Communications Officer I

Frederick County Local Government•Winchester, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Frederick County Public Safety Communications is seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to join our team as a Communications Officer I. This role is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day by being one of the first points of contact for people in need, providing reassurance, gathering critical information, and connecting callers with law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety resources. You will work in a fast-paced, modern facility that leverages cutting-edge technology to provide critical support to the public 24/7/365 in a growing region.

Requirements

Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.
Must be able to pass all required pre-employment background investigations, including criminal history checks and fingerprint-based records checks.
Must maintain eligibility for access to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in emergency communications, public safety, customer service, call center operations, dispatching, or another role requiring multitasking, data entry, and public interaction is preferred but not required.
Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Certification (must be obtained within one year of employment)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (must be obtained within one year of employment)
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certification (must be obtained within one year of employment)
IAED Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) Certification (must be obtained within one year of employment)
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Basic Telecommunicator Certification (must be obtained within two years of employment)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-100 Certification (must be obtained within two years of employment)
FEMA NIMS IS-200 Certification (must be obtained within two years of employment)
FEMA NIMS IS-700 Certification (must be obtained within two years of employment)
FEMA NIMS IS-800 Certification (must be obtained within two years of employment)

Responsibilities

Receive, evaluate, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls for service, gathering critical information to determine the appropriate public safety response.
Dispatch and coordinate law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety resources using 9-1-1, radio, CAD, and other communications systems.
Provide approved pre-arrival instructions to callers and maintain communication until responders arrive or the incident is resolved.
Monitor radio traffic, responder status, and incident activity to support effective coordination and responder safety.
Operate CAD, 9-1-1, radio, mapping, recording, and other emergency communications systems.
Enter, access, and disseminate criminal justice information through VCIN, NCIC, and other authorized databases in accordance with applicable requirements.
Maintain accurate incident documentation and develop knowledge of Frederick County geography, roadways, addresses, and response areas.
Exercise sound judgment and remain calm and professional while managing multiple incidents, changing priorities, and high-stress situations.
Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and provide professional service to callers, responders, partner agencies, and the public.
Maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.