Lateral Communications Officer (9-1-1 Dispatcher)

About the role

We are seeking experienced Emergency Communications 9-1-1 Dispatchers with a strong commitment to public service and a solid foundation in technical skills. This lateral position is ideal for candidates ready to contribute immediately while continuing to grow in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Assess, prioritize, and process calls to determine the appropriate response.
• Provide life-saving instructions and maintain communication with callers during emergencies.
• Dispatch and relay critical information to public safety personnel via radio and CAD systems.
• Maintain situational awareness of locations, resources, and incidents within Frederick County and surrounding areas.
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
• Deliver professional, courteous service to the public and partner agencies.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Lateral Communications Officer I/ 9-1-1 Dispatcher: Must have comparable emergency communications center experience that handles non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone calls, uses a CAD system, and dispatches for police, fire, and rescue services.
• Lateral Communications Officer II/ 9-1-1 Dispatcher: Current personnel must meet the requirements of the Career Development Program. Others must have at least 5 years’ experience at a comparable emergency communications center that handles non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone calls, uses a CAD system, and dispatches for police, fire, and rescue services. There can be no more than a 1-year gap in employment between the previous experience and the application.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from high school, or equivalent, General Educational Development (GED) required.

Skills

• Knowledge of the geography within the Frederick County service area, including, but not limited to, streets, highways, boundaries, thoroughfares, landmarks, businesses, and locations of law enforcement and fire stations and districts.
• Understands state and federal laws, regulations, and statutes governing dispatch for emergency services.
• Handles multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency situations.
• Closely follows verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Operates standard and specialized public safety hardware and software to enter information with speed and accuracy.
• Deals tactfully and courteously with public, handles stressful situations and angry people, and obtains information from hostile and emotional callers.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that includes full health and dental coverage, paid life insurance, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, and generous paid time off.
• On-call pay, various differentials, and a Career Development Program.

Pay

Competitive salary.

Schedule

Regular attendance and flexibility to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.