Chesapeake police seek three 911 call takers

The Chesapeake Police Department is hiring three full-time 911 call takers, with salaries reaching $87,724 and sign-on bonuses for new hires.

Applications close Nov. 30, according to the city's official job posting. The positions are within the department's Police Support Division, and no previous experience is required.

The advertised salary range is $53,166 to $87,724 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. The city offers a $4,000 sign-on bonus for applicants without prior experience and $5,000 for experienced public safety telecommunicators.

What the job involves

Public Safety Call Takers answer 911 and non-emergency calls, gather information and coordinate responses with police, fire and emergency medical services.

The city's Emergency Communications page identifies the center as the emergency call-answering service for Chesapeake residents and visitors. It also handles calls involving animal services.

Call takers provide emergency medical dispatch instructions and maintain accurate records using specialized communications technology.

The operation runs around the clock, seven days a week. New employees complete a Basic Dispatch Academy on a weekday schedule before moving to rotating 12-hour shifts.

Those shifts run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Assignments are fixed for four months and include weekends and holidays. Overtime is required when operational needs arise.

Who qualifies

Candidates need a high school diploma or GED, or specialized vocational training in telecommunications.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have been lawful residents for the past 10 consecutive years, according to the job posting.

The department prefers at least six months of customer service or call center experience, but it is not required. A typing speed of at least 34 words per minute is also preferred.

New hires receive structured training and evaluations before handling calls independently.

Applicants should be able to communicate clearly, manage multiple tasks and make decisions under pressure. The position also requires working during emergencies and severe weather when needed.