Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Summary

Public Safety TelecommunicatorThe 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.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; andMaintain job knowledge through classroom, on-the-job, and online training.Minimums:High School Diploma or equivalent;One (1) year of experience providing direct public contact and problem resolutions; andProficiency 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/orEntering information provided verbally into an automated system.Special Requirements: 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 APriority Dispatch certifications - Emergency Police, Fire, and Medical Dispatch (EPD, EFD, and EMDM)CPR and Automated External Defibrillation (AED)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.

Job Description

Public Safety TelecommunicatorThe 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.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; andMaintain job knowledge through classroom, on-the-job, and online training.Minimums:High School Diploma or equivalent;One (1) year of experience providing direct public contact and problem resolutions; andProficiency 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/orEntering information provided verbally into an automated system.Special Requirements: 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 APriority Dispatch certifications - Emergency Police, Fire, and Medical Dispatch (EPD, EFD, and EMDM)CPR and Automated External Defibrillation (AED)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.