Entry Level Communications Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Compensation Grade:
PS11A
Salary Range:
$26.70-$44.06
Opening Date:
February 21, 2026
Closing Date:
Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.
As an Entry-Level Emergency Communications Technician I, you will receive and create calls for service, both emergency and non-emergency, and enter them into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD). You will communicate with first responders via radio, telephone, and email. The primary communication with First Responders will be via a dedicated radio channel to ensure quick and accurate response to both types of calls for service.
Emergency Communications Technician I
This is a developmental level job in the Emergency Communications Technician career ladder.
To become a Certified Emergency Communications Technician II, an employee must complete 24 months in the position and pass the following within 24 months of the date of hire, promotion, or placement in the job:
(a) Complete and pass 960 hours of in-house, instructor-led classroom training (covering Technical Security, Call Taking, VCIN, Police Radio, and Fire Rescue Radio);
(b) Obtain Certification as a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Operator.
(c) Complete 80 hours of Commonwealth of Virginia mandatory training; and
(d) Successfully complete six months of independent work as an ECT I.
Upon completing all these requirements and obtaining Certification as an ECT, the employee is eligible for a non-competitive promotion to the ECT II level.
Reports to the Training Coordinator/Supervisor but may work under the supervision of an Emergency Communications Technician Supervisor or under a full performance Emergency Communications Technician II or Emergency Communications Technician Certified Training officer (CTO).
Serves in the Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC) of the Office of Public Safety located at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Receives, processes, and relays emergency and non-emergency communications via various public safety communications equipment and dispatches Police, Fire Rescue & EMS to Airports Authority locations or to mutual aid jurisdictions under direct supervision. Work performed - limited in nature and includes learning while performing a range of activities and operations which involve acquiring and improving skills. More complex and/or varied assignments are made, as the Emergency Communications Technician I gain experience, knowledge and skill. Performs related functions.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Determines nature of service requested and dispatches police, fire, or EMS unit(s), in accordance with needs, as guided.
Maintains contact with dispatched unit(s) and relays information between units, as needed, verbally communicating with First Responders via radio communications.
Coordinates mutual aid response(s) with participating jurisdictions.
Performs administrative tasks to include recording calls, preparing logs, and retrieving data from the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases.
Uses proper broadcast procedures, calming emotionally distraught callers, as necessary.
Routes and or re-routes or transfers calls appropriately.
Provide excellent customer service to all parties that you interact with, whether it is an internal MWAA person, external partner or traveling public.
Performs ECT level maintenance on public safety communication equipment as well as general office equipment.
Provides credible testimony in court, as required.
Performs multiple tasks at once such as speaking, listening, and typing.
Attends in-service, mandatory, basic, advanced, and specialized training to acquire and maintain skills.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Be at least 18 years old.
Be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past 10 consecutive years and have no previous felony or serious conviction records.
Ability to provide customer service in a business-oriented and professional manner.
Ability to remain calm and maintain a professional demeanor in a high paced environment and when handling emergency situations.
Ability to read and interpret maps or ability to learn to read and interpret maps to direct dispatched units and/or answer questions from callers needing assistance.
Skill in using computer and modern office suite software, with emphasis on database software and an ability to learn new software systems.
Ability to speak and write English effectively, including using appropriate tone of voice and speech characteristics with an emphasis on communicating information to give clear instructions, to provide clarity and understanding to others in emergency situations.
Skill in problem solving to identify, select, organize, and logically process relevant information to solve a problem and make recommendations.
Ability to pass comprehensive medical examinations including drug screening, vision and pass a psychological examination.
Ability to pass an online, computer-administered skills and ability test Ability to successfully complete the 80-hour the Commonwealth of Virginia Telecommunications Course and the State of Virginia VCIN/NCIC course.
Ability to work essential/emergency personnel schedule (including 5 workdays/ 2- off days, weekends, holidays, inclement weather, and emergency callbacks).
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC) is the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) who receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for Reagan National Airport, Dulles International Airport, and the Dulles Toll and Access roads. Must be willing and able to perform these tasks.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher (police/fire/EMS) and skill in use of a variety of public safety communications equipment in accordance with regulations.
Knowledge of VCIN and NCIC procedures.
Certification as a NCIC Operator.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret maps.
National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100 Series Police/Fire training from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Management Institute.
Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from the American Heart Association (AHA) or equivalent.
Certification in Automated External Defibrillation (AED) from the American Heart Association (AHA).
EDUCATION
A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED
A state driver's license in good standing.
Certification as a VCIN Operator or obtain or recertify VCIN Operator certification within six months of Date of Hire.
Certification as a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Operator within six months of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.
Certification as an Emergency Communications Technician within 24 months of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Works rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays, special Airport Events and during periods of inclement weather.
May be subject to hold over or recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies.
Communicates verbally and in writing and with first responders via radio communications in a high paced environment.
Works in a fast pace stressful atmosphere with multiple incoming/outgoing calls and communications during peak periods and/or during emergencies requires multi-tasking.
Attends ongoing mandatory in-service, basic, advanced, and specialized training.
Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
WHAT WE OFFER
A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here.
A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.