Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note: The start date for this hire is January 11, 2027.

The Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) has multiple Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) vacancies within its Emergency Communications Center (ECC). These employees will help save lives, protect property, and provide vital assistance to the public by receiving and processing 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls. This includes dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical service units in a prompt, efficient, and professional manner.

As a PST, you will face diverse challenges and make a direct impact on the Arlington County community.

Minimums:

• High School Diploma or/ equivalent;
• One (1) year of experience providing direct public contact and problem resolutions; and
• Proficiency using computers with a minimum typing speed of 25 words per minute.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Primary or secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP);
• Police, Fire/Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services;
• Telecommunications or use of multiline telephone systems;
• Working with individuals in high-stress situations; and/or
• Entering information provided verbally into an automated system.

Please note: All new hires begin at the trainee level regardless of experience. However, those with prior experience may progress through the career ladder at an accelerated pace.

Special Requirements

Please note: A complete application includes an attached resume.

You must possess or obtain the following certifications within the first six months of employment:

• Basic Dispatcher, Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Operator Level A
• Priority Dispatch certifications - Emergency Police, Fire, and Medical Dispatch (EPD, EFD, and EMDM)
• CPR and Automated External Defibrillation (AED)

Applicants new to emergency communications are expected to complete Virginia Basic Dispatch School within 18 months (Typically completed within the first 3 months depending on class availability).

Hiring Process

The selection process is multi-step and includes examinations and interviews. Do not complete any steps until explicitly notified by HR.

• Click here to learn more about the hiriing process.
• CritiCall Examination: Testing multitasking, data entry, and decision-making.
• Virtual Interview: Applicants who pass CritiCall will be invited to a virtual interview with a seven-day completion window.
• Background Investigation: Includes a polygraph exam and criminal history check.

Additional Information

Please note: The start date for this hire is January 11, 2027.

Applicants should also note the following potential disqualifiers:

• If you have a felony conviction.
• Incomplete or inaccurate information on Polygraph Exam Document.
• Recent or current drug use.

In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

Work Schedule/Hours:

• Schedule: 12-hour shifts with rotating days off and built-in overtime. This includes two day-shifts (7:00 am - 7:00 pm) and two midnight shifts (7:00 pm - 7:00 am).
• Schedules follow a set rotation that includes mandatory weekends and holidays. All shifts are subject to change based on departmental operational needs.

Salary

• The base salary of a PST starts at $29.80/hour.
• Experienced applicants with may be eligible for a higher starting salary.
• Base pay is supplemented by holiday pay and night differentials.

For more information on Arlington County's generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

#LI-Onsite

Responsibilities include:

• Receive and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls;
• Determine the priority of incoming calls and accurately relay information to dispatchers;
• Provide information, support, and guidance to callers in stressful situations;
• Serve as a primary liaison between callers and Police, Fire and EMS personnel;
• Send, receive, and disseminate confidential information;
• Enter and update information into statewide and national databases; and
• Maintain job knowledge through classroom, on-the-job, and online training.

Responsibilities include:

• Receive and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls;
• Determine the priority of incoming calls and accurately relay information to dispatchers;
• Provide information, support, and guidance to callers in stressful situations;
• Serve as a primary liaison between callers and Police, Fire and EMS personnel;
• Send, receive, and disseminate confidential information;
• Enter and update information into statewide and national databases; and
• Maintain job knowledge through classroom, on-the-job, and online training.