Communications Operator - New

Communications Operator - New

Salary

$54,017.00 - $84,968.00 Annually

Location

City Hall, 442 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

04540

Department

POLICE-COMMUNICATIONS

Opening Date

06/09/2026

Closing Date

6/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

• SIGNING BONUSSIGNING BONUSSIGNING BONUS*

$2500 New Dispatcher*

• $2,500 to each new dispatcher upon successful completion of initial emergency communications training & emergency medical dispatch training.

Under direct supervision, performs radio and communications work in the Suffolk Police Department's Emergency Communications Center on an assigned 12-hour shift. Answers Emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for service. Dispatches appropriate emergency personnel (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, Public Works, Virginia Highway Department, etc.) and equipment to public safety situations. Employee must exercise considerable tact and firmness in obtaining information from distressed persons. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in receiving messages, responding to emergency situations, and dispatching calls. Reports to the Communications Lead Operator (Supervisor).

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

The Suffolk Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Job Functions

• Operates multi-line telephone system and telecommunication device for the deaf and hearing impaired (TDD) to receive, answer, screen, and process incoming calls for service.
• Responds calmly and tactfully to callers on Emergency 911 and non-emergency lines to obtain complete and accurate information for entry into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Prioritizes calls for appropriate response.
• Operates radio console to dispatch Police, Fire, EMS, and Animal Control to calls for service. Monitors the status and location of field units. Relays messages and information to emergency response personnel using appropriate radio terminology, while adhering to the applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. Records transmitted information into CAD, as appropriate.
• Notifies other agencies needed to assist Police, Fire and EMS in emergencies.
• Utilizes Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) cards or software to ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions as needed.
• Operates a computer terminal connected with the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center to obtain such information as drivers history, vehicle registration data, criminal record information, stolen property information, etc., as necessary.
• Monitors security alarms for businesses, court, schools, etc.
• Facilitates language interpretation between non-English speaking callers and interpreters to provide assistance needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to speak clearly and precisely over the telephone and radio.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with employees, supervisors, and representatives from other departments and organizations.
• Performs various clerical duties, as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

For Communications Operator (New Dispatcher):

Graduation from high school or GED and some experience in clerical or communications work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Must obtain bi-annual CPR re-certification. Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch Training. Must hold or have the ability to acquire the Basic Dispatcher State Certification. Ability to obtain State certification for VCIN/NCIC.

Starting Salary : $54,017

__

Disqualifications:

Automatic Disqualifying Factors for Sworn & Non-Sworn Applicants

The following list includes all items for which an application for a sworn and non-sworn position will be automatically disqualified.

Criminal History

• Conviction of any felony
• Conviction of domestic violence
• Any conviction regarding the involvement in the sale or distribution of illegal drugs.
• Conviction of any Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor (or the Virginia State Law equivalent) within the last five years, excluding traffic violations (minor offenses may be looked at on a case-by-case basis)
• Embezzlement or misappropriation of funds from a former employer
• Founded child/elder abuse or neglect case
• Illegal possession of a schedule I or II drug or any derivative thereof within the last five years (excluding marijuana)
• Illegal use and/or possession of anabolic steroids within the last five years
• Illegal use of any drug classified as a hallucinogen within the last five years

Driving History

• Four or more negative points on a Virginia Operators license (or the equivalent for out-of-state residents). Points may be negated by attending defensive driving school offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) prior to the one-on-one interview with the background investigator.
• Conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol within past five years
• Eluding police within past five years
• Leaving the scene of an accident within past two years
• Multiple convictions of DUI
• No valid drivers license and/or inability to obtain a Virginia license
• Refusal to take a blood or breath test related to suspected DUI/DUID within past five years
• Suspension or revocation of license or conviction of reckless driving within the last twelve months

Other Disqualifications

• Two or more bankruptcies
• Any "Dishonorable Discharge" or discharge "other than Honorable", from the military resulting from disciplinary action (case by case as determined by disposition code).
• Cheating on any examination or testing associated with this position
• Crimes of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing)
• Ineligibility to possess a firearm in Virginia
• Intentional omission on the application/background process for this position. Intentional lying on the application/background process for this position
• Having any visible tattoos, brands, piercings, intentional scarifications (intentional scarifications are those that did not occur accidentally/naturally) other body modifications on the face, head, front half of the neck in front of the ears (50% of the neck behind the ears) Offensive tattoos are prohibited (Full tattoo sleeves ARE allowed)

Selection Process:

1. Online Application

2. Criticall Testing

3. Panel Interview

4. Background Packet

5. One on One Interview

6. Polygraph

7. Chiefs Interview

8. Psychological Examination

9. Medical Examination

The time it takes to complete background investigations may vary. We try to complete background in 8 to 10 weeks from receipt of background packet.

