Police Communications Operator Jobs in Washington

Salary : $54,870.00 - $89,253.00 Annually
Location : Millersville, MD
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 08715
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Description
This is a full-time, safety-sensitive, represented position with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
Following the conclusion of a formalized training program, this position is 24 hours on 72 hours off position (1 day on 3 days off).
This is specialized work in receiving and assisting with dispatch of messages in the fire communications center during an assigned shift.
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK
Work involves responsibility for operating telephone, two-way radio, and related communications equipment and for performing related clerical tasks. These positions serve as call-takers and require fast, efficient, and accurate skills in the receiving and processing of calls and messages from and to fire and emergency vehicles and personnel. Work is performed independently within departmental and Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations, and is reviewed by superiors through observation, conferences, and reports.
Duties include shift work and employees are required to work holiday and weekends. Work is sedentary in nature and performed in a secured environment with specialized low lighting. Rest and meal periods are dependent on call volume and workload. Work requires reading from and monitoring computer screens for extended periods of time.
Employees in this classification are designated essential employees and must report to work under all weather conditions.
Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)
Responsible for receiving calls for emergency and non-emergency service via E-911 or other communication devices and inputting incidents into the CAD system.
Assists in dispatching Fire Department emergency equipment and personnel; maintains accurate account of the location of equipment; assists field personnel in locating streets and addresses; maintains radio dispatch records; answers incoming radio calls from field units.
Notifies ambulances, road maintenance crews, signal lights crews, and Police Department using the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) when necessary.
Operates two-way radios, CAD equipment, teleprinter, and related communications equipment. Prepares and maintains necessary records and reports. Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the geography of the County and the location of streets and main highways.
Basic knowledge of police and fire functions and operations, relevant laws and statutes related to communications.
Ability to receive information audibly and to distinguish, differentiate and respond to multiple audible stimuli from personnel or equipment, such as telephone, radio, or alarms. Ability to utilize maps and manual index of county intersections when necessary.
Ability to quickly learn the operation of computers, radios, CAD, and other communications equipment used in the telecommunications center.
Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to speak clearly and concisely to convey verbal messages utilizing telecommunication devices with a well-modulated voice under emergency conditions.
Ability to distinguish, differentiate, and respond to multiple visual stimuli such as printed documents, CRT displays, and indicator lights. Ability to maintain records and perform miscellaneous routine clerical work.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
Ability to work calmly and effectively in high stress situations.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from high school;
Experience: One year of work experience in an emergency services environment OR progressively responsible multi-faceted clerical work; AND skill in data entry keyboard functions*;
Conditions of Employment: Successful completion of the Fire Communications Operator entry-level training program offered through the Fire Department Information Management Division; and certifications maintained in ETC/Priority Dispatch, EMD/Priority Dispatch, EFD/Priority Dispatch, EMD/MIEMSS, and CPR/AHA as conditions of continued employment
*NOTES: Skill in data entry keyboard functions is defined as any electronic input, including but not limited to Computer Entry, Phone Entry, Tablet Entry, and other related electronic keyboarding input.
SELECTION PROCEDURES: Applicants will be required to take an aptitude test that measures audio interpretation, multitasking, keyboarding, and data entry accuracy skills. Click to access the CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide
CritiCall testing dates are tentatively scheduled for August 12, 2026, through August 26, 2026.
The CritiCall test is available online (remotely). You can access/complete the test from any computer that is fully compatible with the latest version of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
NOTES: The final selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.
NOTES: This position is safety sensitive and employees in these positions are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) and Alcohol testing.
**UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF TWELVE (12) MONTHS, EMPLOYEES HIRED AT THE MINIMUM RATE OF PAY FOR THE GRADE RECEIVE A 9% INCREASE FOR SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE. Additionally, longevity pay is available based on years of service.
Supplemental Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants with the following:
1) Fire dispatching experience with EMD/EFD current certification.
2) Fire service experience.
3) Dispatch experience in a public safety environment.
4) Willing to work a 24/72 (1 day on, 3 days off) schedule.

