Public Safety Telecommunicator (911 Call Taker)

The Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) has multiple Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) vacancies within its Emergency Communications Center (ECC). These employees will help save lives, protect property, and provide assistance to the public by receiving and processing 9-1-1 emergency calls and non-emergency calls, including dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical service units in a prompt, efficient, courteous, and professional manner.

The Emergency Communications Center (ECC) provides critical information and support to Public Safety departments within Arlington County. As a Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST), you will face diverse challenges and make a direct impact on the community. Click here to learn more about Arlington County's ECC and Steps in the Hiring Process (ECC). 

Responsibilities include:

• Receive and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls;
• Determine priority of incoming calls and accurately relay information to the dispatcher;
• Provide information, support and guidance to callers in stressful situations;
• Serve as a liaison between caller and Police, Fire and EMS personnel;
• Send, receive, and disseminate confidential information;
• Enter and update information into statewide and national databases; and
• Obtain required certifications and update job knowledge through classroom, on-the-job, self-initiated, and online training.

Minimums:

• High School Diploma/equivalent;
• One (1) year of experience providing direct public contact and problem resolutions;
• Using computers and typing speed of 25 wpm.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Working in a primary or secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP);
• Police, Fire/Rescue, or Emergency Medical Service;
• Telecommunications or use of a multiline telephone system;
• Working with individuals in stressful situations; and/or
• Entering information provided verbally into an automated system.

Please note: All new Hires start as a Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee level regardless of experience, those with experience may progress through the career ladder at an accelerated pace.

Special Requirements

Please submit a Resume with your application.

You must possess or obtain the following within the first 6 months of employment 

• Certifications as a Basic Dispatcher
• Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) 
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Operator Level A
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher
• Automated External Defibrillation (AED), and CPR; and
• Demonstrated proficiency in handling 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for service, teletype operations and/or police administrative dispatch 

Please note: Applicants new to emergency communications are expected to successfully complete Virginia Basic Dispatch School within 18 months, in addition to their initial training. Individuals with 9-1-1 dispatch experience are strongly encouraged to apply and, if hired, may progress through the initial training period at an accelerated pace. The position also offers a skill-based career ladder, with pay raises tied to the development and enhancement of skills. 

Additional Information

Applicants should also note the following potential disqualifiers:

• If you have a felony conviction.
• Incomplete or inaccurate information on Polygraph Exam Document.
• Recent or current drug use.

Work Schedule/Hours: 

• This position involves a 12-hour shift with rotating days off and built-in overtime.
• Four shifts which include, two-day shifts working 6:45am-7:00pm and two midnight shifts working 6:45pm-7:00am. 
• Employees are assigned to shifts based on the needs of the department and are required to work weekends and holidays in alignment with the assigned shift rotation. 
• Shift schedules are subject to change depending on the needs of the department.

 Salary: 

• The base salary of a PST starts at $28.93/hour.
• Applicants with prior Emergency Communications or Public Safety experience may be eligible to start at a higher salary than entry-level dependent on type and length of experience.
• Base pay is supplemented by holiday pay and night diffe