Employment FAQ - Valley Communications

Q: What’s the difference between a Communications Officer I (Call Receiver) and Communications Officer II (Dispatcher)?

A: A Communications Officer I takes calls directly from the public and transfers pertinent information to the Communications Officer II by entering it into our Computer Aided Dispatch system. A Communications Officer II then communicates the information to first responders and coordinates the resulting public safety response with the involved police, fire or EMS field units. A Communications Officer I works directly with 9-1-1 and other emergency calls from the public while Communications Officers II works primarily with field units

Q: How often does Valley Communications Center hire for Communications Officer I & Communications Officer II?

A: Depending on organizational needs and budget constraints, Valley Communications Center generally has two Academies  each year.

Q: What are the skill based tests like?

A: The skill-based tests are designed to evaluate critical thinking skills, multitasking and aptitude needed to work in a public safety emergency dispatch center. There is no preparation that is needed prior to testing as all materials and instructions are provided the day of testing.

Q: What are my chances of getting accepted to the Academy?

A: It depends on your knowledge, skills, and abilities, in comparison to the applicant pool and the needs of the organization. Generally we hire 6-10 applicants for the Academy out of hundreds of applicants each recruiting process. The process is extremely competitive, but the position is rewarding and our turnover rate is about 50% lower than the national average. 

Q: What are my chances of successfully completing the Academy?

A: Each class is different. Different variables such as aptitude, attitude, and learning styles affect the learning environment.  

Q: What is the working environment like?

A: We are a 24/7 operation. The work environment is casual yet professional and similar to a call center environment. However, due to the nature of the position the shifts are sedentary with periods of high
stress, multi-tasking and downtime. The position demands excellent communications skills and an individual and team approach to problem solving throughout the shift. Policies and procedures are established and enforced to provide the highest level of public safety service. 

Communications Officers regularly work graveyard shifts, holidays and are expected to complete his or her assigned shifts regardless of personal commitments (I.E. birthday parties, anniversaries, etc).  In addition, attendance is critical to the operation of the Center and the communities we serve and attendance guidelines are strictly enforced. Preapproved absences are allowed.

Q: What kind of hours or shifts can I expect to work?

A: If you are selected for the  Training Academy, your first 8-12 weeks will be in a class room setting and the actual days and times are subject to change with each Academy depending on the needs of the Center.

Because Communications Officers bid every six months on shifts based on seniority, once successfully released from the Training Academy, your exact days and shifts will vary. Communications Officers generally work 4 days a week for 10 hours each shift. Once assigned to a shift you are expected to work the shift regardless of personal events or holidays. Overtime hours are available on a mandatory or voluntary basis depending on the needs of the Center.