Emergency Communications Officer (I & II)
City of HarrisonburgDescription
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center (HRECC) is currently seeking entry-level and experienced 911 Emergency Communications Officers to make a real difference, where every call is an opportunity to save lives and have a positive impact on the communities and public safety partners we serve! Interested candidates are encouraged to apply today for consideration.
The Emergency Communications Officer (ECO) role is is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and this advertisement has been written for the ECO II level. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the ECO II level may be considered for another level within the department at an annual rate commensurate with applicant qualifications.
Preferred Hiring Ranges*:- Emergency Communications Officer I: $21.20 - $22.79 per hour (equivalent to $44,096 - $47,403 annually)
- Emergency Communications Officer II: $23.10 - $24.84 per hour (equivalent to $48,048 - $51,667 annually)
*An exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy.
As an ECO, your duties will encompass a wide array of responsibilities, including receiving, classifying, processing, and dispatching emergency service calls. For non-emergency service calls, you'll be responsible for receiving, recording, and forwarding them appropriately. Maintaining and preparing computerized and other records and files is also a key aspect of the job.
A full list of essential functions and the ideal candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities is available in the class specification for this position.Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Requirements for the ECO II Level:
- High school diploma or GED and moderate (1-3 years) experience in the field of public safety communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in a multi-disciplinary emergency communications center.
- Released on at least two specialties (call taking, law enforcement dispatching, or fire and rescue dispatching) in a multi-disciplinary emergency communications center.
- Possession of or the ability to acquire the following within the timelines specified:
- VCIN Level B Operator (within 3 months)
- DCJS Basic Communicator Certification (within 12 months)
- Powerphone Total Response Certification (within 3 months)
- CPR (within 3 months)
- Any employee of the HRECC may be called upon to work over the scheduled shift or hours, as needed.
- Click here to view the physical requirements of this position.
Interested in a career with the HRECC but don't meet all of the minimum requirements above for the ECO II level? All applicants will be considered, for the level in which they qualify, at a rate commensurate with qualifications as stated above in this ad. You may click on the hyperlinked job titles at the top of this ad to view more information related to that particular position level.The following pre-employment screenings must be successfully completed with satisfactory results for this position:
- Typing Test per National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Standards;
- Industry-Specific Post-Offer Physical Exam, including Audiometry Add-On Exam;
- DMV Driving History Query;
- Drug Screen;
- Psychological Evaluation;
- Criminal Background Investigation, including VCIN Fingerprinting.
Supplemental Information
To Apply: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 02/13/2026)
There are two additional documents (the Personal History Statement and Authorization for Release of Personal Information) required for consideration that have been built into the online employment application via the supplemental questionnaire. You may view the instructions page here for the supplemental questionnaire. Once you submit your complete online employment application, you will have satisfied this requirement.The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave and 15.5 holidays.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.
The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.