Public Safety Dispatcher - University Police Department

Overview The University Police Department at West Virginia University is accepting applications for a Public Safety Dispatcher. The WVU Police Communications Officer serves as a support system to maintain the safety and security of the campus community, parents, and visitors in a fast-paced, stressful environment. Maintains all inbound and outbound communications for the WVU Police Department and assists surrounding agencies. Provides Investigative, administrative, and field support to the department. Provides non-emergency information services to students, faculty, staff, and the community twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. What You’ll Do Communications operations: Collect, process, and disseminate information and data relative to the University Police, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Parking services, fire/life safety, Environmental Health & Safety and Facilities Management units for all campuses in a timely manner related to campus safety. Use available resources and training to minimize liability to the University. Maintain contact with WVU parking and transportation, facilities management, Health Sciences Center and roads and grounds personnel. Dispatch calls for custodians, fire control, maintenance, and parking issues. Conduct status checks of officers as mandated by the department. Assess risk level of information received from callers and determine units needed to respond; prioritize calls in order of precedence. Handle panicked and high-stress callers during crises (e.g., suicide threats, missing students, sexual assaults, active shooter situations, fights in progress). Provide officers with pertinent information regarding descriptions of persons, vehicles, etc., as learned or received from callers. Utilize mapping software to determine caller location and ensure proper notification of the incident. Transmit and/or receive communications from local, outside agencies and the public, noting hazardous conditions and dispatching appropriate personnel to the scene. Access Siemens Fire Alarm System for WVU Morgantown Campus Property; respond appropriately during a fire alarm activation. Receive incoming calls from parking gates; raise, lower, and lock gates according to policy and traffic patterns. Act as a welcome service (first point of contact) to visitors, families, and the campus community, providing non-emergency information. In the absence of a Lead or Supervisor, serve as a CTO (Communication Training Officer) for new hires, observe and provide training material, and prepare the new hire’s daily observation report (DOR) tied to six-month reviews. Provide alternative transportation information when normal services are unavailable. Possibility of testifying for grand jury hearings and other court-related appointments as needed. Be knowledgeable about matters related to higher education including FERPA, Title IX, CLERY, etc. Emergency response Follow written protocol to activate rapid notification systems (WVU Alert & LiveSafe); WVU Alert alerts mass amounts of people and agencies with brief messages; LiveSafe relays messages via text, video, and voice. May be responsible for sending alert messages via email or text. Monitor weather conditions and notify proper authorities or issue weather alerts when needed, including for roads, grounds, and Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) areas. Maintain emergency contact lists for University Directors and Supervisors in the event of campus incidents. Maintain communication with assisting agencies providing support and assistance. Have thorough knowledge of the campus and operating systems; monitor Radiation (RMS) and activate emergency protocols as needed. Phone systems, contacts, protocols, procedures and processes Operate a multiline telecommunications system (VoIP); disseminate calls, take messages, and transfer to proper divisions. Provide information requested and obtain it via resources in the Communications Center. Maintain two-way communication with all elevators on campus in case of entrapment or maintenance requests. Maintain accurate lists and answer all Blue Emergency phones campus-wide. Update emergency contact information (including emergency alert numbers, student/faculty/staff emergencies, building supervisors, and alarm responses). Know medical amnesty laws to protect reporting parties seeking aid. Maintain databases, including the Central Square CAD system and related records (personnel, equipment, training, addresses, crimes, reports, warrants, evidence, and found property). Perform office duties and clerical work (reports, citations, parking systems, cash handling for tows and fingerprint cards, protective orders, warrants, waivers, sex offender registry, etc.). Operate and maintain records from the Communications Center; assist investigations and provide support to administration and supervision. Operating/Monitoring cameras, software programs, alarms and protocols Monitor campus camera systems, retrieve video footage, and assist in ongoing incidents; note camera failures and conduct monthly audits. Master operations of software programs (e.g., CS Gold, QVMS, Avtec, Central Square, Avigilon, Lynx Panic Alarms, Parking Flex, 911 hang up, Star-Rez, Omnilert, LiveSafe, Advocate, Radiation Safety alarms). Monitor multiple alarm systems and notify designated contacts; dispatch appropriate personnel. Fingerprinting via live-scan for WVU and outside agencies. Redact court-ordered materials (e.g., fingerprints, photos, arrest logs, electronic incident databases). Serve as central dispatch for University operations when the University Emergency Operations Center is activated and perform related duties as assigned. W.E.A.P.O.N.S. (West Virginia Automated Police Network System) Includes NCIC, NLETS, and CJIS. Conduct background checks for employment and criminal activity; enter missing persons, stolen property, and wanted persons in nationwide databases. Ensure integrity of contents and restrict access to unauthorized personnel; audits are conducted by state and federal agencies. Always requires two CSOs to respond to external inquiries; CSOs must be state-certified and recertify every two years. Attend required training classes as needed. In Person Customer Service Be the first point of contact for students, staff, and visitors entering the Police Department. Provide directions, phone numbers, and general information about the University and surrounding areas. Receive, process, and secure monetary transactions related to vehicle tows and fingerprints. Obtain necessary information for officers, including during distressed situations (e.g., sexual assault, stolen property, identity theft). Request documents needed to release impounded vehicles. Additional duties Any other assigned duties from the Communications Manager/Supervisor, OIC, or Chief of Police as requested. Pay and benefits Pay Grade: 12. Starting at an entry rate of $18.00/hr. WVU provides competitive wages and considers experience and related education. Benefits include a 37.5-hour work week, holidays, leave, health insurance options, retirement contributions, wellness programs, and other benefits. Work hours Day, Midnight, and Afternoon shifts. Qualifications High school diploma or GED; experience involving dealing with the public in a high-stress environment; any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered. All qualifications must be met by the time of employment. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Advanced knowledge of computer system applications, real-time control systems, radio communications. Ability to read and comprehend technical documents; ability to type; coordinate and dispatch safety equipment and personnel. Ability to cover all shifts and work extended hours; ability to prioritize and multitask; excellent memory; clear and concise speaking; able to hear and comprehend multiple communications. Ability to make quick, sound decisions; handle stress; knowledge of standard radio and telephone communications practices; interpret verbal and written instructions; FCC rules and procedures. Ability to read maps; develop and maintain cooperative working relationships; multi-keyboard proficiency; knowledge of policies and procedures; supervision and training knowledge. Care of radio, telephone, video, alarm, and computer equipment; maintain accurate records; prepare reports and evaluations; assist investigations and projects. Ability to monitor and react to alarms; maintain composure under pressure. Requirements Licenses/Certifications Department background check; pre-employment psychological evaluation; APCO certification within six months of hire; NCIC certification within six months; First Aid, CPR within six months; FEMA NIMS Incident Management training within six months; PCI Merchant Training within six months; maintain confidentiality when exposed to sensitive material. Physical Demands Prolonged sitting/standing in a windowless, high-stress environment; may lift moderate weight; loud/noise environments; ability to type 35 wpm; excellent hearing and vision. About WVU West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We are committed to the growth of our employees and to work-life balance. WVU values service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation. WVU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. Job Posting: Jun 18, 2026. Classification: Classified. Exemption Status: Non-Exempt. Benefits Eligible: Yes. Schedule: Full-time. #J-18808-Ljbffr