Dispatcher or Dispatcher Trainee

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Appomattox (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers in Appomattox, VA is seeking a Dispatcher or Dispatcher Trainee for the Virginia State Police Division III Headquarters. The role involves dispatching, logging, and coordinating emergency response across a defined area.

Candidates with training may join as Dispatcher Trainee (I) at pay-band 3 ($52,651) and progress to Dispatcher II with a 10% salary increase after completion of training. Shifts rotate and VCIN certification is required or eligible.

Qualifications

• Candidates with dispatcher training or experience may be hired as Dispatcher Trainee (Emergency Coordinator I) and earn $52,651.
• After completing the Trainee Training Curriculum, employees advance to Dispatcher (Emergency Coordinator II) with a 10% raise.
• Must be able to become VCIN certified which requires US citizenship or lawful permanent resident status and eligibility for naturalization.
• May work rotating shifts and are considered essential personnel.

Responsibilities

• Send/receive information within a geographic area and dispatch emergency assistance as required.
• Aid law enforcement, emergency personnel, the public, and the media.
• Operate a variety of equipment and maintain logs and records.

Skills

Operating computers

Data entry

Problem solving

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Dispatcher or Dispatcher Trainee DSP01176

State Role Title:Emergency Coordinator II

Hiring Range: Dispatcher Trainees will start at $52,651. $57,917 to $75,300 for Dispatchers and salary is Negotiable and Commensurate with Experience.

Pay Band: 3 or 4

Agency: Department of State Police

Location:Appomattox, Virginia

Agency Website:vsp.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

• Candidates with prior dispatching training and experience may be hired as a Dispatcher (Emergency Coordinator II), and the salary offered will be commensurate with experience.
• Candidates with limited experience are hired as a Dispatcher Trainee (Emergency Coordinator I - pay-band 3, $52,651). After satisfactory completion of the Dispatcher Trainee Training Curriculum, employees will progress to a Dispatcher (Emergency Coordinator II - pay-band 4) and will receive a 10% salary increase.
• Experienced candidates who are not placed in a trainee status are not eligible for the 10% salary increase.

About the Position:

The Virginia State Police (VSP) is seeking to hire a Dispatcher or Dispatcher Trainee at the Division III Headquarters in Appomattox, Virginia. The job duties for this position include but are not limited to:

• Performing work within a specific geographical area by sending and receiving information and by sending emergency assistance or service equipment as required assisting law enforcement personnel or the public.
• Aiding law enforcement personnel, emergency personnel, the public, and the media.
• Operating a variety of equipment.
• Maintaining various logs and records of activities.
• Accessing information through several systems including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) and other databases.
• May work rotating shifts and is considered essential personnel.

About the Agency:

At the Virginia State Police, we are more than just a law enforcement organization — we’re a united team of problem‑solvers, protectors, and public servants shaping the future of the Commonwealth. Every role here strengthens our mission to preserve life, protect the vulnerable, and enhance safety while upholding civil liberties throughout Virginia. When you join VSP, your skills create real impact across every community we serve. Our culture is built on being selfless, engaged, and aware, and we succeed through timely, purposeful action; clear communication; personal accountability; and continuous improvement — together. We prioritize the readiness and well‑being of all our people, entrusting decision‑making to those closest to the challenge and supporting one another with kind, direct feedback that helps us grow. At VSP, you will find meaningful work, real opportunities for advancement, and a supportive culture grounded in service, purpose, and the belief that we are One Mission. One Team. One VSP. If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of something larger than yourself, your next career starts here.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge

• Operating standard office equipment such as fax and copy machines.

Skills

• Operating computers.
• Using Microsoft Office software applications.
• Data entry.
• Problem solving.
• Customer service.

Abilities

• Effectively communicate with the public.
• Work in a high pressure, high stress environment.
• Exercise resourcefulness and sound judgement under stress and multitask.
• Manage complaints/compliments, directing to appropriate supervision.
• Enter/record information into automated systems and keep records and logs updated.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing in English.
• Be flexible, work effectively independently and as a member of a team.
• Work holidays, weekends and rotating shifts.
• Successfully complete required training within six (6) months from hire.
• Must be able to become Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) certified which requires either United States citizenship or a lawful permanent resident of the United States and eligible for naturalization.
• May work rotating shifts and is considered essential personnel.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Additional Considerations

N/A

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.

It is the policy of the Department of State Police (the Department) that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This policy shall be adhered to in all aspects of Departmental employment practices. It does not permit the lowering of bona fide job requirements, performance criteria, or qualifications to give preference to any state employee or applicant for state employment based on the above prohibitions.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST