Communications Officer I

Job Duties

This position functions as a Communications Officer in the Department of Wildlife Resources/Department of Conservation and Recreation Communications Center and provides statewide administrative assistance to Law Enforcement personnel, emergency personnel and acts as a liaison between Law Enforcement and the public. This position is responsible for properly receiving and dispatching routine and emergency calls for service accurately and in a professional manner; as it relates to the enforcement of local, state, and federal boating, fishing, and hunting laws and regulations across the Commonwealth. This position operates a variety of computer, telephone, and radio equipment, maintains logs, records activities, accesses information through several systems including CAD, VCIN, NCIC, and other internal and external databases.

This position is considered essential personnel, and the employee must have the ability to work varying shifts including weekends and holidays to meet the needs of the agency. In the event of an Emergency Closing that impacts this work location, this position is expected to work normal scheduled hours. The employee may be requested to perform other duties as assigned in order to support essential functions of the agency. The employee may also be requested to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
The employee in this position is aware of and is proactive in ensuring a strong internal control environment to include potential risks are reduced or communicated to management; data and reports are accurate and reliable; department assets are safeguarded to prevent waste, loss, unauthorized use, or misappropriation; department objectives are achieved by maximizing efficiency and effectiveness; and applicable laws, regulations and policies are consistently followed.

Minimum Qualifications

A working knowledge of general office processes, customer service principles and procedures, and a proficiency in the ability to listen, comprehend and apply spoken information. Able to use logic, critical thinking, and reasoning to reach conclusions and solve problems. Possess knowledge of telecommunications and/or public safety principles and systems. Operate computer systems with specialized software and enter data via keyboard and software with speed and accuracy. Experience in Word, Excel, Access, or similar programs for the purpose of data entry, data retrieval, and report preparation. Operate communications equipment and general office equipment. Read and interpret geographical spatial data and maps quickly and accurately. Ability to communicate information by speaking clearly in an appropriate volume. Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively; relay details accurately; listen actively, think and act quickly. Ability to manage multiple assignments at one time. Exercise initiative and work within prescribed guidelines. Maintain accuracy of information, files, and logs. Ability to work independently and as a team member to follow outlined policies, SOPs and General Orders and demonstrate good judgment in emergency situations. Handle multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations. Must have excellent judgment in highly stressful situations and must have analytical abilities to determine the commitment of resources.

Fingerprint-based criminal history check required of the finalist candidate for this designated sensitive position in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 2.2-1201.1.

Additional Considerations

• Ability to satisfactorily complete and maintain the dispatcher compulsory minimum training standards which includes agency-specific training, OJT (on the job training), obtain a Virginia State Police VCIN/NCIC Full Access Certification during OJT training and attend the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Basic Dispatcher School within 2 years of employment.
• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Skills and/or experience in responding to public inquiries or providing customer service in telecommunications.
• Experience working in an emergency operations center or similar command center as an analyst, dispatcher, or in a related field. Current emergency dispatching experience with VCIN/NCIC certification and DCJS basic dispatch school certification