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Priority Dispatch Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

EMT Basic

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Receive dispatch assignments, acknowledge calls, determine efficient routes, and operate vehicles in compliance with traffic laws and safety standards * Arrive safely at scenes or facilities and ...

Telecommunicator I

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$33K - $55K/yr

Determines priority of calls and dispatches appropriate units. Communicates with police, fire and ... Trains new dispatchers. Works the receptionist desk occasionally. Performs related work as assigned.

... and dispatch work orders received in the Maximo (eFOS+) start center. • Contact the employee to give the description, priority, and the location of the work order. Inform the employee of the ...

Showing results 41-60

Priority Dispatch information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$62.3K

$102.6K

How much do priority dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for priority dispatch in Virginia is $62,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $70,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Priority Dispatch?

Priority Dispatch refers to a specialized system or role in emergency communications centers that prioritizes and coordinates the dispatching of emergency services such as police, fire, and medical responders. The goal is to ensure that the most urgent calls receive immediate attention and the appropriate resources are sent to the scene as quickly as possible. This job involves using standardized protocols and software to assess the severity of incoming calls, provide pre-arrival instructions to callers, and manage resources efficiently. Priority Dispatchers play a crucial role in public safety by helping to save lives and property during emergencies.

How does a Priority Dispatch professional typically collaborate with emergency response teams?

Priority Dispatch professionals work closely with emergency response teams by accurately gathering critical information from callers and relaying it to the appropriate responders in real-time. They use specialized protocols and software to prioritize calls and ensure that the right resources are dispatched quickly and efficiently. Communication is ongoing, as dispatchers provide updates to field personnel and may coordinate among police, fire, and medical units depending on the situation. This teamwork is vital for ensuring public safety and delivering prompt assistance during emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Priority Dispatch professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Priority Dispatch professional, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring additional emergency dispatcher certification. Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency protocols is typically required. Exceptional communication, calmness under pressure, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate, timely emergency response and maintaining public safety in high-stress situations.

What is the difference between Priority Dispatch vs Emergency Dispatcher?

AspectPriority DispatchEmergency Dispatcher
CertificationsOften requires Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certificationTypically requires EMD certification and sometimes additional certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in emergency call centers, dispatching for EMS, fire, or policeIn emergency call centers, handling various emergency calls including police, fire, and medical
Industry UsageUsed mainly in emergency medical services and public safetyUsed across police, fire, EMS, and other emergency services

Priority Dispatch and Emergency Dispatcher roles both involve handling emergency calls, but Priority Dispatch often refers to specific protocols used in EMS dispatching, emphasizing prioritized response. Emergency Dispatch is a broader term covering all emergency call handling across various services. While they share certifications and work environments, Priority Dispatch focuses on protocol-driven response systems within emergency medical services.

What are popular job titles related to Priority Dispatch jobs in Virginia?

For Priority Dispatch jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Priority Dispatch job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,349 per year, or $30 per hour.

EMT Basic

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Key responsibilities

  • Receive dispatch assignments, operate vehicles safely, and determine efficient routes.

  • Assess patients to identify their condition and provide Basic Life Support care according to protocols.

  • Complete patient care reports, ensure ambulance readiness, and maintain medical equipment and supplies.


Job description

We are seeking a dependable and professional EMT-Basic to provide safe, timely, and compassionate medical transport and basic life support services. This role requires strong clinical judgment, effective communication, safe driving practices, and the ability to perform under pressure in both emergency and non-emergency transport settings.

The ideal candidate is reliable, calm in stressful situations, physically capable of assisting with patient movement, and committed to delivering quality patient care while maintaining professionalism with patients, families, healthcare facilities, dispatch, and team members.

What We Offer
  • Competitive wages and full benefits for full-time employees
  • Employer-provided uniforms, including footwear
  • Incentives toward EMT-related education and certifications
  • Continuing Education hours to maintain certification
  • Supportive team environment
  • Opportunities for professional growth in EMS and medical transport
Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have an approved driving record or be approved by insurance underwriters
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must pass a 10-panel drug screening
  • Current CPR certification required
  • Current Virginia EMT-Basic certification required, or eligibility for reciprocity
  • Must be able to communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment
Physical and Functional Requirements

The EMT-Basic must demonstrate the ability to safely and effectively perform Basic Life Support duties in accordance with applicable EMS standards and protocols. This includes the ability to:

  • Communicate clearly in person, by phone, by radio, and through other communication systems
  • Hear and understand information from coworkers, patients, physicians, dispatchers, and emergency scene activity
  • Lift, carry, and balance up to 125 pounds independently, or up to 250 pounds with assistance
  • Read and understand written materials, including under stressful conditions
  • Accurately document patient information in required formats
  • Demonstrate manual dexterity and fine motor skills necessary for safe patient care
  • Bend, stoop, crawl, walk on uneven surfaces, and work in varied environments
  • Meet minimum vision requirements to safely operate a motor vehicle
Key Responsibilities
  • Receive dispatch assignments, acknowledge calls, determine efficient routes, and operate vehicles in compliance with traffic laws and safety standards
  • Arrive safely at scenes or facilities and complete an initial scene size-up to determine safety, patient needs, and appropriate response
  • Use appropriate precautions, including body substance isolation techniques, to protect patients, bystanders, and crew members
  • Assess patients to determine the nature and extent of illness or injury
  • Provide Basic Life Support care based on assessment findings, protocols, and medical direction
  • Perform EMT-Basic skills, including airway management, ventilation, suctioning, CPR, and AED use
  • Provide prehospital care for trauma, shock, bleeding, immobilization, splinting, and other patient needs
  • Assist with medical emergencies involving cardiac, respiratory, diabetic, allergic, behavioral, childbirth, poisoning, and other conditions
  • Assist patients with prescribed medications when appropriate, including nitroglycerin, epinephrine auto-injectors, and inhalers
  • Administer oxygen, oral glucose, and activated charcoal as permitted by protocol
  • Reassure patients, families, and bystanders through calm, confident, and professional care
  • Safely lift, move, and secure patients for transport
  • Monitor patients during transport and provide continued care as needed
  • Determine appropriate destination facilities based on patient condition, protocol, and direction
  • Communicate patient findings, treatment provided, and status updates to receiving facility staff
  • Complete accurate verbal and written patient care reports
  • Dispose of contaminated materials and assist with vehicle decontamination as needed
  • Restock supplies and ensure the ambulance is clean, fueled, and ready for service
  • Check medical equipment for readiness and complete required daily vehicle and equipment check-off forms
  • Attend required continuing education, refresher training, and certification maintenance programs
  • Maintain current CPR and EMT-Basic certifications and renew them prior to expiration
  • Report to scheduled shifts on time, in proper uniform, and prepared for duty
  • Communicate professionally with supervisors, coworkers, dispatch, patients, families, and healthcare facility staff
  • Respond to transport requests promptly, safely, and efficiently

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.