ECC Recruitment

Become a County First Responder

Emergency Communications Officer (ECO) are the county's first responders following the guiding DISPATCH principles:  Dedication, Integrity, Service, Professionalism, Accuracy, Teamwork, Communication and Honesty.

ECOs initiate emergency responses and provide a lifeline not only to the public, but also to our emergency responders including Animal Services, Fire and EMS (Emergency Medical Services), Police and Sheriff's. 

As an ECO, you will be working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where you will be responsible for:

  • Multiple computer systems answering 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls for all county public safety services, ensuring that complete and accurate information regarding the location of calls is obtained. 
  • Prioritizing requests and giving pre-arrival instructions to assist until responders arrive.
  • Managing radio communications of Police, Sheriff, and Fire and EMS units using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and public safety radio system.
  • Utilizing systems from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN).

Currently, ECO recruitment is closed. Recruitment will reopen on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. To learn more about becoming an Emergency Communications Center team member, complete the Interview Now interest form.

Chat with a Recruiter

Use our Interview Now interest form to inform a recruiter that you would like to chat prior to formally applying. You can also text "JoinCfield911" to 804-587-8905.

Reasons to Join the ECC Team

ECOs dispatch appropriate public safety personnel and equipment within seconds while working in a high security environment using the latest technologies. Our 911 call center consists of state-of-the-art equipment to provide rapid and accurate responses.

Each day is unpredictable and very different; each caller encounter is unique. We'll be honest: this job is intense and stressful with critical outcomes. We have a duty to serve every individual with respect, dignity and compassion while providing first-class customer service. ECOs must be committed to serving the public on, what is for some, the worst day of their life. Being an Emergency Communications Officer isn't for everyone, but if you are committed to making a real difference in the lives of others and are looking for a career rather than a job, we want you on our team.

All ECOs receive intensive and exciting training in 911 call handling, emergency medical dispatch and public safety radio operations. New hires will receive classroom training and on-the-job training with a communications training officer (CTO). Employees are also given the chance to advance within our agency through a career development program and promotional opportunities.

Benefits

For more information, view the employee benefits summary page.

  • Basic Life Insurance with Optional Life Insurance Option
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Plan
  • Medical/Vision and Dental Insurance
  • Retirement through Virginia Retirement System
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Wellness Program/C-Fit

Paid Time Off

  • 40 hours of paid time off (PTO) upon hire
  • 264 hours of paid time off accrued each year with carryover limits

Professional Development and Support

  • Be a part of a state-of-the-art internationally accredited emergency communications center
  • Career Development Program (CDP) that offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives based on performance, qualifications and experience
  • Peer support group
  • Promotional opportunities
  • Robust training program for new hires and continuing education
  • Uniform provided

Position Requirements

At the time of application, applicants must be eligible to work in the United States, and pursuant to the requirements of the Virginia Criminal Information Network, all persons selected for employment must be a U.S. citizen or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past 10 consecutive years and cannot be a convicted felon. At the time of hire, the applicant must have a high school diploma or GED and be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Applicants are required to pass a pre-employment test, which includes job compatibility assessment tools to include being able to type at least 30 words per minute, a pre-employment drug test, and vision and hearing screenings. Candidates must possess the ability to handle multiple tasks, make fast-paced decisions, provide quality customer service, have good oral and written communication skills, and be knowledgeable with computers. 

This position is subject to working in high-security areas governed by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy (PDF) and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check, which includes a psychological evaluation.

Disqualifiers

  • Criminal History
  • Driving Record
  • History of drug use
  • Poor work history