911 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Emergency Communications OfficerAre you looking for an exciting and rewarding career? Consider a position as an Emergency Communications Officer. Base rate: $21.50 per hour $5,000 bonus to be paid after completion of initial training. The Emergency Communications Officer is a critical part of accomplishing the public safety mission for the City of Lynchburg. This is a fast-paced, 24/7 operation and requires applicants to be available to work any shift, including holidays, evenings, and weekends. Applicants must also be able to multi-task and prioritize demands. Applicants must be able to type a minimum of 38 words per minute. To see if you can type 38 words per minute (or to practice), click here. The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.The 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatching Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. This position plays a critical role in public safety by gathering accurate information, prioritizing calls, and coordinating appropriate emergency responses while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and composure.Essential DutiesProcess 911 and non-emergency calls for police, fire, EMS, rescue, and public worksAssess calls by obtaining crucial and pertinent information, frequently from hysterical or irate callers, in order to classify and prioritize problems and to determine and coordinate the appropriate response by emergency personnel and equipmentProvide necessary Emergency Medical Dispatch instructions to callers experiencing medical crisesMonitor public safety units and maintain status of each to effectively coordinate responseHandle and determine dissemination of time-sensitive and confidential informationOperate various complex communications equipment, such as NCIC, 800 MHz regional radio system, and computer aided dispatch systemSend, receive, and disseminate messages to and from other agencies and jurisdictions through the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN)Execute extensive file searches and updates relative to location history, hazard information and record management dataAdminister appropriate notifications, such as alarm notifications, wrecker service, etc., as requested by public safety responders' performance outcomes.Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assignedWhen unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service deliveryProvide testimony in criminal court proceedingsCoordinates daily with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the National Warning System (NAWAS)Minimum Education and Experience RequiredHigh school diploma or GED, and customer service and/or telemarketing experience required. Associate's degree with major coursework in communications and/or public safety preferred.Additional RequirementsMust pass a thorough background examination, a polygraph, and a credit investigation.Ability to be certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Dispatcher through successful completion of state-mandated trainingAbility to obtain NCIC/VCIN certificationThis position requires eligibility for access to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN). Must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who is eligible for naturalization.Ability to be certified in CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) during the initial training periodMust successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.BenefitsThe City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:Medical, dental, and vision coverageRetirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefitLife insurance at no cost to the employeeOptional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistancePaid Time OffEmployees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the positionEmployees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loansAdditional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures