Operations Opportunities

Currently we are hiring for Communications Officer I positions

Valley Com 911 utilizes a continuous testing process through Public Safety Testing (PST) for Communications Officer I positions. PST administers the initial typing and written dispatch tests. Applicants must pass both and complete the Personal History Statement before they can apply to Valley Com 911. Please visit www.publicsafetytesting.com for dispatch test dates and frequently asked questions. Those who pass and meet the hiring standards may be invited to test internally.

Overview

Working in an emergency dispatch center can be very demanding. However, for the right person it can be a very rewarding career. Our staff is among the best and brightest in the industry and we strive to provide excellent customer service to all who count on us. We offer a dynamic working environment, comprehensive benefits packages and the prestige of working in a nationally accredited 9-1-1 Communications Center. An applicant need not have previous related experience to be successful at Valley Com 911. All new hires begin as a Communications Officer I and are expected to move into the Communications Officer II role after successful completion of probationary period.  Other advancement opportunities are also available. Employees of Valley Com 911 are expected to be to work on time, and regular and reliable attendance is crucial. The public relies on us 24/7/365, and as such employees can expect to work nights, weekends and holidays. Schedules are selected by seniority every six (6) months, meaning regular (not including overtime) days and hours are fixed. New employees can expect to work less than desirable shifts.

Communications Officer I job description
Communications Officer II job description

Position Requirements

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Eighteen (18) years of age or older on date of hire.

Wages

Wages are based on a step system according to the terms and conditions set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

  • Communications Officer I current base wages: $30.89 per hour ($64,251.20 annual) to $37.59 per hour ($78,187.20 annual).
  • Communications Officer II current base wages: $37.01 per hour ($76,980.80 annual) to $43.05 per hour ($89,544.00 annual).
  • Representing Authority

    Valley Communications Center Employees’ Association.  

    Benefits

    Valley Com 911 pays for on-the-job Academy Training and eligible staff members and dependents receive comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits the first day of the month following employment. We offer paid vacation, sick, and holiday time and tuition reimbursement. All employees are required to participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). 

    Recruitment Process

    The recruitment process can be rigorous, requiring each applicant to take and pass skills–based tests and undergo an extensive background check. Qualified candidates can expect the selection process to last 6-8 weeks; beginning with the skills-based exam administered by the Center, and ending with a final offer of employment.

    The recruitment process includes the steps below, not in any particular order:

    • Testing Registration and Written Test Conducted by Public Safety (PST). This requires a $35 fee payable to PST (Written Test must be passed with 70% or higher)
    • Complete PST's Personal History Statement
    • Apply Now with Valley Communications Center (Valley Com)
    • Computer Based Skills and Behavior Assessment Tests
    • Preliminary Interview
    • Conditional Offer of Hire
    • Polygraph Test
    • Psychological Examination
    • Final Interview
    • Background and Criminal History Check
    • Final Offer Letter
    • Post physical examination and drug screen

    Please note: Applicants are only allowed to reschedule for testing or interviews once during the current recruiting process. No show to any Valley Com 911 initiated test or interview will result in the removal of consideration for employment during the current recruiting process. If you do not pass a test you may retest at a later date. The computer based skills test may not be taken more than two times in a recruiting cycle.

    Once you have completed the preliminary interview phase or polygraph phase, and are not invited to continue in recruiting process you may reapply for a Communications Officer I/II position one additional time after a two year waiting period.

    If you are not invited to continue the recruitment process after the psychological evaluation, you will not be allowed to reapply for the Communications Officer I/II in the future without written authorization from the Center. However, you are allowed to apply for other positions within Valley Com 911 at any time.

    Disqualification From Employment Consideration

    As stated above, all candidates are required to successfully pass the testing and attendance requirements set by Valley Com 911. In addition, because our staff members are a key part of the public safety system, their integrity must be beyond reproach. Valley Com 911 conducts thorough, intense and strict pre-employment background investigations on all applicants in order to determine suitability for any position. Generally, individuals who have demonstrated irresponsibility and/or poor judgment in their life choices are not hired. You may be disqualified from consideration for employment if you have recently used heroin, crack, methamphetamine, or several other illegal drugs, as this list is not all inclusive. Failure to disclose pertinent information or attempt to conceal requested information will be grounds for disqualification. You are also unlikely to be hired if you have been convicted of a felony or have stolen money or goods from an employer (more than de minimis quantities of office supplies or copies). When looking at a candidate's past we take into account frequency, how recent, and circumstance. We don't require you to be perfect but being honest is essential.

    The Academy and On the Job Training

    The Academy is a comprehensive 8-12 week class designed to give probationary Communications Officer I the skills and confidence needed to operate in a fast paced public safety environment. Valley Com 911’ training program was the first in the country to be recognized as meeting or exceeding APCO International’s training standards.  After successfully completing the Academy, probationary Communications Officers transition into one-on-one on the job training for 8-12 weeks to apply the knowledge and skills developed during the Academy. Upon release from the Academy and on the job training, probationary Communications Officers are fully released to work on their own.        

    We expect the best by offering the best to our staff members. Our standards are high and testing and evaluations are done on a regular basis during each phase of training.  Therefore, failure to pass a test or failure to meet performance standards may result in termination of employment.

    the entire process from the time of hire to full release as a probationary Communications Officer I is approximately 12 months.

    Getting Started

    Valley Com 911 utilizes a continuous testing process through Public Safety Testing (PST) for Communications Officer I positions. PST administers the initial typing and written tests. Applicants must pass both before they can apply to Valley Com. Please visit www.publicsafetytesting.com for dispatcher test dates and frequently asked questions. Those who meet our minimum qualifications will be invited to test internally during the open recruitment period.

    Valley Com 911 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran’s status, disability or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Valley Com provides reasonable accommodation to its employees and the public with disabilities, including disabled veterans.  For more information, please contact Human Resources.

    For more information visit our hiring FAQ page.