Public Safety Dispatcher
Begin a challenging career with the Norfolk Airport Authority, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our mission is to connect our community with the world by safely, reliably, and efficiently operating Norfolk International Airport.
Shift Schedule: Full-time, 40-hour work week with rotating days off.
Salary Range: $26.6681 - $37.4847 PER HOUR / $55,469.5545 - $77,968.2591 ANNUAL
CLOSING DATE: This job announcement will be open until filled.
Norfolk International Airport is the aviation gateway to Coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, including the Outer Banks. It has enjoyed four consecutive years of record traffic with nearly 4.9 million passengers in 2025. Its eight commercial airlines offer nonstop service to more than 40 cities coast to coast. Our vision is that every team member has a stake in bringing our "Here & There For You" brand to life for every passenger and fellow employee. We have a demonstrated commitment to cultivating a positive, collaborative work environment that supports our values of professionalism, responsiveness, innovation, diversity, excellence (P.R.I.D.E.) as outlined in our Strategic Plan.
The mission of Norfolk Airport Authority is to connect our community with the world by safely, reliably, and efficiently operating Norfolk International Airport.
JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for manning and operating all communications equipment currently operated by the Norfolk Airport Authority Police Department. Further, it is the responsibility of this position to ensure that all communications forwarded are accurately and expediently dispatched to the appropriate agency, department, or jurisdiction, whichever may apply.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The following duties are typical for this position. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Dispatch police officers to emergency and non-emergency calls for police service such as disturbances, reports of thefts, and other incidents that may arise on Airport property in accordance with departmental policy.
- Dispatch Fire Department/Emergency Medical Technicians to emergency and non-emergency calls for service such as sick/injured persons, Airfield Alerts, Fire Alarms etc. Be responsible for contacting mutual aid medical personnel (paramedics) when the need arises on Airport property.
- Be thoroughly familiar with the operation of the Airport Police Department's communications equipment and computer terminal and its direct link-up to other local, state and federal agencies.
- Assist the airlines and other airport tenants in channeling all requests, complaints, etc. in regard to airport matters to the appropriate department or agency.
- Be familiar with all laws, rules and regulations of the Norfolk International Airport as well as applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
- Assist other law enforcement agencies in the performance of their duties when it involves airport jurisdiction.
- Assist airport patrons in cases of emergency and distress.
- Answer all calls whether from within the Airport Authority departments or from outside agencies with courtesy and a cooperative attitude.
- Responsible for communicating with other Airport Authority Departments and making notifications as appropriate.
- Responsible for contacting designated towing services and coordinating their removal of vehicles from illegal parking areas, roadways, and lots on the Airport property.
- Responsible for monitoring and operating the security camera system throughout the airport.
- Responsible for the security of property in and around the Airport Authority workspace.
- Attend any and all recurring training mandated by the Department of Criminal Justice Service.
- Familiar with emergency dispatch procedures and equipment.
- Must be a good communicator in both written and verbal form and use email, text messaging and various radios as a critical form of communication.
- Perform clerical duties as required.
- Be able to operate office equipment.
- Learn and be competent in the use of the Computer Aided Dispatch System and Records Management System.
- Make thorough and accurate entries into the various computer systems.
- Responsible for differentiating emergency from non-emergency calls. Determine priority of messages and response time.
- Ensure confidentiality of information received, and do not disseminate information without permission of the chief of police or his/her designee.
- Performs all other duties as assigned and directed.
- Administer and adhere to all Authority policies and guidelines.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: The following generally describes the knowledge, skills and abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.
- Command of the English language. Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to type 30 WPM and pass a pre-employment typing test.
- Intermediate or advanced computer skills preferred.
- Ability to utilize computers and other technology items as tools in daily course of business.
- Ability to maintain accurate electronic files, records and programs.
- Must be able to meet time sensitive requirements as assigned or scheduled.
- Must be flexible to learn new skills and tasks to assist others as assigned.
- Demonstrate the ability to maintain effective work relationships with co-workers, leadership team and other airport personnel, tenants and suppliers.
- Ability to work cooperatively with other members of the department, Airport Authority personnel, tenants and members of outside agencies at all levels.
- Ability to wear department issued/approved uniform and adhere to the Dress Code policy.
- Have a working knowledge of parking lot inventory system as well as vehicles towed from same lots for excessive parking (over the amount of time allotted).
EDUCATION/TRAINING:
- High school graduate or equivalent.
EXPERIENCE:
- One year of clerical experience, preferably in the area of emergency services.
- Two years Medical, Fire or EMS dispatch experience.
- Multi-channel radio system and multi-line phone system experience preferred.
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Current Virginia State Dispatcher certification, required.
- Must be able to obtain VCIN certification within 90 days of employment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge as may be required by assigned job duties and responsibilities.
- Ability to successfully complete a criminal background check and other pre-employment requirements.
EQUIPMENT OPERATION: Be highly proficient and current with the office machinery necessary in the performance of assigned duties to include: computer; telephone system; alarm system (alarm box and printer); Radio desktop control console (foot pedal included); quick alert concourse alert system: Burglar/hold-up alarm; CCure security systems monitors (with attached keypad); bank hold-up alarms; public address system; paper shredder; safe; battery chargers; radio storage bank, VCIN computer equipment, card access computer equipment, dispatch center logging recorder, fax, mass notification and copier.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS: Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitations.
Be able to withstand the stress and rigors of administrative and operational demands related to communications and clerical duties as related to this position. Possess the physical dexterity to stretch, reach, lift and sit in order to have access to and operate control equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS/HAZARDS: Work for extended periods in a restricted access office.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: It is the policy of the Norfolk Airport Authority (NAA) to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
DISCLAIMER: The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level