Public Safety Emergency Telecommunicator I #JR-00103

Join the Department of Emergency Communications and Citizen Service to provide exceptional emergency communications support to the citizens of Virginia Beach. This entry-level position involves receiving, processing, and relaying requests for police, fire, or emergency medical services on an assigned or rotating shift, with overtime as needed.

Selected candidates will attend and successfully complete the Emergency Communications and Citizen Services (ECCS) 911 academy and on-the-job training, including certification and progression to the Telecommunicator IV position. No planned or pre-approved leave will be granted during the first six months of employment, except in verified emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Handle emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services using telephone and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) equipment.
• Quickly assess both emergency and non-emergency situations and provide appropriate assistance to citizens.
• Utilize good judgement in applying policies and procedures while functioning in a stressful environment.
• Communicate and carry out instructions, coordinating calls for service between citizens and service providers.
• Multitask, prioritize, and make quick decisions in a fast-paced setting.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past 10 consecutive years.
• Must pass a criminal history check, skills testing (including written tests), and complete the Academy training program.
• Must have the manual dexterity, vision, and hearing required to operate communication equipment, including a multi-screen computer console.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts (days/evenings/midnights), including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Must successfully complete psychological screening.
• This is a safety-sensitive position subject to mandatory drug testing; positive results may lead to termination.
• Employees may be subject to immediate recall during major or emergency situations and must work during inclement weather.

Automatic Disqualifiers

• Criminal History:
  • Conviction of any felony.
  • Conviction of any offense involving moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing) or gross misconduct (crimes against a person).
  • Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor (excluding traffic violations), evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Adult commission of undetected serious or repetitive crimes.
• Traffic Violations:
  • Two or more convictions of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Drugs:
  • Conviction or admission of illegal possession, use, sale, manufacture, distribution, or intent to sell/distribute illegal drugs (except marijuana).
  • Conviction or admission of illegal possession or use of marijuana or its derivatives within the previous 12 months.
• Others:
  • Any punitive discharge from the military (Bad Conduct or Dishonorable discharge).
  • Untruthfulness or intentional withholding of information on applications, interviews, or related paperwork.
  • Intentional failure to follow directions in the testing process or relying on others to complete any portion of it.

Benefits

• Up to a $5,000 sign-on bonus for eligible new hires, paid in two installments:
  • $2,500 upon successful completion of Call Taker and Dispatch Support Training or Police Radio training (whichever occurs first).
  • $2,500 upon mastering all training phases (Call Taker, Police, Fire, and EMS radios) and receiving a "meets expectations" rating on the one-year probationary performance appraisal.
  Both installments are contingent upon acceptable performance as evaluated by the department.