Overview
Lateral Communications Officer; Dispatcher Jobs in Winchester, USA at Frederick County, VA
Position: Lateral Communications Officer (9-1-1 Dispatcher)
Salary: $46,394.00 – $76,466.00 Annually
Location : 1080 Coverstone Dr., Winchester, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00708
Department: PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
Description
We are seeking experienced Emergency Communications 9-1-1 Dispatchers with a strong commitment to public service and a solid foundation in technical skills. This lateral position is ideal for candidates ready to contribute immediately while continuing to grow in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
At Frederick County Public Safety Communications, you’ll work in a fast-paced, modern facility that leverages cutting-edge technology to provide critical support to the public 24/7/365 in a growing region.
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes full health and dental coverage, paid life insurance, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, and generous paid time off. We also offer on-call pay, various differentials, and a Career Development Program.
What You’ll Do:
The requirements for this position include, but are not limited to, those outlined below. All job qualifications and physical requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls.
- Assess, prioritize, and process calls to determine the appropriate response.
- Provide life-saving instructions and maintain communication with callers during emergencies.
- Dispatch and relay critical information to public safety personnel via radio and CAD systems.
- Monitor and document incidents using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and related systems.
- Coordinate with law enforcement, fire/rescue, and other agencies to ensure effective response.
- Access and interpret local, state, and national databases (including VCIN) as needed.
- Maintain situational awareness of locations, resources, and incidents within Frederick County and surrounding areas.
- Exercise sound judgment and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
- Deliver professional, courteous service to the public and partner agencies.
- Work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school, or equivalent, General Educational Development (GED) required.
EXPERIENCE:
- Lateral Communications Officer I/ 9-1-1 Dispatcher: Must have comparable emergency communications center experience that handles non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone calls, uses a CAD system, and dispatches for police, fire, and rescue services
- Lateral Communications Officer II/ 9-1-1 Dispatcher: Current personnel must meet the requirements of the Career Development Program. Others must have at least 5 years’ experience at a comparable emergency communications center that handles non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone calls, uses a CAD system, and dispatches for police, fire, and rescue services. There can be no more than a 1-year gap in employment between the previous experience and the application.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND/OR REGISTRATIONS:Must possess required certifications OR be prepared to obtain them immediately upon employment:
(1) Virginia Basic Telecommunicator, including National Emergency Management Systems (NIMS) 100, 200,700 and 800
(2) Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) full access
(3) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
(4) IAED Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
(5) IAED Emergency Fire Dispatch
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the geography within the Frederick County service area, including, but not limited to, streets, highways, boundaries, thoroughfares, landmarks, businesses, and locations of law enforcement and fire stations and districts. Understands state and federal laws, regulations, and statutes governing dispatch for emergency services. Handles multiple tasks…
Title: Lateral Communications Officer; Dispatcher
Company: Frederick County, VA
Location: Winchester, USA
Category:
