Public Safety Telecommunicator

Posting number: 27-00697

Department: Fire and Rescue

Job classification: Public Safety Telecommunicator / Grade 121

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety

SummaryLoudoun County Fire and Rescue is comprised of approximately 902 employees and 1,127 active operational and administrative volunteers. The Department is a growing organization that serves a large and diverse population located 30 miles northwest of Washington, DC. We provide a full range of emergency and non-emergency services to approximately 400,000 residents within a 520 square mile area. Additional information about the Department can be found at www.loudoun.gov/fire. 

We seek to hire a highly motivated, effective, and diverse workforce to meet the needs of the County’s residents, visitors, and business community, and support the Department’s core values of Teamwork, Integrity, Professionalism, and Service. Loudoun County offers a meaningful career, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information can be found at www.loudoun.gov/benefits. 
Examples of dutiesThe Department is seeking qualified applicants for regular, full-time positions as a Public Safety Telecommunicator working an average of 42 hours per week in the Emergency Communications Center (ECC).

Duties include but are not limited to: receiving calls from the public and promptly determining the urgency of the call; processing the call efficiently and accurately while maintaining a professional, courteous and reassuring demeanor with the callers; maintain essential knowledge of the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system; enter data promptly and accurately; maintain status files; maintain knowledge of division procedures, operations and policies; complete daily logs; and perform other tasks as assigned to ensure an effective, efficient and professional Emergency Communications Center. Successful applicants will also be required to participate in scheduled, on-shift training to maintain the knowledge and skills associated with the job. In addition to the advertised salary, there is a night-time differential paid to employees working night shifts.

Hiring salary will be commensurate with experience. 
QualificationsHigh School diploma or equivalent; at least two (2) years of work experience in a call center or providing customer service; satisfactory completion of prescribed LCFR training programs (Call Taker and Dispatcher) and certifications (APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator, Priority Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Priority Dispatch Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) and Priority Dispatch Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD)) within the probationary period. See Certifications, License, and Special Requirements.

Preference given to those with NFPA didactic certification, or equivalent, as Firefighter, EMT, and/or certification as Association of Public-Safety Communications Officers (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) and Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD).
Supplemental informationThe selection process will include review of application, verification of certifications and experience, CritiCall computer simulation test, and a panel interview. Also, successful completion of extensive criminal background check (including fingerprinting) and drug screening.

Successful candidates will be required to complete an internal Call Taker AND Dispatcher Recruit school and successfully pass the LCFR Call Taker AND Dispatcher Release test during the probationary period.

Must be able to work rotating shifts, that include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Some workdays require extended shifts. Current operating schedule is 2 days 0700-1900 followed by 2 nights 1900-0700 then off for 4 days and may be subject to change.

Anticipated timeline and details for this recruitment are listed below. All dates are subject to change.

Applications are accepted through August 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

Application Review and candidate testing notification: August 10-12, 2026

In-person Criticall Testing: August 26 & 27, 2026

In-person Interview: September 8 - 10, 2026

Target Hire Date: October 22, 2026