Emergency Communications Officer

Chesterfield Emergency Communications Center (ECC) is the public safety answering point for Chesterfield County, a suburb of Richmond, Virginia, servicing 437 square miles. Our community consists of a pleasant mix of suburban communities, neighborhoods, and villages. Currently, more than 390,000 people make Chesterfield their home, and we credit the county’s popularity to the excellent programs and services it provides, as well as the overall quality of life. We are located 90 miles south of Washington, D.C. and just a short drive to the beaches and mountains. Our mission is to serve as the vital link between the public and other public safety organizations through professionalism and dedication while living by these core values: Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Accountability.

Requirements

• Eligible to work in the United States
• U.S. citizen or lawful resident of the United States for the past ten consecutive years
• Not a convicted felon (per Virginia Criminal Information Network requirements)
• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of 18 years of age at time of hire
• Pass pre-employment drug test, vision and hearing screenings
• Pass FBI criminal background check, including psychological evaluation
• Pass education/degree verification
• Successfully pass a stringent criminal background check for CJIS Security Policy compliance
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and make fast-paced decisions
• Provide quality customer service
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Computer proficiency

This position is considered Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with multiple computer systems
• Answer 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls for all county public safety services
• Obtain complete and accurate information regarding the location of calls
• Prioritize requests and provide pre-arrival instructions to assist until responders arrive
• Radio dispatch Police, Sheriff, Fire, and EMS units using a Computer Aided Dispatch System and public safety radio system
• In-depth interaction with DMV/NCIC/VCIN systems
• Other duties as required

Schedule

• 365 days a year / 24 hours a day / 7 days a week operation
• 12-hour shifts (Days: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Nights: 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.) with every other weekend off
• Maintain minimum staffing levels via on-call schedule and voluntary or mandatory overtime
• Work holidays and weekends if scheduled
• Essential personnel during inclement weather

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Perceive sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction
• Receive detailed information through oral communications
• Close vision and ability to adjust focus

Benefits

• Part of a nationally accredited emergency communications center
• Approved Career Development Plan (CDP) with career progression opportunities and salary incentives based on performance, qualifications, and experience
• Promotional opportunities
• Peer support group
• Uniform shirts provided
• 40 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO) upon hire
• County benefit program includes:
  • Health/vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Employee assistance program
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Paid parental leave

Pay

This position is part of an approved step-based Public Safety Pay Plan (PSPP) with a starting salary of $56,146. New communication officers hired before January 1 will be eligible for a step increase at the new fiscal year. New employees hired after January 1 will receive their step increase the following fiscal year.

About the Role

Each day is unpredictable and unique. This is a high-stress, fast-paced job with critical outcomes. Dispatchers must show respect, dignity, and compassion for every individual served while providing first-class customer service. You must be committed to serving the public, often on the worst day of their lives. Flexibility is required, including working outside of "normal business hours," weekends, and holidays. This role is ideal for those seeking a career rather than just a job and who are committed to making a real difference in the lives of others.