Join the team!
Apply today to join our team of civilian professionals supporting the public safety mission of the Virginia State Police.
We offer excellent benefits, flexible work schedules, and advancement opportunities at all stages of an employee’s career. Dispatcher positions are available across the Commonwealth. Learn more about our Emergency Communications Center locations >>
WHAT TO EXPECT
Meaningful, challenging work
What we do matters. Our work supports government services that residents and visitors rely on.
Commitment to excellence
We are constantly seeking ways to do our work more effectively and efficiently.
Our people are family
When you join the agency, you join the Virginia State Police family. It is clear that your coworkers care about you and genuinely want you to succeed.
Job Postings
Applications, resumes and/or cover letters will only be accepted online through the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management’s website.
- Completed job applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. of the close date listed on the position.
- All correspondence should be addressed to Ms. Victoria D. Williams, Human Resources Deputy Director.
- Questions concerning employment opportunities can be emailed.
- The Virginia State Police is firmly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Females and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Please refer to the DHRM job posting for closing dates and additional requirements.
Dispatcher or Dispatcher Trainee – Salem
The Virginia State Police (VSP) is seeking to hire a Dispatcher Trainee in our Division 6 Headquarters in Salem, Virginia. The successful candidate will learn how to properly receive and dispatch routine and emergency calls for service in order to aid law enforcement personnel, emergency personnel, the general public and the media, within the Division VI geographic area, by sending and receiving information, emergency assistance, or service equipment as required in assisting law enforcement personnel or the general public; and learn how to operate a multi-channel radio system, answer a multi-line computerized telephone system, enter and retrieve information through Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Terminal, and properly operate computerized information network terminals. See DHRM job listing for more details.
Candidates with prior dispatching training and experience may be hired as a Dispatcher (Emergency Coordinator II), and the hourly rate will be $20.75.
Candidates with limited experience are hired as a Dispatcher Trainee (Emergency Coordinator I – pay-band 3, hourly rate will be $18.87). After satisfactory completion of a four-to-six-month training regimen, employees progress to a Dispatcher (Emergency Coordinator II – pay-band 4) and will receive a 10% hourly rate increase.
Experienced candidates who are not placed in a trainee status are not eligible for the 10% salary increase.
Dispatcher Trainee – Appomattox
The Virginia State Police (VSP) is seeking to hire a Dispatcher Trainee in our Division 3 Headquarters in Appomattox, Virginia. The successful candidate will learn how to properly receive and dispatch routine and emergency calls for service in order to aid law enforcement personnel, emergency personnel, the general public and the media, within the Division III geographic area, by sending and receiving information, emergency assistance, or service equipment as required in assisting law enforcement personnel or the general public; and learn how to operate a multi-channel radio system, answer a multi-line computerized telephone system, enter and retrieve information through Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Terminal, and properly operate computerized information network terminals. See DHRM job listing for more details.
Candidates with prior dispatching training and experience may be hired as a Dispatcher (Emergency Coordinator II), and the hourly rate will be $20.75.
Candidates with limited experience are hired as a Dispatcher Trainee (Emergency Coordinator I – pay-band 3, hourly rate will be $18.87). After satisfactory completion of a four-to-six-month training regimen, employees progress to a Dispatcher (Emergency Coordinator II – pay-band 4) and will receive a 10% hourly rate increase.
Experienced candidates who are not placed in a trainee status are not eligible for the 10% salary increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a job as a dispatcher require a background check?
Yes. All Virginia State Police employees are required to pass a fingerprint-based background check.
What qualifications are you looking for in a dispatcher?
Candidates should possess a High school or GED equivalent, and be able to type 35 wpm. Prior First Aid/CPR experience is preferred. Candidates should either have United States citizenship or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past 10 consecutive years to apply for VCIN certification. Selected candidates will need to obtain First Aid/CPR and VCIN certifications after hire. The agency will provide training for the selected candidates.
How do I apply?
Applications, resumes and/or cover letters will only be accepted online through the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management’s website.
AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS FOR CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT
- Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Any illegal use of any controlled substance (illegal drug) listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia in the past five years or the illegal use of any controlled substance listed in Schedule I or Schedule II more than twice in the past 10 years. The use of any hallucinogenic substance such as LSD, PCP, or Psilocybin at any time in the past 10 years.
- Illegal sale of any drug or narcotic at any time in your life.
- A conviction of driving under the influence in the past five years, or more than one conviction of driving under the influence in the applicant’s lifetime, if the position requires the operation of Virginia State Police vehicles.
- Active revocation or suspension of driving privileges in any state, if the position requires the operation of Virginia State Police vehicles.
- Any conviction that required registration on any Sex Offender Registry.
- Falsification of application with intent to conceal or mislead.
- Documented untruthfulness during applicant process.
Marijuana Policy
All Department employees are prohibited from possessing, buying, selling, using, or growing marijuana unless it is part of the employee’s official law enforcement duties.
Don’t see the right job for you? Check out more civilian opportunities.