Salary : $43,222.40 – $46,467.20 Annually
Location : Harrisonburg, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 5501 – (July 2023)
Department: Emergency Communications Center
Opening Date: 07/10/2023
Closing Date: 7/24/2023 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
Have you ever thought about becoming a first responder in public safety but desire a position that is still office-based? Consider applying for a career with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center (HRECC) to become a 911 Emergency Communications Officer, where you can still have a direct impact in saving lives and serving the community! No prior experience is required as on-the-job training will be provided. Become a part of the HRECC team and be the vital link between the public needing assistance and the emergency service responders in the field!
Full-time, benefits-eligible 911 Emergency Communications Officers have a full-time preferred hiring range from $20.78 – $22.34 per hour (equivalent to $43,222 – $46,467 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate’s qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy.* The HRECC offers paid, on-the-job training for qualified candidates in our CALEA-accredited facility.
*Please note that the City has recently adopted a new compensation schedule, and the compensation listed above took effect on June 25, 2023.
As a 911 Emergency Communications Officer with HRECC, you’ll have the opportunity to work in an organization whose vision is to get the right help, to the right place, in the right way better than anyone else – and you’ll receive all the training necessary to do so. As an HRECC employee, you’ll operate a variety of technology to receive law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other related service requests and calls, dispatch appropriate personnel, prepare and maintain public safety computer records, and more. The ideal candidates for this position will have the ability to speak distinctly, enter data accurately and quickly into computers, and deal courteously with the public under stressful conditions.
A detailed list of the ideal candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities is available in the
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- By date of hire:
- High school diploma or GED and minimal experience in general clerical work including basic computer knowledge, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 18 years of age.
Automatic Disqualifiers for Employment at the HRECC per State Regulations*:
- Felony conviction;
- Conviction of Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor, excluding those set forth in Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia;
- Two or more D.U.I. offenses;
- Crimes characterized as involving moral turpitude (i.e., lying, cheating, or stealing) or gross misconduct (i.e., crimes against a person and crimes involving drugs or other controlled substances); and
- Other relevant criteria to this position.
*Please note that the list above is not all-inclusive and is subject to the State Regulations, as amended. Candidates may review a copy of the Disqualifying Criteria online.
The following pre-employment screenings must be successfully completed with satisfactory results for this position:
- Industry-Specific Post-Offer Physical Exam;
- DMV Driving History Query;
- Drug Screen;
- Psychological Evaluation;
- Criminal Background Investigation, including VCIN Fingerprinting.
HRECC employees are subject to random drug/alcohol screenings.
Supplemental Information
Application Deadline/Requirements:
- All candidates must complete a City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including work experience and education history in the body of the application, by 5:00pm EST on Monday, July 24, 2023 in order to be considered for this recruitment process.
- 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. Once you submit your complete online employment application by 5:00pm EST on Monday, July 24, 2023, you will have satisfied this requirement.
- Specific information regarding this recruitment’s computerized testing process will be emailed once the Human Resources Department and HRECC have reviewed your application. The computerized testing must be completed by 5:00pm EST on Monday, July 31, 2023.
Interested in Learning More Information about the HRECC and the vital role HRECC employees play in public safety?
Attend our drop-in HRECC Recruitment Event on Saturday, July 22 between 10:00am – 12:00noon.
(Please be advised that the Tuesday, July 18 event from 7:00pm – 9:00pm has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.)
Check out our Facebook page at
The City provides an excellent full-time employee benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave and 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 & the HRECC are Equal Opportunity Employers.
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Health and Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Paid Leave
- Thirteen paid holidays
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care
- Health Savings Account
- Virginia Retirement System
- Deferred Compensation Plan through MissionSquare
- Employee Assistance Program
Additionally, the City is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which may qualify you for student loan forgiveness if you meet the PSLF Program requirements.
01
What is your highest level of education?
- Less than 8th Grade
- Completed 8th Grade
- Attended High School
- High School Graduate
- GED
- Attend College
- College Graduate
- Attended Graduate School
- Master’s Degree
- Graduate study beyond Master’s
- Ph.D. or professional degree
02
Will you be at least 18 years of age by the anticipated hire date for this recruitment process (approximately 8-10 weeks after July 24, 2023)?
- Yes
- No
03
Are you available to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather?
- Yes
- No
04
Which of the following do you currently possess? Please select all that apply.
- VCIN Level B Operator Certification
- VA DCJS Basic Communicator Certification
- PowerPhone Total Response Certification
- CPR Certification
- None of the Above
05
I understand that the remaining questions pertain to my background and will assist in the background investigation to determine my eligibility for future consideration during this recruitment process. If a question does not pertain to me, I will mark the appropriate answer or type “Not Applicable” in the free-form field. Furthermore, I have opened and read the “Instructions to Applicant” document that is hyperlinked in the job advertisement.
- Yes
- No
06
Please list the address where you live (if it is different than the address on your application).
07
Please list any names (other than the one on your application) that you have used or been known by, including your maiden name and nicknames (if applicable).
08
Please list all of your email addresses (not including the one you are using for this application).
09
Are you a United States Citizen? Please Note: All HRECC Employees must provide documentation to validate your response, as required by VCIN and/or the USCIS Form I-9.
- Yes
- No
10
If you are not a United States Citizen, have you been a lawful resident of the United States for the past 10 consecutive years? Please Note: All HRECC Employees must provide documentation to validate your response, as required by VCIN and/or the USCIS Form I-9.
- Yes
- No
11
Please enter your birthdate in the field below using the MM/DD/YYYY format.
12
Please enter your Social Security Number in the field below using the XXX-XX-XXXX format, including dashes.
13
Please enter your Driver’s License number, state of issuance, and expiration date in the field below.
14
Disclosure of Arrests and Convictions: This section requires you to report detentions, charges (whether or not physically arrested), and convictions, including diversion programs that were not successfully completed, and in some cases, offenses that may have been dismissed, pardoned or expunged. As a public safety applicant, you are required to disclose this information, unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. Have you EVER been detained by law enforcement for investigation, arrested, indicted, charged, or convicted of any misdemeanor or felony offense in this state or any other legal jurisdiction (including offenses in the Uniform Code of Military Justice)?
- Yes
- No
15
Disclosure of Arrests and Convictions: If you responded “yes” to the question above, please explain each incident below. Be sure to include the charge, approximate date, arresting or detaining agency, and disposition or penalty.
16
Disclosure of Arrests and Convictions: Please check which of the following applies to you. Select as many options as applicable.
- I have been placed on court probation.
- I have been required to appear before a juvenile court for an act which would have been a crime if committed as an adult.
- I have been a party in a civil lawsuit (e.g., small claims actions, dissolutions, child custody, paternity, support, etc.).
- The police have been called to my home.
- I or my spouse/partner have been referred to Child Protective Services.
- I have been the subject of an emergency protective order/restraining order/stay-away order.
- I have settled a civil suit in which I, my insurance company, or someone else on my behalf was required to make payment to the other party.
- I have fraudulently received welfare, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, or other state or federal assistance.
- I have been required to repay welfare payments, unemployment compensation, or other state or federal assistance.
- I have filed a false insurance or workers’ compensation claim.
- None of the Above Apply
17
Involvement in Criminal Acts – Part 1: At any time in your life, have you ever committed any of the following acts? Select as many options as applicable. Please Note: You MUST include any acts committed at any time. Additionally, you may NOT withhold any information regarding your involvement in any of the following acts, even if federal or state law relieved you from reporting the detention, arrest, or conviction that arose from it.
- Animal abuse and/or neglect
- Annoying, obscene, or harassing contacts by telephone or other electronic communication device
- Battery (use of force or violence upon another)
- Brandishing a weapon (any type of weapon)
- Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Defrauding an innkeeper (not paying for food or room at a hotel/motel, campground, restaurant, etc.)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Drunk in public (being so intoxicated in a public place that you’re not able to care for yourself)
- Filing a false police report
- Hit & run collision (no injuries)
- Illegal gambling
- Illegal hunting and/or fishing (for example, without a license, out of season)
- Impersonating a peace officer (pretending to be a police officer)
- Indecent exposure and/or lewd or obscene conduct
- Intentionally writing a bad check
- Joyriding/Unauthorized Use (using a car or other vehicle without owner’s permission)
- Peeping (including, but not limited to, looking through a window or opening with the intent to invade someone’s privacy)
- Petty theft (value up to $199, including shoplifting/switching price tags)
- Possession of alcohol as a minor
- Possession of falsified or altered identification, including use of another person’s ID (for any reason)
- Possession of stolen property (including, but not limited to, vehicles, credit/debit cards, etc.)
- Prostitution or solicitation of prostitution (including, but not limited to, patronizing illegal massage parlors)
- Reckless driving
- Resisting arrest and/or delaying or obstructing an officer (including, but not limited to, running from the police)
- Trespassing
- Vandalism (including, but not limited to, “tagging,” malicious mischief, and/or property damage)
- Any other act amounting to a misdemeanor
- I have never at any time in my life committed any of the above acts.
18
Involvement in Criminal Acts – Part 1: Please describe any additional information (i.e. when, where, circumstances, etc.) in the field below for any responses checked in the question above.
19
Involvement in Criminal Acts – Part 2: At any time in your life, have you ever committed any of the following acts? Select as many options as applicable. Please Note: You MUST include any acts committed at any time. Additionally, you may NOT withhold any information regarding your involvement in any of the following acts, even if federal or state law relieved you from reporting the detention, arrest, or conviction that arose from it.
- Arson (intentionally destroying property by setting a fire)
- Assault with a deadly weapon (struck or threatened to strike someone with an instrument likely to cause great bodily injury or death)
- Blackmail or extortion
- Burglary (entering a structure or vehicle to commit theft or other crime)
- Child molestation (performing unlawful acts with a child, sexual touching of a child)
- Elder abuse and/or neglect (physical and/or financial)
- Embezzlement (theft of money or other valuables entrusted to you)
- Felony drunk driving
- Forcible rape
- Forgery (falsifying any type of document, check certificate, license, currency, etc.)
- Fraudulent use of a credit, ATM, debit, and/or check card
- Grand larceny (value of $200 or more, or any firearm)
- Hit & run (with injuries)
- Hate crime (actions based on religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc.)
- Illegal sex acts with another
- Insurance fraud
- Murder, homicide, or attempted murder
- Perjury (lying under oath)
- Possession of an explosive/destructive device
- Robbery (theft from another person using a weapon, force, or fear, or of at least $5 directly from a person without force)
- Stalking
- Theft of a vehicle and/or vehicle parts
- Viewing and/or possessing child pornography
- Any other act amounting to a felony (In Virginia classified as a crime with a punishment of over 1 year incarceration)
- I have never at any time in my life committed any of the above acts.
20
Involvement in Criminal Acts – Part 2: Please describe any additional information (i.e. when, where, circumstances, etc.) in the field below for any responses checked in the question above.
21
Illegal Use of Drugs: For the purpose of responding to the following question, “illegal drugs” include the unauthorized or illegal use of prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs; it also includes the illegal use of any other substance for the purpose of getting “high.” Your responses should include — but not be limited to — your use of any of the following:… Amphetamines / Methamphetamines (Uppers, Speed, Crank, etc)… Barbiturates (Downers)… Bath Salts (or any analog substance)… Benzodiazepines / Rohypnol… Cocaine / Crack Cocaine… Designer Drugs (Ecstasy, Synthetic Heroin, etc.)… Fentanyl… GHB (Date Rape Drug)… Hallucinogens (Peyote, LSD, Mushrooms)… Hashish / Hashish Oil… Heroin / Opium… Hydromorphone… MDMA / Ecstasy… Marijuana/Cannabis (with or without a prescription)… Mescaline / Peyote… Morphine… Oxycodone… PCP / Angel Dust… Psilocybin… Quaaludes… Steroids… Tetrahydrocannabinal (THC) / K2 / Spice… Glue, paint, or any substance containing toluene… Any prescription drugs not prescribed TO YOU.Within the past twelve months, have you used any drug(s) as indicated above?
- Yes
- No
22
Illegal Use of Drugs: If you responded “yes” to the question above, please provide details in the field below, including drug(s) used, most recent date used, and circumstances.
23
Illegal Use of Drugs: Prior to the past twelve months:
- I have never used any drug recreationally, illegally, or in a manner other than as prescribed.
- I have tried or used one or more drugs, but only under limited circumstances (for example, experimentation, at parties, concerts, special events, etc.).
24
Illegal Use of Drugs: If you responded that you “have tried or used one or more drugs, but only under limited circumstances” for the question above, please provide details in the field below, including drug(s) used, most recent date used, and circumstances.
25
Illegal Use of Drugs: Which of the following activities have you EVER engaged in that involved drugs, narcotics, or illegal substances, including marijuana and/or prescription drugs without a prescription? Please select all that apply.
- Sold
- Manufactured
- Purchased
- Furnished
- Cultivated
- Carried or Held for Another
- None of the Above
26
Illegal Use of Drugs: If you checked any item in the previous question, with the exception of “None of the Above,” please provide details in the field below, including drug(s) used, most recent date used, and circumstances.
27
Illegal Use of Drugs: During the past five years, have you associated with friends, acquaintances, housemates, or family members who have illegally used drugs or narcotics, and/or illegally used prescription medications?
- Yes
- No
28
Illegal Use of Drugs: If you responded “yes” to the question above, please explain in the field below.
29
Motor Vehicle Information: Please list other states where you have been licensed to operate a motor vehicle. Please include the state, license number (if known), type of license, and the name in which the license was granted.
30
Other Topics: This section requires you to answer questions regarding topics not covered in other sections of this questionnaire. Please select all that apply to you.
- I have been refused a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
- I am now, or have been previously, a member or associate of a criminal enterprise, street gang, or any other group that advocates violence against individuals because of their race, religion, political affiliation, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual preference, or disability.
- I have hit or physically overpowered a spouse or romantic partner.
- I have been involved in an anger-provoked physical fight, confrontation or other violent act.
- I have now, or previously had, a tattoo signifying membership in, or affiliation with, a criminal enterprise, street gang, or any other group that advocates violence against individuals because of their race, religion, political affiliation, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual preference, or disability.
- None of the Above Apply
31
Other Topics: Please describe any additional information (i.e. when, where, circumstances, etc.) in the field below for any responses checked in the question above.
32
Additional Comments: Please use the field below to provide information that did not fit elsewhere in your responses and/or further explains your responses. Please reference the corresponding question and/or specific items in your response in the field below.
33
I hereby certify that I have personally completed each question on this application and any attached supplemental page(s), and that all statements made are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any misstatement of material fact may subject me to disqualification; or, if I have been appointed, may disqualify me from continued employment.
- Yes
- No
34
Authorization for Release of Personal Information Part 1 of 2: I do hereby authorize a review of and full disclosure of all records, or any part thereof, concerning myself, by a duly authorized agent of the City of Harrisonburg whether the said records are of public, private, or confidential nature.The intent of this authorization is to give my consent for full and complete disclosure of the records of educational institutions; financial or credit institutions, including records of deposits, withdrawals and balances of checking and savings accounts, and loans, and also the records of commercial or retail credit agencies (including credit reports and/or ratings); medical and psychiatric treatment and/or consultation, including hospitals, clinics, private practitioners, and the U.S. Veteran’s Administration; public utility companies; employment and pre-employment records, including background reports and polygraph examination results, efficiency ratings, complaints or grievances filed by or against me, and salary records; real and personal property records, and other financial statements and records wherever filed; records of complaint, arrest, trial and/or convictions for alleged or actual violations of law, including criminal and/or traffic records; records of complaints of a civil nature made by or against me, wheresoever located, and to include the records and recollections of attorneys at law, or of other counsel, whether representing me or another person in any case in which I presently have, or have had an interest.I hereby give consent and authorize the City of Harrisonburg to process my fingerprints for a criminal history records check and report the results of such record to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). I fully understand that my fingerprints may be retained and archived.
- Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the information above.
- No, I do not acknowledge and/or do not agree to the information above.
35
Authorization for Release of Personal Information Part 2 of 2: I understand that any information obtained by a personal history background investigation, which is developed directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, upon this release authorization will be considered in determining my suitability of employment by the City of Harrisonburg.I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the person to whom this request is presented and his agents and employees, from all claims, damages, losses and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees), arising out of or by reason of complying with this request.I further understand that in the event my application is disapproved, the sources of confidential information cannot be revealed to me. A photocopy and/or electronic version of this release form will be valid as an original hereof, even though the said photocopy and/or electronic version does not contain an original writing of my signature.
- Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the information above.
- No, I do not acknowledge and/or do not agree to the information above.
Required Question