
Posting number: 00500
Department: Emergency Communications
Job classification: Telecommunicator I
Posting type: Open
Categories: 911 Telecommunications
Starting Pay is $17.79 per hour.
The purpose of this class within the organization is to dispatch police, fire and rescue personnel in response to emergency and non-emergency situations. This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences. The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
Answers and evaluates emergency situations and develops working solutions in a timely manner.
Dispatches calls for service to appropriate personnel in the field via radio for emergency and non-emergency calls.
Sends and receives information via computer terminals.
Determines priority of calls and dispatches appropriate units.
Communicates with police, fire and rescue and other law enforcement agencies, emergency service providers and general public through multi-line telephone system.
Enters warrants, wanted persons, missing persons, stolen property, etc. in the National Crime Information Center/Virginia Crime Information Network (NCIC/VCIN) terminals.
Sends and receives a variety of law enforcement reports, warrants and information.
Enters and records activity and status into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
Attends roll call with police units.
Coordinates training for all Communications Officers.
Trains new dispatchers.
Works the receptionist desk occasionally.
Performs related work as assigned.
Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.
Requires two years' experience in emergency communications dispatching.
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
Special Certification and Licenses: Possession or ability to obtain a State Dispatcher Certificate within one (1) year from the date of employment. Failure to obtain the State Dispatcher Certification will result in termination.
The work schedule may vary and include any permanent day, evening, or midnight shift including weekends and holidays.
The City of Petersburg Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.
The City of Petersburg is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program
The City of Petersburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City of Petersburg to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Petersburg, Virginia, a city rich in history, is dedicated to providing superior services and promoting community pride. Petersburg is located in central eastern Virginia and is about 25 miles south of Richmond, the state capitol. The city is strategically located at the fall line of the Appomattox River. The city received its charter in 1748 and became a City in 1850. During the colonial period, Petersburg was the home of Fort Henry, and was the center for transportation and commercial activities. As the railroad developed in the 1830’s, Petersburg became a major transfer point. The city was also a key asset to Union plans during the Civil War to capture Richmond.. Now, Petersburg is home to Fort Lee and the United States Army’s Sustainment Center of Excellence.