Emergency Communications Officer (Certified Lateral)

About the Role

Serve with honor in a role where public safety begins! The City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, is seeking a certified lateral Emergency Communications Officer to join our dynamic team. This full-time position significantly impacts the safety of the general public and responding agency personnel. Under general supervision, you will receive incoming emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch police, fire, and EMS personnel, and perform administrative functions for the Police and Fire Departments.

Responsibilities

• Emergency and Non-Emergency Call Processing: Receive, process, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency requests for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. Guide callers through high-stress situations while obtaining necessary information for an effective public safety response. Provide pre-arrival instructions and lifesaving guidance.
• Public Safety Radio Communications: Dispatch law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical resources based on incident nature and priority. Maintain continuous radio communication with field personnel, document unit status, and provide timely, accurate, safety-critical information.
• Responder and Public Safety: Monitor responder activity, maintain awareness of responder locations and status, and use calming techniques to de-escalate situations before responders arrive.
• Community Engagement and Public Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact between the public and emergency services. Communicate professionally and compassionately, especially during stressful situations. Participate in community outreach events.
• Interagency Coordination and Incident Support: Facilitate communication with public safety partners, obtain additional resources, and coordinate mutual aid for effective emergency responses.
• Administrative and Special Assignments: Participate in training, maintain certifications, and assist with projects, special events, public education, recruitment, and other agency initiatives. Experienced personnel may serve in specialized roles such as Communications Training Officer or General Instructor.

Qualifications

• Virginia DCJS Communications Basic certification (or approved out-of-state equivalent)
• Current VCIN certification (or approved out-of-state equivalent)
• Current CPR certification
• Current APCO or Medical Priority Emergency Medical Dispatch certification
• 12 months of continuous employment as a public safety tele-communicator

Minimum Qualifications

• 18 years of age
• United States Citizen or lawful resident for ten consecutive years
• High School Diploma or GED
• No more than two moving violations within the previous 24 months
• No record of convictions within the previous 60 months for DUI, eluding, leaving the scene of an accident, or vehicular manslaughter
• No record of 2nd or subsequent DUI
• No current or previous license revocations or suspensions within the previous 60 months due to a moving violation
• No felony convictions or guilty pleas
• No Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude
• No misdemeanor sex offense convictions
• No domestic assault convictions
• Must pass a physical examination and pre-employment drug screening

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Paid leave and training
• One-for-one service credit
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System

Pay

Starting Salary: $54,400 - $81,519 (dependent on qualifications)

Schedule

42 Hours/Week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. A flexible schedule is required.

This opportunity will remain open until filled. For questions, contact Sergeant Adrian Velasco at avelasco@pd.fredericksburgva.gov or 540-654-5716. Email correspondence is preferred. Apply online at www.fredericksburgva.gov/careers.