Lead Communications Center Dispatcher

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Tidewater Community College in Norfolk is seeking a Lead Communications Center Dispatcher to coordinate emergency and non-emergency communications and dispatch operations. This essential position operates telecommunications equipment and directs Public Safety Officers to calls, while maintaining accurate logs and data.

Reporting to the Security Operations Manager, the Lead provides ongoing training to dispatch personnel and ensures 24/7/365 coverage, including weather or emergent conditions,

Qualifications

• Experience as a dispatcher or in a high-volume call center.
• Ability to receive, assess, and communicate information accurately.
• Experience using public safety or dispatch software.
• Strong typing, communication, multitasking, and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate clearly with distressed or crisis callers.
• Ability to operate multi-line telephone systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate public safety communications equipment per guidelines.
• Receive and transmit radio communications per FCC regulations.
• Dispatch Public Safety Officers and responders to calls.
• Process service requests via telephone, radio, and alert systems.
• Coordinate requests from campus community, law enforcement, and agencies.
• Maintain accurate computerized daily logs.
• Monitor security operations and surveillance systems.
• Oversee daily dispatch operations and staffing.

Skills

Dispatcher experience

High-volume call center

Public safety software

Typing speed

Multitasking

Crisis communication

Calm under pressure

Tools

Omnigo Dispatch

Kenwood Radio Systems

RAVE Emergency Notification

Job description

Title: Lead Communications Center Dispatcher

Agency: Tidewater Community College

Location: Norfolk - 710

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $24.46 per hour, part time

Full Time or Part Time: Part Time

Additional Detail

Job Description

Tidewater Community College has served South Hampton Roads – both students and employers – for 50 years. It has grown from 1 campus into a regional educational and economic force. TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce services in Hampton Roads, enrolling nearly 25,000 students in 2024-25. Founded in 1968 as a part of the Virginia Community College System, Tidewater Community College (TCC) services South Hampton Roads with 4 campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, 7 regional centers and 2 important cultural institutions. The college had 3,399 graduates in 2024-2025, 40 percent of whom pursued degrees that would let them transfer to 4-year institutions. Of South Hampton Roads residents enrolled in higher education 33% enrolled at TCC. TCC’s institutional accreditation is affirmed through 2027 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Position Summary

The Lead Communications Center Dispatcher provides a high level of safety and security service to the college community by coordinating emergency and non-emergency communications and dispatch operations. This position operates telecommunications equipment, dispatches Public Safety Officers, monitors radio and telephone communications, and simultaneously enters and retrieves data. The Lead also provides initial and ongoing training to TCC and contracted dispatch personnel.

This position, designated as an essential position, must be able to report to work and fulfill responsibilities of the position in the event of college/campus closure due to weather or emergent conditions.

Functional Responsibilities

• Operate public safety communications equipment in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
• Receive and transmit radio communications in compliance with FCC regulations and departmental guidelines.
• Dispatch Public Safety Officers and emergency/non-emergency responders to calls for service.
• Receive and process service requests through telephone, radio, and community alert systems.
• Coordinate requests from the campus community, public, law enforcement, emergency responders, and emergency management agencies.
• Ensure calls for service are handled promptly, efficiently, professionally, and appropriately.
• Maintain accurate computerized daily communications and dispatch logs.
• Collect, organize, enter, retrieve, and maintain operational data from computerized systems.
• Monitor campus security operations, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, emergency call boxes, and mobile Blue Light systems.
• Oversee daily dispatch operations and ensure appropriate personnel are dispatched to incidents.
• Develop, update, and maintain Call Taker/Dispatch standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Recommend operational improvements and equipment repairs to the Security Operations Manager.
• Coordinate 24/7/365 dispatch coverage, including scheduling, call-off coverage, and providing operational guidance to dispatch personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience as a dispatcher or in a high-volume call center, preferably in law enforcement, campus police, or security.
• Ability to receive, assess, and communicate information accurately to ensure timely and appropriate responses.
• Experience using public safety or dispatch software, such as Omnigo Dispatch, Kenwood Radio Systems, or RAVE Emergency Notification System.
• Strong typing, communication, multitasking, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with distressed or crisis callers.
• Ability to obtain and relay information through telephone and radio communications.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, reference materials, technical manuals, and related documents.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound professional judgment during emergency and crisis situations.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple departments and maintain effective communication while supporting public safety operations.
• Ability to operate multi-line telephone systems, including transferring, prioritizing, and routing calls.

Additional Considerations

• Previous experience with access control system administration