Dispatcher I

Dispatcher I

Salary

$61,677.00 - $70,929.00 Annually

Location

Yorktown, VA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

201DI-2217

Department

E911

Division

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Opening Date

11/06/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Performs specialized emergency radio and communications work, serving as a dispatcher on an assigned shift for the York-Poquoson-Williamsburg-James City County Regional Communications Center. Receives incoming calls on both non-emergency and emergency 911 lines; dispatches applicable personnel. Operates a computer terminal connected to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Coordinates responses for law enforcement, Fire & EMS, animal control, public utilities, etc.

This is a fast-paced environment where attention to detail is critical. Incumbents work on a rotating shift, are expected to work holidays and weekends as scheduled, and are subject to be called back to work overtime as needed to keep the center staffed at a certain minimal level. The position is considered Alpha, which means incumbent is expected to perform their assigned duties regardless of existing severe inclement weather or emergency conditions.

Public safety telecommunicators must quickly and accurately receive and process auditory information in an environment that includes various background noises such as telephones ringing, multiple frequency radio traffic and general conversation. This requires both active and passive listening to process phone or radio requests, recognize incoming calls, intercoms, alarms, interactions with other employees, and general happenings in the communications center.

Provides emergency E911 dispatch services for the York-Poquoson-Williamsburg-James City County Regional Communications Center.

Operates a state of the art 800 mhz radio system and related technologies for law enforcement, fire/EMS, and other government functions; receives calls for service, complaints and requests for assistance by telephone, radio, in person and by other emerging technologies related to next generation 911 services; determines priority and operates computer aided dispatch computer to dispatch necessary officials and/or advises caller of proper contact for assistance or information; corresponds and assist with coordinating services with other law enforcement and public safety jurisdictions.

Accurately obtains, records, and disseminates emergency and non-emergency calls for service from citizens and visitors to Police/Fire/EMS responders; reviews emergency call information, determines nature of call; dispatches call to the most appropriate and closest unit or person to the scene of the emergency; relays all pertinent information to responding units; stays in constant contact to relay additional information and respond to requests.

Operates a computer connected with the Virginia Information Center (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to obtain drivers history, vehicle registration data, gun permit verification and criminal record information; enters information into network such as missing person identities, stolen vehicles, protective orders, wanted persons and/or articles; corresponds with other law enforcement or public services jurisdictions; processes and maintains records of information obtained.

Uses CAD system to document information and requests made pertaining to specific incidents by responding units and other County officials; maintains knowledge of location and activities of various emergency response personnel; prepares activity reports and assigns case numbers.

Provides emergency medical instruction over the phone to callers until dispatched personnel arrive.

Monitors County alarm systems; monitors cameras placed throughout York County; monitors and answers National Warning System (NAWAS) and Surry Instaphones, and logs calls.

Maintains a log of computer and equipment malfunctions and problems.

Serves as the main point of contact for radio communications and malfunctions for multiple surrounding Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) agencies, as well as local hospitals; maintains a log and notifies vendor for repairs.

Performs clerical functions such as typing and filing.

Assists in maintaining accurate contact information for businesses.

Inspects equipment at beginning of each shift to ensure proper operation; reports computer and equipment malfunctions and problems to the shift leader.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school and at least one year of work involving customer service; or any equivalent combination and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Must have the ability to make quick decisions while maintaining composure; deal effectively with staff, the public, and other agencies often in emergency situations; communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing; speak distinctly, clearly, and concisely; hear and understand radio and telephone transmissions and respond appropriately; understand and follow directions.

Must successfully complete VCIN/NCIC certification, Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Dispatcher Academy, Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification and in-house Communications Officer I training.

This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include criminal history and background checks.

Supplemental Information

Some knowledge of the geography of the County, and location of significant buildings.

Some knowledge of personal computers and related software.

Ability to type a minimum of 40 words per minute.

Ability to speak clearly and concisely.

Ability to understand and follow directions.

Ability to learn dispatch procedures for police, fire, and EMS calls.

Ability to learn new procedures and information related to new wireless technology related to emergency customer service.

Ability to acquire the skills necessary to operate the remote controls for video surveillance cameras located in the County.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computer terminals, radios, copiers, etc. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

For a more detailed description: View Document

To view our Total Compensation Calculator, click here.

The County of York offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees to include medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings accounts, VRS retirement, group life insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, paid holidays and paid leave.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of experience do you have in emergency telecommunications work?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 5 years or more

03

How many years of experience do you have using a computer aided dispatch computer in an emergency communication center?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 5 years or more

04

Which of the following best describes your experience answering questions regarding stressful and/or emergency situations?

• No experience
• Some experience
• Experienced
• Expert

05

Which of the following best describes your experience providing emergency medical instructions over the phone?

• No Experience
• Some Experience
• Experienced
• Expert

06

Which of the following best describes your familiarity of the street names and building locations in York County, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and surrounding jurisdictions?

• None
• Somewhat familiar
• Familiar
• Very Familiar

07

How many words per minute do you type?

• Less than 30 wpm
• 30 to 39 wpm
• 40 to 49 wpm
• 50 or more

08

Do you currently reside within a 60-minute response time from York County?

• Yes
• No

09

If selected for this position, you will be required to work rotating shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays. Are you able to comply with this provision?

• Yes
• No

10

If selected for this position, you will be considered an essential employee and may be required to remain at your worksite or to report to a worksite following a declared County emergency in order to respond to the needs of the citizens of York County. This may involve working odd hours, including nights and weekends, for an indeterminate amount of time depending on the emergency situation. Are you able to comply with this provision?

• Yes
• No

11

This position will require the employee to be in office (Not remote or hybrid). Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

12

Were you encouraged to apply for this particular position by a current York County government employee? If so, please write their full name and the department or division they work in below. Otherwise, write N/A.

13

Are you a current York County government employee? (This does not include the employment with the Offices of General District Court, York-Poquoson Social Services, Colonial Behavioral Health, or York County Schools)

Required Question

Employer York County

Address 224 Ballard Street

P. O. Box 532

Yorktown, Virginia, 23690

Phone 757-890-3687

Website http://www.yorkcounty.gov/humanresources