Communications Officer; 911 Dispatcher

Employment Opportunities

It is the policy of Shenandoah County to base personnel administration on merit principles, including equitable compensation based on job classification; evaluation, selection, and promotion based on ability, knowledge, skills, and performance; and fair and equal treatment of applicants and employees in all aspects of personnel management without regard to their race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender, veteran or military status, marital status or any other status or class protected by federal or local laws.

The County provides reasonable accommodations to applicants during the application process and will ensure equal access to available positions. Please contact Human Resources at 540‑459‑4712 or 540‑459‑6160 to request a reasonable accommodation to apply.

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Shenandoah County is accepting applications for a Full‑Time Communications Officer in the 911 Center. All applicants will be subject to a skills and hearing test relevant to the position, conducted on a computer. All applicants must agree to submit to a criminal background check.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. The County provides reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions herein described.

• Receives law enforcement, fire, rescue, animal control, and related service requests and calls.
• Operates radios, telephone switchboard, alarm systems, recording devices, and computer terminals.
• Dispatches emergency and non‑emergency equipment and personnel where and when needed, including extreme call volumes and in times of disaster.
• Receives and forwards informational requests, complaints, and other calls for County departments and other agencies.
• Receives and transmits messages by radio and maintains radio activity via a computer‑aided dispatch system.
• Receives and enters caller information into a data base and answers radio communications simultaneously.
• Participates in Emergency Operations Center in Communications Section.
• Operates NCIC/VCIN Networks.
• Prepares and maintains public safety computer records and Calls for Service Database System.
• Maintains familiarity with operating procedures of agencies served.
• Keeps in telephone contact with caller when situation dictates.
• Maintains required certifications related to performance of duties.
• Assists with training as needed.
• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as assigned.

Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school, and/or experience in public safety communications, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Completion of Basic Dispatch School through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services within one (1) year of employment. Possession of VCIN/NCIC (Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center) within 6 months of employment, EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) within one (1) year of employment, FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) certifications, and CPR certifications. Valid driver’s license.

Must be 18 years of age. Ability to pass audiogram testing. Must be able to work 12‑hour shifts days, nights, weekends, holidays, and call backs; department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Knowledge of communications systems, radio and teletype procedures and geography of the county are desirable. Must have the ability to function in a stressful environment and be willing to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, and times of disaster.

The annual starting pay range for this FLSA non‑exempt position is $39,907.44 – 45,893.55
, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and internal…