Emergency Communications Specialist IV

Emergency Communications Specialist IV

Salary

$33.49 - $56.93 Hourly

Location

Public Safety Training Facility - Frederick, MD

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

FY26-00486

Department

Emergency Communications

Opening Date

11/12/2026

Closing Date

11/18/2026 4:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB INFORMATION

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; varying schedule; full benefits

This lead-level position provides operational supervision and technical leadership within the Emergency Communications Center, directing the work of Emergency Communications Specialist I-III staff and assuming the responsibilities of the DEC Manager when assigned or in the Manager's absence. Responsibilities include overseeing daily communications center operations, monitoring staffing and performance, ensuring compliance with protocols and standards, and coordinating complex or high-risk incidents across multiple public safety disciplines. Work involves evaluating operational effectiveness, resolving procedural or performance issues, and making independent decisions that affect center-wide service delivery, responder safety, and regulatory compliance. Employees at this level maintain proficiency in call-taking and dispatch functions while providing guidance, training, and direction to staff. Work is performed with significant autonomy and requires advanced technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to manage operations in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment

• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover

• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)

• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending

• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit

• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

• Vesting after 5 years of service

• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program

• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and evaluate day-to-day activities from the operations area of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC)
• Assure timely and accurate deployment of equipment and personnel
• Monitor communications center activity levels, to develop and provide appropriate staffing recommendations to the DEC Manager
• Oversee individual performance by verifying that both telephone and radio systems are operated correctly, protocol administration is thorough, while authenticating records are complete and accurate
• Advise staff appropriately regarding departmental policy, procedure, and protocol administration
• Ensure the appropriate utilization of Standard Operating Procedures
• Perform notifications to utility companies, fire investigators, hospitals and other affiliated agency partners
• Operate public safety radio consoles and maintain communications with allied Fire-Rescue, Emergency Medical, Police, and associated County and State agencies
• Enforce compliance to the application of International Academy of Emergency Dispatch Protocols
• Provide input to the DEC Manager for staffs performance appraisals
• Complete documentation as necessary, which may include but is not limited to citizen complaints, procedural issues, staff deficiencies, personnel matters, equipment failures, Freedom of Information Act requests, and requirements from our agency partners
• Assist the assigned Manager with preparing daily position assignments
• Monitor and maintain the status of public safety personnel and equipment, analyzing situations accurately to take effective actions in ensuring officer and firefighter safety
• Monitor public safety responders during calls for service, respond to their requests, coordinate secondary resources, and answer 311 switchboard calls
• Forward appropriate information regarding complaint or inquiry pertaining to procedural concerns, protocol inefficiencies, personnel matters, staff deficiency, or equipment failure to the appropriate DEC Manager, DEC Administrators, Assistant Director and/or Director
• Communicate staff issues to the appropriate DEC Manager, DEC Assistant Administrators, DEC Administrators, Assistant Director and/or Director
• Attend and participate in trainings, meetings, and public education events
• Provide assistance to callers requesting Fire-Rescue, Police, and other Public Safety Services
• Collect information from or for the National Weather Service
• Establish and maintain control quickly over situations as they develop, by making reasonable and effective decisions
• Operate KRONOS Workforce TeleStaff scheduling software, computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, telephone call handling equipment, Criminal Justice Information Systems
• Participate in committee assignments
• Maintain continuing education coursework as needed
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employees position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• High school graduation or the equivalency

• Minimum 5 years emergency communications center work experience which must include at least 1 year work experience actively performing all duties of the following disciplines: 9-1-1 call taking and all dispatch positions to include, police, fire-rescue, and emergency medical services dispatch

• Possession of a valid driver's license

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Possession of current International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Medical, Fire, and Police Dispatch certification or comparable Emergency Call Taking certifications for Medical, Fire and Police Dispatch - applicants with comparable certifications will be required to obtain IAED EMD, EFD, & EPD certifications within 180 days of employment

• Possession of current CN2 NCIC access level certification or are required to obtain within 180 days of employment.

• Possession of valid Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services (MIEMSS) certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), or are required to obtain MIEMSS certification within 180 days of employment

• Possession of current National Emergency Number Association (NENA) or Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) certification as a Communications Training Officer (CTO), or the ability to obtain this certification within 180 days of employment

• Possession of IAED certification in EMD-Q, EFD-Q, and EPD-Q or comparable with the ability to obtain the IAED certifications within 180 days of employment

• Advanced knowledge of laws, regulations, and requirements regarding Emergency Communications and 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centers

• Knowledge of the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch Protocol Systems

• Knowledge of the principles of emergency services as it relates to the provision of behavioral health support to public safety personnel