City of Suffolk is a proud participant of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program and we welcome Veterans to apply.

Supplemental Information

Ability to pass a CritiCall Employment Examination, which evaluates whether or not the applicant possesses the skills and abilities necessary for success on the job. Must successfully complete an extensive Police Department background investigation, to include polygraph examination. Must complete a medical, audio, psychological evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse test with satisfactory results.

Communications Operators are considered essential (ALPHA) personnel and are required to work during inclement weather, emergency conditions, and based on staffing needs.

Dispatchers work 12 hour shifts in the 911 Center that is staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; 365 days per year receiving emergency 911 calls along with non-emergency calls.

To review video, click here: www.suffolkva.us/hr/eco

To review flier, click here: www.suffolkva.us/spdcommunicationsoperators

City of Suffolk is a proud participant of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program and we welcome Veterans to apply.

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits

Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)

Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members

Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.

Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Yearly earnings

120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Sick Leave

Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave

All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance

Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances

Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability

Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance

The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance

Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave

24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays

Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty

Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA

Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program

Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Workers Compensation

Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmens Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days

Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union

A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services

Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services

Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule

For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED and some experience in clerical or communications work?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you willing to acquire the Virginia Basic Dispatcher State Certification? (Experienced dispatchers may be excluded from Criticall and the panel interview with proof of dispatcher certifications)

• Yes
• No
• I currently hold a Virginia Basic Dispatcher State Certification

03

Are you willing to obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch Training for this position? (Select all that apply.) (Experienced dispatchers may be excluded from Criticall and the panel interview with proof of dispatcher certifications)

• Yes
• No
• I currently hold a valid EMD Certification and utilize APCO program.
• I currently hold a valid EMD Certification and utilize Medical Priority program.
• I currently hold a valid EMD Certification and utilize a program other than above.

04

Are you willing to obtain and maintain CPR training for this position?

• Yes
• No
• I currently hold a valid CPR Certification.

05

Do you currently hold a valid Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) certification?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you able and willing to do shift work to include evenings, weekends, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

07

Communications Operators are considered essential (ALPHA) personnel and are required to report to work during inclement weather, emergency conditions, and as staffing dictates. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

08

Illegal drug involvement in any of the following: • Any conviction regarding the involvement in the sale or distribution of illegal drugs. • possession of a schedule I or II drug or any derivative thereof within the last five years (excluding marijuana). • use and/or possession of anabolic steroids within the last five years. • use of any drug classified as a hallucinogen within the last five years.

• Yes
• No

09

Have you ever been convicted of any of the following: • felony; • domestic violence; • founded child abuse or neglect; • embezzlement or misappropriation of funds; or • any crimes of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing) ?

• Yes
• No

10

I understand that I am being permitted to take the CritiCall Employment Examination off-site as a privilege and convenience, and I will not take advantage of this benefit. (Experienced dispatchers may be excluded from Criticall and the panel interview with proof of dispatcher certifications)

• Yes
• No

11

I understand that I, the applicant, need to complete the Critical Employment Examination. Furnishing false information or cheating on the CritiCall Employment Examination shall be grounds for disqualification. (Experienced dispatchers may be excluded from Criticall and the panel interview with proof of dispatcher certifications)

• Yes
• No

12

I understand that all CritiCall Employment Examination content must remain confidential and that I must not discuss any of the content of the examination with anyone except an approved representative of the Suffolk Police Department. (Experienced dispatchers may be excluded from Criticall and the panel interview with proof of dispatcher certifications)

• Yes
• No

13

I understand that I will be responsible for taking the CritiCall Employment Examination within five (5) days of the examination link being sent to the email address provided on this application. (Emails will typically be sent out within five business days of the closing date of the job posting.) (Experienced dispatchers may be excluded from Criticall and the panel interview with proof of dispatcher certifications)

• Yes
• No

14

I understand that the Suffolk Police Department reserves the right to require candidates to take parallel versions of the CritiCall Employment Examination in a proctored setting in order to confirm the identity as the original test taker if advancing to the next phase of the recruitment process. (Experienced dispatchers may be excluded from Criticall and the panel interview with proof of dispatcher certifications)

• Yes
• No

15

I understand that I need to allow enough time (approximately 1 hour - 1.5 hours) to complete the testing session once I begin, and that I will need to eliminate all distractions from the testing space. Failure to complete the examination in one (1) session will result in disqualification. (Experienced dispatchers may be excluded from Criticall and the panel interview with proof of dispatcher certifications)

• Yes
• No

16

Were you referred to this position by any member of the Suffolk Police Department? If so, by whom?

Required Question

Employer City of Suffolk

Address 442 W. Washington Street, Suite 1044

Suffolk, Virginia, 23434

Phone 7575144110

Website http://www.suffolkva.us