Entry Level Communications Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Emergency Communications Technician I 

$57,500

(Onsite)

The City of Falls Church Police Department is a highly respected, professional public safety agency committed to providing the highest level of service that our community expects. Located six miles from Washington D.C., the City of Falls Church is an independent City, separate from neighboring Arlington and Fairfax Counties, with its own school system, municipal government, and police department. At just over 2 square miles in area, "The Little City" is known for its urban village community, quality customer service, and independent spirit.   

The City of Falls Church is seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Emergency Communications Technician. The primary duties of this position are to act as a police dispatcher and call-taker for both emergency and non-emergency lines. Our dispatchers are responsible for communicating information between first responders and members of the public using radios, telephones, and various computer programs and equipment. Applicants must exhibit strong customer service skills, be able to work efficiently on computer-based applications, have good organizational skills, and have the ability to work in a stressful environment while maintaining good judgment following policy and procedures. The applicant will have the ability to use their problem-solving skills to generate a favorable outcome to many of the challenges that arise while performing the duties of this position. The applicant must also be willing to work a variety of shifts, to include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. 

The City of Falls Church Police Department is comprised of approximately 55 employees, including 35 sworn officers and six civilian Emergency Communications Technicians. As a smaller law enforcement agency, our greatest strength is in the close-working cooperation across all divisions - which include Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Emergency Communications, Animal Control, Parking Enforcement, and Records – and our neighboring public safety agencies and mutual aid partners.  

Minimum Requirements: 

• Graduation from high school or GED Certificate 
• General knowledge of the geography of the city and the region 
• Demonstrate ability to learn and retain knowledge of telecommunications procedures and techniques and to deal with the public under stressful conditions 
• Certification as a communications officer within one year of employment 
• Certification as a VCIN operator within 6 months of employment  
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. 

Steps in the Hiring Process:  

• Apply: Complete the Emergency Communications Technician job application online.  
• Exam and Interview  Candidates eligible to participate in the selection process will be invited to the Police Department to take a written examination and participate in a panel interview. .  
• Background: Qualified applicants will undergo a comprehensive background investigation and character check, including polygraph examination.  
• Interview: Selected candidates will be invited to interview with City of Falls Church Chief of Police Shahram Fard. 
• Job Offer: Offers are contingent on background and drug screening for final employment.  

Salary and Benefits: 

Annual entry-level salary is $57,500.  Comprehensive benefits package including pension plan, deferred compensation plan, health insurance, dental insurance, flexible spending account, life & long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, credit union membership, free parking, and more.  See more details on benefits here. 

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace: The City of Falls Church is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the federal, state and/or local laws or regulations. Accommodations may be requested for applicants with disabilities.  To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at HRTeam@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5127.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

All City facilities are smoke free.

Please direct questions regarding this position to FCPDhiring@fallschurchva.gov