• Medical/Health Insurance Plans
  • BlueChoice Advantage EPO
  • BlueChoice Advantage PPO
• Dental Insurance
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)
  • CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)
• Vision Insurance
  • EyeMed
• Employee Life Insurance
  • Term insurance of $10,000 for employees at no cost.
  • Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Disability Income Insurance
• Pension Plan
  • Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.
• Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan
• Direct Deposit
• Credit Union
• Holidays
  • Twelve days provided per calendar year, thirteen in general election year
• Annual Leave
  • Less than 5 years - 13 days
  • 5 years to less than 10 years - 15 days
  • 10 years to less than 20 years - 20 days
  • 20 years or more- 26 days
  • Some positions will receive additional paid annual leave in lieu of holidays and personal leave.
• Disability Leave
  • Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year
• Personal Leave Day, five per calendar year
• Leave Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement
  • Health Care Reimbursement
• Voluntary Benefits
  • Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction
  • Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider
  • United Legal Benefits

01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to accurately and completely respond to each question by providing the information asked in each question. Your responses will be used to initially determine your qualifications and eligibility for this position. Do not indicate "See Resume" in response to the supplemental questions. This response and a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. THIS MEANS YOU WILL BE INELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02
This position is "Safety Sensitive". This means, employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. Do you understand this?

• Yes
• No

03
Required: Did you graduate from high school or do you have a GED?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have one (1) or more years of experience in an emergency services environment?

• Yes
• No

05
If you answered 'Yes', please explain your experience working in an emergency services environment to include job duties, employer name, and number of years worked. If you do not have this experience, write 'NA'.
06
Do you have one (1) or more years of experience in progressively responsible multi-faceted clerical work?

• Yes
• No

07
If you answered 'Yes', please explain your experience performing progressively responsible multi-faceted clerical work to include job duties, employer name, and number of years worked. If you do not have this experience, write 'NA'.
08
Required: Do you have skill in data entry keyboard functions? Note: Skill in data entry keyboard functions is defined as any electronic input, including but not limited to Computer Entry, Phone Entry, Tablet Entry, and other related electronic keyboarding input.

• Yes
• No

09
If you answered 'Yes', please explain your data entry experience and include number of years. If you do not have this experience, please write 'NA'.
10
Do you possess fire dispatching experience with EMD/EFD certification?

• Yes
• No

11
If you answered 'Yes' to the above question, please describe your fire dispatching experience to include job duties and employer name. If you do not have this experience, write 'NA'.
12
Do you possess fire service experience?

• Yes
• No

13
If you answered 'Yes' to the question above, please describe your fire service experience to include job duties, employer name, and number of years worked. If you do not have this experience, write 'NA'.
14
Do you possess dispatch experience in a public safety environment?

• Yes
• No

15
If you answered 'Yes' to the above question, please describe your dispatch experience in a public safety environment to include job duties, employer name, and number of years worked. If you do not have this experience, write 'NA.
16
Have you taken and passed Criticall test with Anne Arundel County Government in the past? If so, please provide provide the posting title and approximate date on the next question

• Yes
• No

17
If you indicated "Yes" to previously passing the Criticall Test with Anne Arundel County Government, please provide the approximate date and position you applied for. Please note: Criticall Tests from other jurisdictions are not accepted.
18
After completing the training program, this position "24/72" which means you work 1 day on, and 3 days off. Please indicate "yes" to acknowledge this information.

• Yes
• No

19
Are you willing to complete the Fire Communications Operator entry-level training program offered through the Fire Department Information Management Division?

• Yes
• No

20
As a condition of continued employment are you willing to earn and maintain certifications in ETC/Priority Dispatch, EMD/Priority Dispatch, EFD/Priority Dispatch, EMD/MIEMSS, and CPR/AHA?

• Yes
• No

21
Did a county employee refer you? If yes, indicate their name, department and badge/id number. If you weren't referred by an Employee indicate N/A.
Required Question