• Ability to obtain and maintain Emergency Communications Specialist certifications, in medical, fire and police dispatch (International Academy of Emergency Dispatch) within 1 year of hire

• Ability to perform all duties associated to the Emergency Communications Manager's position

• Ability to utilize necessary technology, including 911 telephone, computer aided dispatch, logging systems, and microwave communication networks

• Knowledge of county, towns, road names, landmarks, and directions of travel on routes and highways

• Knowledge of surrounding jurisdictions

• Knowledge of Departmental policies and procedures

• Skilled in the use of relevant technology and equipment

• Advanced ability to communicate appropriately and maintain composure when responding to callers

• Advanced ability to calmly and accurately provide potential lifesaving instructions in high stress situations

• Ability to gather and process information in a timely manner

• Ability to direct and lead other Emergency Communications Specialists

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Call center experience working with a population of 125,000 residents
• Current possession of IAED certification in EMD-Q, EFD-Q and EPD-Q or comparable quality assurance call reviewing certification for Police, Medical and Fire events

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit; and occasionally push over 40 pounds
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors; and occasionally in noisy environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
• Required certifications must be maintained throughout tenure of employment
• Ability to provide own transportation to meetings and work locations, as needed
• Available to work all shifts as assigned, including weekdays, weekends, nights and holidays
• This position is subject to system-wide team reassignment or reassignment to a rotating shift schedule
• This position is subject to random drug testing
• The probationary period for this position is 12 months (current employees will undergo a 3-month probationary period)

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

• An evaluation of training and experience
• A written examination
• Related skills testing
• One or more interviews
• A Security-Sensitive background investigation
• A pre-employment psychological examination
• A pre-employment drug test and physical examination

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

Retirement Plan:

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employees completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employees direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program:

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employees capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesnt remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave

Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year

0 - 2 years 11 days

2 - 10 years 17 days

10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employees child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

01

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, you will not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• Less than High School Diploma or the equivalent
• High School Diploma or the equivalent
• Associates degree received
• Bachelors degree received
• Advanced degree received

03

Do you have at least 5 years of emergency communications center work experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

05

Does your 5 years of emergency communications center work experience include at least 1 year of work experience actively performing all duties of the following disciplines: 9-1-1 call taking and all dispatch positions to include, police, fire-rescue, and emergency medical services dispatch?

• Yes
• No

06

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

07

What call taking and dispatching discipline(s) is your work experience in? Please select all that apply.

• Police Dispatch
• Fire-rescue Dispatch
• Emergency Medical Services Dispatch
• I only have call taking experience

08

Do you have experience working in a call center supporting a population of 125,000 residents?

• Yes
• No

09

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

10

Do you have possession of current NCIC CN2 access level certification or higher?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have possession of valid Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Systems Services (MIEMSS) certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), or the ability to obtain MIEMSS certification within 180 days of employment?

• Yes
• No
• I am able to obtain the required certification within 180 days of employment

12

Do you have possession of valid certification as a Communications Training Officer (CTO), or the ability to obtain this certification within 180 days of employment?

• Yes, I am certified as a CTO currently
• No
• I am able to obtain the required certification within 180 days of employment

13

Do you have possession of a valid IAED certification as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) or comparable EMD certification (attach or include the comparable certification information for review) Applicants with approved comparable credentials are still required to obtain IAED EMD certification within 180 days of employment.

• Yes
• No
• I am submitting a comparable certification for review, if accepted, I understand that I must obtain IAED EMD within 180 days of employment

14

Do you have possession of IAED certification as an Emergency Fire dispatcher (EFD), or comparable EFD certification (attached or include the comparable certification for review)? Applicants with approved comparable credentials are still required to obtain IAED EFD certification within 180 days of employement.

• Yes
• No
• I am submitting a comparable certification for review, if accepted I understand that I must obtain IAED EFD certification with 180 days of employment.

15

Do you have possession of valid IAED certification as an Emergency Police Dispatcher (EPD), or comparable EPD certification (attach or include the comparable certification for review)? Applicants with approved comparable credentials are still required to obtain IAED EFD certification within 180 days of employment

• Yes
• No
• I am submitting a comparable certification for review, if accepted I understand that I must obtain IAED EPD within 180 days of employment.

16

Do you currently possess any of the following certifications (please select all that apply)?

• EMD-Q
• EFD-Q
• EPD-Q
• I do not possess any of the above certifications

17

The timeline below provides a tentative schedule for the Emergency Communications Specialist IV selection process. By selecting "Yes", you understand the time commitment required by each qualified candidate. - Administration of skills tests: week of 12/14/2026

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Frederick County Government

Address 12 East Church Street

Frederick, Maryland, 21701

Phone 301-600-1070

Website http://www.FrederickCountymd.gov/jobs