Public Safety Telecommunicator I Trainee: 911 Operator/Dispatcher at City of Chesapeake Human Resources – Chesapeake, Virginia

Working Title of Vacant PositionPublic Safety Telecommunicator I Trainee: 911 Operator/Dispatcher
Job Type: Full Time
Posting Type: Public
Number of Vacancies: 7
Department: POLICE
Division: POLICE SUPPORT
Requisition Number: 202673
Number of hours worked per week: 40 hours + Overtime as required
Work Schedule: Basic Dispatch Academy (BDA) schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30AM to 4:00PM until completion Upon completion of the BDA Schedule: Rotating 12-hour shifts: 6:00AM-6:00PM or 6:00PM-6:00AM Fixed for 4 months including weekends and holidays; must also be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs All shift assignments are subject to change based on operational needs | Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Work Site Location: Chesapeake, VA
Position Driving Requirement: O - Occasional
Pay Basis: Semi-Monthly
Advertised Salary:

• Starting position as a PST Trainee [GE10] – $51,869/annual salary or higher depending on qualifications and experience

• PST Trainee Level lasts 14 – 16 months from the time of hire – 10% increase of pay after completing the Trainee Level

Job Description:

• Receive, evaluate, and process emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, EMS, and other public safety services.
• Accurately obtain, document, and prioritize critical information using structured call-taking and interrogation techniques.
• Assess evolving situations and apply appropriate response prioritization based on available information and established protocols.
• Enter and maintain call data in a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Dispatch appropriate public safety units via radio and monitor responses.
• Provide Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) instructions and crisis intervention in accordance with approved protocols.
• Communicate professionally with callers who may be distressed, emotional, or uncooperative.
• Operate multiple computer systems, radios, and public safety technologies simultaneously.
• Access and handle sensitive and confidential information in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and demonstrate ongoing progress throughout training.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Successful completion of the Basic Dispatch Academy.
• Completion of structured On-the-Job Training (OJT) for all assigned positions.
• Achievement and maintenance of all required certifications in accordance with Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) standards within the City’s eighteen (18)-month probationary period.

• This is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week operation requiring rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-backs.
• This position is designated as Alpha (essential) and requires employees to report for duty during inclement weather, major emergencies, disasters, and catastrophic events regardless of City operational status.
• Work is performed in a high-stress emergency communications center environment requiring prolonged sitting, use of headsets, and simultaneous operation of multiple computer systems.

• Ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and professionally in stressful situations.
• Ability to listen, analyze information, and make rapid, accurate decisions.
• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills.
• Ability to learn and operate multiple computer applications and technical systems.
• Emotional resilience, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to public service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with all applicable policies and regulations.
• Ability to meet the attendance, scheduling, and reliability requirements of a 24/7 emergency communications operation, including rotating shifts and mandatory overtime.

• Demonstrates increasing proficiency in call-taking, dispatching, and use of communications systems.
• Accurately applies policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Successfully progresses through all training phases and meets certification requirements.
• Maintains professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all aspects of performance.

• Convicted of, pled guilty to, or no contest to any felony.
• Convicted of, pled guilty to, or no contest to a misdemeanor involving acts of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing).
• Convicted of, pled guilty to, or no contest to a Misdemeanor Sex Offense.
• Convicted of, pled guilty to, or no contest to Domestic Assault.
• Conviction of possession, manufacture, and/or distribution of illegal drugs.
• Use of Cocaine, LSD, PCP, or any type of hallucinogenic drug within the last five (5) years
• Other Than Honorable; General; Dishonorable discharges from any military service. Uncharacterized discharges will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Candidates discharged for “conduct” reasons will not be considered.
• Untruthfulness or the withholding of pertinent information during any phase of the application process (e.g. application, interview, paperwork).
• Cheating on any examination or testing associated with the process.

Required Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Open Date: 02/13/2026
Job Close Date: 03/25/2026
Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• $4,000 [no experience]
• $5,000 [experienced Public Safety Telecommunicators]