Dispatchers jobs in Virginia

Working Title of Vacant PositionPublic Safety Call Taker
Job Type: Full Time
Posting Type: Public
Number of Vacancies: 2
Department: POLICE
Division: POLICE SUPPORT
Requisition Number: 202672
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 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: N - Never
Pay Basis: Semi-Monthly
Advertised Salary:

Starting at $51,869 / annual salary
or higher depending on qualifications and experience

Sign On Bonus
$4,000 (no experience)
$5,000 (experienced Public Safety Telecommunicator)

Job Description:

Make a Difference — One Call at a Time!

The Chesapeake Police Department is seeking dedicated, service-minded professionals to join our Public Safety Emergency Communications (PSEC) team as Public Safety Call Takers. In this critical role, you are often the first point of contact in an emergency, providing calm, accurate, and compassionate assistance to our community when it matters most.

Public Safety Call Takers play a vital role in public safety by answering emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering critical information, and providing life-saving instructions while coordinating closely with police, fire, and emergency medical services. This position includes structured training and evaluation prior to independent call-taking responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Answer 911 and non-emergency calls, quickly and accurately obtaining essential information needed for emergency response.
Determine the appropriate course of action and route information to police, fire, EMS, or other service agencies.
Provide Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and other pre-arrival instructions in accordance with approved protocols.
Communicate clearly and professionally with callers who may be experiencing high stress, fear, or crisis.
Maintain accurate call records, logs, and documentation for legal, administrative, and investigative purposes.
Operate and maintain computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, telephone systems, recording equipment, and related technology.
Reference and maintain up-to-date maps, policies, procedures, and emergency reference materials.
Participate in ongoing training, in-service instruction, and professional development to maintain certifications and skills.
Work collaboratively with supervisors, trainers, and fellow communications personnel.
Perform other related duties in support of emergency communications operations

Work Schedule and Conditions

This is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week operation requiring rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency callbacks.
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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with all applicable policies and regulations.
Emotional resilience, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to public service.
Ability to meet the attendance, scheduling, and reliability requirements of a 24/7 emergency communications operation, including rotating shifts and mandatory overtime.

Performance Expectations

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

Automatic Disqualifiers

Disqualifying factors include, but are not limited to, the following, from the date of application:

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:

Vocational/Educational Requirement: Requires high school diploma or GED, or specialized vocational training in telecommunications.

Experience: None required.

Special Certifications and Licenses: Special skills or equipment certification may be required. Must be a United States citizen or a lawful resident for the past 10 consecutive years.

Special Requirements: Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

-At least six (6) months of prior customer service or call center experience is preferred.
-Ability to type at least 34WPM and 4000 KPH Data Entry

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

Special Instructions to Applicants:

* Apply Now – Sign-on Bonus*

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

After you apply, you will receive an instructional email with detailed information about the steps in hiring process, as well as information on submitting the Personal History Statement.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Drug Screening: MARIJUANA

In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

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