Public Safety Telecommunicator

Prince William County Government; Woodbridge (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement from VRS

401a and 457 plans

Paid Annual Leave

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Group Medical and Dental Plans

Group Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Prince William County Government seeks a Telecommunicator I - 911 specialist to receive and prioritize emergency and non‑emergency calls from residents and public safety partners. You will gather essential details, assess situations, and dispatch police or fire resources accordingly.

After training, opportunities for upward growth exist toward Telecommunicator II and III with progressive salary increases. A 12‑hour shift schedule supports 24/7 operations and essential status.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass background checks and polygraph; include drug test.
• Type 30 words per minute; able to work 24/7 schedule.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prioritize, and respond to emergency and non‑emergency calls.
• Gather information and dispatch appropriate public safety resources.

Skills

Excellent communication

Independent decision making

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch

Records Management System

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you a multitasker who enjoys work that is fast-paced and exciting? Do you want to be a hero without the badge? Consider a career as a Telecommunicator I - 911 specialist. We are looking for a responsible team player who is an excellent communicator, independent decision maker, and wants to grow within our organization. If you are ready to embark on a career that is essential to helping our community, come join the FIRST nationally accredited communications center in Virginia. Come be a part of the public safety team, make a difference in your community, and help us save lives!

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

About This Role:

As a Telecommunicator, you will provide service and assistance to residents, visitors, and public safety partners. You will be responsible for promptly receiving and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls from the public. This includes gathering essential information and details from callers to assess the nature of the situation accurately and dispatching the appropriate resources and public safety personnel. You will have a unique responsibility in a fast-paced environment that requires careful attention to detail, multi-tasking, and good communication skills.

After you have completed training and are released to solo duty, there are many opportunities for upward growth and promotion as a Telecommunicator II (Police or Fire dispatcher) and a Telecommunicator III (Police and Fire dispatcher), with each step including a 10% increase in salary.

Minimum Requirements:

• Have a high school diploma or General Education Requirement (G.E.D.)
• Be 18 years of age at date of hire
• Be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States and eligible for naturalization
• Type 30 words per minute
• Successfully pass full background investigation to include polygraph, psychological evaluation, drug test and software-based application skills test.

Preferences:

• Previous experience as a 911 operator or in a high-volume call center
• Certifications in CPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and basic telecommunicator class (e.g., APCO)
• Foreign language translation skills
• Experience providing instructions over the phone and dealing with the public in stressful situations
• Basic knowledge of computers and software (e.g., Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management System and Microsoft Office, etc.)

Special Requirements:

• Pass a software-based application skills test
• Pass a polygraph, drug testing, criminal history check, a physical, hearing test and a psychological examination
• While in training, must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), and CPR certification

Work Schedule:

Schedule Requirements:

The Department of Public Safety Communications is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year including holidays and weekends. The four squads each work four (4) days or nights and then are off for four (4) days or nights. The shifts are 12 hours long; either from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. There is one squad that works straight days, one squad that works straight nights, and two squads that work rotating shifts (2 days on, off 24 hours and then 2 nights on with 4 days off). Placement on specific squads/shifts is not guaranteed. The applicant must be available for duty around the clock. This position is designated as essential and must report to work during times when the local government/agencies are closed and is subject to callback/holdover to maintain minimum staffing 24/7.

Starting Salary Range: $23.25 - $24.41 Hourly

Hiring Process

The selection process takes approximately three months after the initial application has been received. Applicants must successfully complete the below stages:

• Application: Submit online application
• Screening and Assessment: software-based application skills test, criminal history check, interview, sit-along, personal history statement, and conditional offer of employment
• Evaluations and Polygraph: psychological evaluation, medical examination including hearing and vision testing, and polygraph examination
• Final Assessments & Final Offer: background investigation, final interview and formal job offer

We also offer great benefits, including:

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans
• Paid Annual Leave
• Paid Personal Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans
• Optional Group Life Insurance
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Development Opportunities

Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here for PSLF additional information.

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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