Public Safety Communications Officer
Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center (E-911/ECC)

Full-Time, 12 Months

Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 12, VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Join a dedicated team of principled public servants that are committed to building leaders who inspire and achieve excellence through the practice of our core values including innovation, learning, integrity, and stewardship. We are seeking individuals to serve the citizens of our region as Public Safety Communications Officers who are committed to partnering with the community and has demonstrated superior ability as a leader.

THE POSITION – PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Our Public Safety Communications Officer performs responsible telecommunications work under frequent stressful conditions. Work is in the receipt of emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public, law enforcement, and fire and rescue communities, as well as maintenance of radio communications with same emergency units. Extensive training is completed during initial months of employment, followed by a period of close supervision until a degree of proficiency is demonstrated in each phase of work. After the training period is completed, work is performed under regular supervision.

KEY ATTRIBUTES OF OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment;
• Practices teamwork and leadership;
• Is able to develop working relationships with the emergency responders and citizens;
• Demonstrates fairness and empathy to our customers.

THE AGENCY - CHARLOTTESVILLE-UVA-ALBEMARLE COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (ECC)

The Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center is a regional public safety communications center serving the City of Charlottesville, the University of Virginia, and Albemarle County. ECC is responsible for both dispatch/E-911 response and the disaster planning, training, and management through their Office of Emergency Management. ECC is a CALEA Nationally Accredited with Excellence Communications Center and an APCO Nationally Certified Training Program.

To learn more about the Emergency Communications Center click here.

THE EXPECTATIONS

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives emergency request for service by radio and telephone, determines appropriate response according to location and nature of problem and procedures of the department(s);
• Receives non-emergency requests for service and provides information to callers when response in person by police, fire, or rescue agency is inappropriate;
• Transfers calls to Poison Control Center and surrounding jurisdictions' Emergency Communications Centers; monitor transferred calls to ensure pick-up and appropriate response;
• Operates and monitors multiple emergency radio frequencies;
• Performs the functions and duties of emergency medical dispatch while providing pre-arrival emergency medical instructions and relaying vital information to the EMS responders; Operates and enters information into the computer aided dispatch system;
• Maintains communications with responding emergency units to assist them in any manner necessary to complete proper response;
• Documents and records requests for service and tracks response and disposition of calls according to policy and procedures;
• Ensures that all call information is relayed to the responders and entered into the CAD record;
• Operates and monitors national and statewide criminal information network Teletype system;
• Operates and monitors national disaster warning system;
• Implements emergency call-out procedures as appropriate;
• Completes required monthly training to ensure special procedures are reviewed with supervision;
• Operates other related equipment, including voice recording units, telecommunication device for the hearing impaired, Miss Utility, RIOS Interoperability System, Backup Telephone System;
• Assists with the training of new employees to include classroom and continuous on the job training while also performing the functions of a Public Safety Communications Officer;
• Performs other related duties as required.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED and work experience involving public contact, preferably with an emergency response agency. Special Requirements: Completion of appropriate training prescribed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for this level of position. Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of the methods of operation of telecommunication equipment and systems, ability to work well in emergency situations; ability to work well in a stressful environment, ability to work shift work; ability to work well with the public, responder agencies and co-workers; general knowledge of the geography, street and road systems and location of landmarks in the County, City and University of Virginia; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey information accurately, and to speak distinctly in stressful situations; courtesy; tact; ability to type 40 words per minute and use a CRT keyboard; ability to satisfactorily complete the public safety communication officer training program; ability to obtain and maintain Public Safety Telecommunicator I, Fire Service Communications, Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, and Emergency Medical Dispatch Certifications; ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously; ability to successfully complete one year probationary period.

THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Duties are normally performed in a public safety emergency communications center setting, often under stressful conditions, primarily sitting for extended periods of time at a telecommunications console position utilizing radio, telephone, and computer equipment. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The employee is primarily scheduled for shift work hours which normally are 2-3 day periods consisting of 12-hour days. Work periods may have permanent or rotating days off, frequently requiring the employee to work holidays, evenings, or nights. The employee in this position is considered essential personnel and falls under Albemarle County AP-4 and in addition, is subject to working overtime, being held over, or called back for disasters, local emergencies, or special events. Frequent contact with the public, police, fire and emergency medical service providers is necessary. Occasional contact with other federal, state and local government agencies is required. These contacts may require considerable skill in diplomacy, tact or discretion.

THE PROCESS

An invitation-only testing for the Public Safety Communications Officer position will be held. If you have applied for this position and meet minimum qualifications, you will receive an e-mail with further information for the next available testing. The next testing will be held in February with an anticipated March hire. 

THE HIRING SALARY RANGE

The salary range for the Public Safety Communications Officer is $37,898 - $45,478 (based on a 2184 hours per year schedule) with excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA Non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, February 2, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. EST

Learn more about Joining our Team by watching our: ECC Video.

Learn more about the County as a great place to live at: New Resident Guide

EEO/EOE