Communications Officer

Description

The City of Roanoke is seeking 911 Communications Officer candidates to dispatch police, fire, rescue and public works equipment and personnel usually in response to emergency situations and disseminate information to the general public and emergency services personnel. A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) supplemented by continuing education with some computer classes is required. Bilingual Spanish/English speakers are encouraged to apply.

TO BEGIN THE TESTING PROCESS, APPLY AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. Testing information will be shared via email. You are requested to complete the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ – link found below) and bring it with you to your interview if you pass the test. If you do not bring the PHQ to your interview, there is a two‑week deadline from the interview date for submission.

This is a fast‑paced, 24/7 operation which requires that applicants are available to work any shift, including weekends, holidays and overtime when needed.

911 Communications Officer Written Testing is done ONLINE ONLY. Applicants will receive an email link to the test on the following Wednesday morning which will remain viable until midnight on Sunday. Candidates will need a personal computer with an internet connection to take the exam. Use an electronic mouse and headphones is advantageous. In 3 business days you will receive notification upon passing or failing.

E‑911 Hiring Process
E‑911 Personal History Questionnaire
E‑911 Disqualifying Information
Typing Practice Test

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

Summary:

Dispatches police, fire, rescue and public works equipment and personnel usually in response to emergency situations and disseminates information to the general public and emergency services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives complaints in person or by phone and elicits appropriate information to ensure a timely response
• Receives and transmits messages by radio and maintains radio log on shift work
• Monitors teletype traffic, sends teletype messages, and maintains teletype log
• Receives accident and ambulance calls
• Dispatches City vehicles and personnel where and when needed
• Takes telephone calls concerning complaints, passes information on to appropriate units and makes record of calls
• Maintains status boards relative to availability of emergency service units
• Receives and disseminates information thru the use of a data terminal linked to the Virginia Crime Information Network
• May provide assistance in the operating procedures and practices to new employees in an on‑the‑job training situation
• Dispatches and monitors pursuant to the Emergency Medical Services System

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Typical

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) supplemented by continuing education with some computer classes.

Language Skills Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Reasoning…