ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Communication Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Varite

Marketing Communication Specialist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

The primary role of the NA DPP marketing communications specialist is to support the segment marketing communications (MC) team's critical operating tasks for the Tyvek garments business inclusive of ...

New

Parsons

Communication Specialist - Mid

Springfield, VA

$74K - $130K/yr

The Communications Specialist- Mid,is a versatile and experienced professional responsible for ... Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the specialist willmanageeverything from drafting daily ...

SAIC

Communication Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and ... Provide space communications engineering support for space systems including mesh communication ...

SAIC

Communication Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and ... Provide space communications engineering support for space systems including mesh communication ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Communication Technician 1

Richmond, VA · On-site

... operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting ... communicate in English. * May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while ...

SAIC

Communication Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and ... Provide space communications engineering support for space systems including mesh communication ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Communication Apprentice

Tysons, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting ... communicate in English. * May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunication Operator JobsCommunication Operator Jobs in Virginia

Communication Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$23

$43

How much do communication operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for communication operator in Virginia is $23.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Communication Operators face during high-pressure situations, and how can they effectively manage them?

Communication Operators often encounter high-pressure scenarios, such as emergency calls or critical incidents, where quick thinking and calm decision-making are essential. Managing multiple calls, relaying accurate information, and prioritizing tasks can be challenging when the workload spikes. To handle these situations effectively, operators rely on strong organizational skills, thorough training in protocols, and support from their team. Regular debriefings and ongoing professional development also help operators improve their stress management and communication abilities.

What are Communication Operators?

Communication Operators are professionals responsible for managing and directing communications within an organization or between organizations and the public. They operate communication equipment such as radios, telephones, and computers to dispatch information, relay messages, and coordinate responses, especially in emergency situations. Communication Operators play a critical role in ensuring that information is accurately and efficiently transmitted to the right parties. Their work is essential in fields like emergency services, security, transportation, and large organizations where constant communication is necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Communication Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Communication Operator, you need strong verbal and written communication skills, quick decision-making abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio dispatch systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Exceptional multitasking, stress management, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate information relay, effective coordination, and timely response in high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between Communication Operator vs Radio Dispatcher?

AspectCommunication OperatorRadio Dispatcher
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications varySimilar requirements; often includes specialized radio operation training
Work EnvironmentCall centers, customer service, emergency communication centersEmergency services, transportation hubs, public safety agencies
Employer & IndustryTelecom companies, emergency services, government agenciesPolice, fire departments, transit authorities
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for communication roles in customer service or emergency responseCompared for roles involving dispatching and radio communication in public safety

Communication Operators and Radio Dispatchers share similar skills in radio communication and customer service, but they differ mainly in their work environments and specific responsibilities. Communication Operators often handle general communication tasks in call centers or customer service, while Radio Dispatchers focus on coordinating emergency or transportation services via radio. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in their respective industries.

What are popular job titles related to Communication Operator jobs in Virginia? For Communication Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Communication Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Communication Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Communication Operator jobs in VA? For Communication Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Communication Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communication Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,065 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Central Communications Operator

Sentara Healthcare

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Sentara Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 397 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

493rd of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

City/State
Harrisonburg, VA
Work Shift
Multiple shifts available
Overview:
Overview
Sentara Health is hiring a Central Communications Operators
This position is on-site in Harrisonburg or Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Position Status: Full-time First , second and third shift opportunities.
Position Location: Rockingham Atrium - Harrisonburg, VA / Sentara Independence - Virginia Beach, VA
Standard Working Hours:
  • First Shift -6:00 AM - 4:30 PM / 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM /9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
  • Second Shift: 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM / 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Third Shift: 9:00 PM - 7:30 AM ; 11 PM-7:30 AM / 9:30 PM - 6:00 AM

** This position is eligible for a 3,000 sign-on bonus for qualified candidates.
Rotating weekends required. Must work 3 holidays.
Central Communications Operators play a critical role in ensuring seamless, timely communication across Sentara hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, and afterhours call services. Operating within a centralized, 24/7 environment, this role serves as the primary hub for emergency and nonemergency communications-supporting rapid response coordination, internal escalation, and exceptional customer service. Success in this role requires the ability to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly to shifting priorities, and communicate with urgency and precision during high impact situations.
Education
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (Required)

Certification/Licensure
  • No specific certification or licensure required at time of hire

Experience
  • 2 years of experience in a high-volume, fast-paced communications, call center, or service operations environment, such as healthcare, emergency services, telecommunications, public safety, or centralized customer support (Required)

The ideal candidate will possess the following (Preferred):
  • Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately

  • Knowledge of emergency codes and hospital incident command systems

  • Proficiency with multi-line phone systems, paging systems and emergency notification platforms

  • Experience with electronic health record systems and call management software

  • Ability to troubleshoot communication equipment under pressure.

  • High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation

Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met.
Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.
For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

What Sentara Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply