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Emergency Communications Specialist I – Full Time

Job Details:

  • Emergency Services
  • Washington County

Job Description:

While other Employers might offer competitive pay, Washington County Government offers a full, comprehensive compensation package worthy of your time and talents.

Please take a look at what you can expect to earn as an Emergency Communications Specialist I during your first year as a full-time Employee with Washington County Government:

  • Sixty (60) Paid Personal Hours
  • Ten (10) Paid Vacation Days
  • Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays plus; Three (3) Partial Paid Holidays
  • One Hundred and Twenty (120) Paid Sick Hours
  • County and Employee funded Healthcare including Health, Prescription, Dental and Vision Coverage.
  • County Paid Employee Assistance Plan
  • County Paid Life Insurance
  • County Paid Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • County Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
  • County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Up to $2,500.00 Annual Tuition Reimbursement Assistance
  • County and Employee funded Defined Pension Plan
    • Vested in just five (5) years.
    • Credit for Prior Active Military Service and Unused Paid Sick Days
  • An Annual Salary:

Emergency Communications Specialist I – 9 (1). Projected annual pay of $50,856 (based on an hourly rate of $24.45, with a projected schedule of 2184 annual hours worked, which includes schedule-based overtime). Qualified candidates must be cleared in the discipline of call taker.

Emergency Communications Specialist II – 10 (1). Projected annual pay of $53,914(based on an hourly rate of $25.92, with a projected schedule of 2184 annual hours worked, which includes schedule-based overtime). Qualified candidates must be cleared in two discipline categories (call taker, police, or fire/EMS).

Emergency Communications Specialist III – 11 (1). Projected annual pay of $57,158 (based on an hourly rate of $27.48, with a projected schedule of 2184 annual hours worked, which includes schedule-based overtime). Qualified candidates must be cleared in three discipline categories (call taker, police, and fire/EMS).

  • 24-hour work schedule

If our Emergency Communications Specialist I comprehensive compensation package interests you, please continue reading through our job posting to learn more about the position’s duties, responsibilities, prerequisites, etc. and apply online today.

JOB TITLE: Emergency Communications Specialist I GRADE: 9
DEPARTMENT: Division of Emergency Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Emergency Communications

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Receives and appropriately processes overflow 911 calls, transfers calls to the appropriate law enforcement or fire/EMS dispatcher. Responsible for updating incidents utilizing the computer-aided dispatch system when additional information is received from callers. Dispatches emergency fire/EMS or law enforcement with the least possible delay and communicates with emergency responders until the termination of each event.

 

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

  1. Receives all 911 calls for Washington County, including the City of Hagerstown.
  2. Refers non-emergency requests to the correct telephone number.
  3. Receives reports of fire, medical, and police emergencies and utilizing Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) processes the information and provides for rapid delivery of emergency services.
  4. Provides emergency medical, fire, and police Pre-Arrival and/or Post-Dispatch instructions over the telephone.
  5. Records a daily log of 911 calls and utilizing Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), maintains records of fire, EMS, and law enforcement activity.
  6. Operates various types of communications equipment and software in a calm and competent manner including computer telephony integration and criminal information database systems, protocol and mapping software, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), etc.
  7. Operates an IP-based radio system utilizing appropriate toning procedures and radio frequencies to alert emergency responders.
  8. Monitors the activity of and maintains radio contact with dispatched units from the initial report to termination of the event.
  9. Assists with compilation of various reports and statistical data as required or upon request.
  10. Performs related work as required.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  1. Excellent spelling skills.
  2. Standard computer keyboard proficiency to successfully adjust to Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System.
  3. Ability to remain calm, in an extremely stressful environment.
  4. Ability to get along with, and to successfully communicate with co-workers, the public and media representatives.
  5. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  6. Ability to accurately read maps and to give directions.
  7. Basic computer and data processing skills.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
  2. Must maintain Emergency Medical, Fire & Police Dispatch certifications offered by the National Academy of Emergency Dispatch.
  3. Criminal records check, and detailed background investigation required.
  4. Must be cleared in 1 discipline category (call taker, police, fire/EMS).

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see (does not suffer from color blindness), read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and handling, pushing, and pulling.

NOTE: Hearing tests are included in pre-employment physicals and will be given to employees in this classification on a regular basis.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Possession of a valid Driver’s License.
  2. Subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Revised: 7/2017; 1/2019, 10/2023

 

Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals requiring special accommodations or assistance are requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 240-313-2350, Voice or TDD (D/HH use 711) M/F/H/V.

DEADLINE FOR FILING APPLICATIONS WITH HUMAN RESOURCES:

Thursday, September 25th, 2025 @ 4:00pm

Ready to get started? Apply for the Emergency Communications Specialist I – Full Time position now!

Standard Employment Application
Job Information

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Job Application Information

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic or veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability.

INSTRUCTIONS: Applications are only accepted for posted positions. All applicants must provide a complete application for each position.

For more information contact:
WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
100 W. WASHINGTON ST., Room 2300
HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740-4735
Telephone: (240) 313-2350
Fax: (240)-203-6355
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Call 7-1-1 for MD Relay

Applicant Information

General Questions

If you have been employed with Washington County:

Driving Record

Education & Training

If you have a GED:
Colleges Attended
Other Training (including business, trade, military, etc.)

General Information

INSTRUCTIONS: The information listed below must be completed by all applicants. Failure to complete this information truthfully may result in disqualification from consideration for County employment. Affirmative responses to these questions will not automatically exclude you from employment consideration. Applicants may attach additional sheets if necessary:

Employment & Training

Employer 1

Employer 2

Employer 3

Employment References

Each applicant is required to provide 3 references

Pre Employment Statement

PRE-EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING FORM

I certify that, if employed, I will produce documents to establish that I am legally able to work in the United States. I understand that a final employment offer is contingent upon completion of INS Form I-9 and receipt of acceptable documentation at the time of hire.

In the event that I am provided a conditional offer of employment, I consent to taking an employment physical examination to include an alcohol and drug screen and such future physical examinations as may be lawfully required by the County. I authorize the County to contact my previous employers, if necessary, and obtain employment information from them, and to further investigate the truthfulness of my application, including review of my motor vehicle record and such future periodic review as may be lawfully required by the County.

I certify that answers given herein are true to the best of my knowledge.

I understand further that any false answers or statements or misleading omissions made by me on this application, in any interview for employment, in connection with the above mentioned investigation, or in any physical examination shall be sufficient grounds for my rejection as a candidate for employment or for immediate discharge, if discovered after my hiring.

I AGREE THAT EMPLOYMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY IS AN “AT-WILL” EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT MEANS THAT EITHER THE EMPLOYER OR THE EMPLOYEE MAY TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON, WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE, AND WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE. I ALSO AGREE THAT NO REPRESENTATION BY ANY COUNTY OFFICIAL OR SUPERVISOR AND THAT NO PROVISION OF THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK, ANY PERSONNEL REGULATION OR ANY OTHER EMPLOYMENT RELATED PRACTICE OR PROCEDURE, ORAL OR WRITTEN, SHALL BE EFFECTIVE TO CHANGE THE “AT-WILL” NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY.

“UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT AN INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A LIE-DETECTOR OR SIMILAR TEST. ANY EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS PROVISION IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT TO EXCEED $100.”

Affirmative Action & Race Information

APPLICANT DATA RECORD

Applicants are considered for all positions, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic or veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability.

As an employer, we comply with all government regulations and any applicable affirmative action responsibilities.

Solely to help us comply with any applicable government record keeping, reporting and other legal requirements, please fill out the Affirmative Action Survey below. We appreciate your cooperation.

This Affirmative Action Survey data, which you provide voluntarily, will be kept separate and confidential from this Application for Employment.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Government agencies require periodic reports on the sex, ethnicity, disability, and veteran status of applicants. This data is for analysis and affirmative action only.

RACE/ETHNIC IDENTIFICATION (Please check all that apply)

Veteran Identification

Special Employment Notice to Disabled Veterans, Vietnam Era Veterans, and Individuals with Physical or Mental Handicaps

Government contractors are subject to 38 USC 2012 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 which requires that they take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which requires government contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals.

If you are a disabled veteran, or have a physical or mental handicap, you are invited to volunteer this information. This information will be treated as confidential. Failure to provide this information will not jeopardize or adversely affect your consideration for employment.

FMCSA

FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

I hereby provide consent to Washington County Board of Commissioners to conduct a full query of the FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse ( Clearinghouse) to determine whether drug or alcohol violation information about me exists in the Clearinghouse.

I understand that if the full query conducted by Washington County Board of Commissioners indicates that drug or alcohol violation information about me exists in the Clearinghouse, FMCSA will not disclose that information to Washington County Board of Commissioners without first obtaining additional specific consent from me.

I understand that Washington County Board of Commissioners will conduct annual limited queries as required by FMCSA.

I further understand that if I refuse to provide consent for Washington County Board of Commissioners to conduct a limited query of the Clearinghouse, Washington County Board of Commissioners must prohibit me from performing safety- sensitive functions, including driving a commercial motor vehicle, as required by FMCSA’ s drug and alcohol program regulations.

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