Dispatcher - Emergency Communications

DISPATCHER – EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

CONTRACT PENDING

Location: DC / MD / VA

Position Summary

The Dispatcher provides 24/7 emergency communications support within an Emergency Communications Center (ECC). This position receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls, monitors security and life-safety systems, dispatches police, fire, medical, and other response resources, and maintains situational awareness during routine operations and emergency situations.

The successful candidate must be able to communicate clearly, remain composed under pressure, follow established procedures, and effectively coordinate information and response activities in a fast-paced public safety environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service.

Dispatch police, fire, emergency medical, and other response resources as appropriate.

Monitor access-control systems, fire alarms, security alarms, video surveillance systems (VSS), and other life-safety and security systems.

Identify and report system discrepancies or conditions requiring corrective action.

Make required notifications to emergency management personnel, operational stakeholders, and other designated personnel in accordance with established procedures.

Initiate facility work requests when appropriate.

Follow established standard operating procedures, emergency protocols, and quick-response checklists.

Coordinate with appropriate personnel during unusual, critical, or emergency situations.

Maintain clear, accurate, timely, and professional communications with callers, first responders, emergency management personnel, and other stakeholders.

Maintain situational awareness and accurately document significant events and response activities.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

Verifiable experience working in a dispatch center or emergency communications environment.

Experience receiving and responding to emergency and administrative telephone calls.

General knowledge of access-control systems, fire and security alarm systems, video surveillance systems (VSS), and two-way radio base-station operations.

Strong oral and written English communication skills, including fluency in reading, writing, and speaking.

Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and operate effectively under stressful or emergency conditions.

Ability to type a minimum of 40 words per minute.

Working knowledge of personal computers and proficiency with Microsoft Word.

Ability to work rotating shifts in a 24/7 environment, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended or emergency schedules as required.

Must be a United States citizen by birth or naturalization, or a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a minimum Tier 2 Non-Critical Sensitive determination and/or required security eligibility.

Required Certifications

Priority Dispatch Emergency Telecommunicator Certification: Required prior to beginning work.

Priority Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification: Must be obtained within two months of employment.

Basic Life Support/CPR: Current American Red Cross or American Heart Association training required for Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification.

Priority Dispatch Emergency Police Dispatcher Certification: Must be obtained within four months of employment.

Priority Dispatch Emergency Fire Dispatcher Certification: Must be obtained within six months of employment.

NCIC and METERS Certification: Must be obtained within 90 days after access to required training materials.

NCIC and METERS certifications must be renewed every two years or as otherwise required.