Dispatcher, Government

Job Details

• Salary: $48,547.00 annually
• Location:
  
  Yorktown, VA
• Job Type: Full-time
• Job Number: 18DI-2076
• Department: E911
• Division: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
• Opening Date: 01/09/2026
• Closing Date:
  Continuous

Performs specialized emergency radio and communications work, serving as a dispatcher on an assigned shift for the York-Poquoson-Williamsburg-James City County Regional Communications Center. Receives incoming calls on both non-emergency and emergency 911 lines; dispatches applicable personnel. Operates a computer terminal connected to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Coordinates responses for law enforcement, Fire & EMS, animal control, public utilities, etc.

This is a fast‑paced environment where attention to detail is critical. Incumbents work on a rotating shift, are expected to work holidays and weekends as scheduled, and are subject to be called back to work overtime as needed to keep the center staffed at a certain minimal level. The position is considered Alpha, which means the incumbent is expected to perform their assigned duties regardless of existing severe inclement weather or emergency conditions.

Public safety telecommunicators must quickly and accurately receive and process auditory information in an environment that includes various background noises such as telephones ringing, multiple‑frequency radio traffic and general conversation. This requires both active and passive listening to process phone or radio requests, recognize incoming calls, intercoms, alarms, interactions with other employees, and general happenings in the communications center.

Provides emergency E911 dispatch services for the York-Poquoson-Williamsburg-James City County Regional Communications Center.

Operates a state‑of‑the‑art 800 MHz radio system and related technologies for law enforcement, fire/EMS, and other government functions; receives calls for service, complaints and requests for assistance by telephone, radio, in person and by other emerging technologies related to next‑generation 911 services; determines priority and operates computer‑aided dispatch computer to dispatch necessary officials and/or advise caller of proper contact for assistance or information;

corresponds and assists with coordinating services with other law enforcement and public safety jurisdictions.

Accurately obtains, records, and disseminates emergency and non‑emergency calls for service from citizens and visitors to Police/Fire/EMS responders; reviews emergency call information, determines nature of call; dispatches call to the most appropriate and closest unit or person to the scene of the emergency; relays all pertinent information to responding units; stays in constant contact to relay additional information and respond to requests.

Operates a computer connected with the Virginia Information Center (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to obtain driver’s history, vehicle registration data, gun permit verification and criminal record information; enters information into network such as missing person identities, stolen vehicles, protective orders, wanted persons and/or articles; corresponds with other law enforcement or public services jurisdictions; processes and maintains records of information obtained.

Uses CAD system to document information and requests made pertaining to specific incidents by responding units and other County officials; maintains knowledge of location and activities of various emergency response personnel; prepares activity reports and assigns case numbers.

Provides emergency medical instruction over the phone to callers until dispatched personnel arrive.

Monitors County alarm systems; monitors cameras placed throughout York County; monitors and answers National Warning System (NAWAS) and Surry Instaphones, and logs calls.

Maintains a log of computer and equipment malfunctions and problems.

Serves as the main point of contact for radio communications and malfunctions for multiple surrounding Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) agencies, as well as local hospitals; maintains a log and notifies vendor for repairs.