and certification requirements.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of office procedures, customer service practices, and effective listening and communication skills.
• Experience in customer service, telecommunications, public safety operations center, call centers, or public inquiry response preferred.
• Proficiency with computers and software such as Word, Excel, and Access for data entry, retrieval, and reporting.
• Ability to operate communications and office equipment and accurately read maps and spatial data.
• Ability to multitask, act quickly, stay calm under pressure, and use sound judgment in emergencies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, follow policies and SOPs, and maintain precise records and logs.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch routine and emergency calls for service; support agency staff and responders.
• Operate multiple communication systems; maintain logs and records.
• Access CAD, VCIN, NCIC, NLETS, and internal/external databases as needed.
• Uphold internal controls, ensure data accuracy, safeguard assets, and follow laws and policies.

Skills

Office procedures

Customer service

Effective listening

Communication

Public safety operations knowledge

Tools

Word

Excel

Access

Job description

Title: Emergency Coordinator I

State Role Title:Police Dispatcher

Hiring Range: Salary Range: $41,400 - $66,500

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location:Dept of Wildlife Resources

Agency Website:https://dwr.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Note: This is a Restricted Position with annual funding for five years from the date of hire. The position eligibility may be extended if additional funding is granted beyond that time frame, but this isn’t guaranteed.

This role serves as a Law Enforcement Telecommunications Officer, responsible for receiving and dispatching both routine and emergency calls for service. The position supports agency staff, emergency responders, and the public, acting as a critical link between community members and sworn officers who enforce boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife regulations across the Commonwealth.

This role works a combination of 10–12-hour rotating shifts with every other weekend off and is designated as essential personnel. Duties include operating multiple communication systems, maintaining accurate logs and records, and accessing information through CAD, VCIN, NCIC, NLETS, and various internal and external databases.

Successful candidates are expected to uphold strong internal controls by recognizing and reporting risks, ensuring accuracy of data and reports, safeguarding departmental assets, supporting efficient operations, and following all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of office procedures, customer service practices, and effective listening and communication skills.

Experience in customer service, telecommunications, public safety operations center, call centers, or public inquiry response preferred.

Proficiency with computers and software such as Word, Excel, and Access for data entry, retrieval, and reporting.

Ability to operate communications and office equipment and accurately read maps and spatial data.

Ability to multitask, act quickly, stay calm under pressure, and use sound judgment in emergencies.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, follow policies and SOPs, and maintain precise records and logs.

Additional Considerations

Candidates must be 18 years of age at the time of hire.

Candidates must successfully complete pre-employment background, including fingerprinting.

Must complete necessary dispatcher training, including agency training, on‑the‑job training within 1 year, obtain VCIN/NCIC Full Access Certification during OJT, and attend DCJS Basic Dispatcher School within 2 years.

Current VCIN/NCIC certification, and DCJS Basic Dispatcher Training Certification preferred.

Special Instructions

DWR is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities, if requested during the application and/or interview process. If accommodations are needed with, he application and/or interview, please contact Human Resources Office at 804-367-0243.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process.

DWR is a proud member of Virginia Values VETERAN PROGRAM. Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use the link:https://www.vadars.org/dars/cpid/PWContact.aspx. Or call DARS at 800-552-5019 or DBVI at 800-822-2155.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information

Name: Marlo Gibson

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]