Trooper Pathway Program

Job Responsibilities

Applicants for the Trooper Pathway program must provide a recommendation letter from their high school counselor or a designated representative. This letter should detail the applicant's academic achievements, leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work experience. Additional information may be included at the student's discretion.

Qualified candidates (non-trainees) not currently employed by the state who are selected for the Dispatcher role may receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus upon hiring, contingent upon signing a 12-month agreement. Dispatcher Trainees and transferring state employees may qualify for a $5,000 retention bonus after completing 10 months of successful service, also requiring a signed 12-month agreement.

• Individuals already working in a Dispatcher capacity are not eligible for the sign-on or retention bonuses.

• Candidates with prior dispatch training and experience may be appointed as a Dispatcher (Emergency Coordinator II), with salary based on their experience.

• Those with limited experience will be hired as Dispatcher Trainees (Emergency Coordinator I - pay-band 3, $39,247). After successfully completing the Dispatcher Trainee Training Curriculum, they will advance to Dispatcher (Emergency Coordinator II - pay-band 4) and receive a 10% salary increase.

• Experienced candidates not placed in a trainee role will not qualify for the 10% salary increase.

• Operate a multi-channel radio communication system.

• Manage a multi-line computerized telephone system.

• Input and retrieve data through the Computer-aided Dispatch (CAD) terminal.

• Address inquiries and complaints, secure emergency assistance, and adhere to all departmental policies.

• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential.

• Utilize a computerized information network terminal.

• Perform dispatcher duties effectively.

• Engage in Recruitment Unit activities, assist with various projects, collaborate with department personnel, and complete assigned training.

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of the geographical area relevant to the assigned Division, including key buildings, landmarks, and waterways.

• Proficiency in keyboarding and Microsoft software applications for data entry and database management.

• Ability to learn radio codes and operate communication equipment; communicate effectively in English with the public and department staff during challenging situations; thrive in a high-pressure, high-volume environment; utilize sound judgment and decision-making skills to assess situations and prioritize tasks under stress; resolve issues within the scope of responsibility, direct calls appropriately, and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement and others encountered during work.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and available to work holidays, weekends, and rotating shifts.

• Must possess a valid driver's license from the Commonwealth of Virginia at the time of entering the Trooper Basic Session.

• Eligibility for Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) certification is required, necessitating U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency with eligibility for naturalization.

Note: This is an entry-level position, and the employee must continue to meet the minimum qualifications for future appointments to the Trooper Basic Session and maintain satisfactory performance for continued employment.

Additional Considerations

• Previous First Aid/CPR experience is preferred.

Special Instructions

A thorough background investigation will be conducted for each selected applicant.

Selection process elements include application screening, interviewing qualified candidates, pre-employment testing, presentations or work samples if applicable, salary negotiations if necessary, background checks, and medical evaluations if required. The duration of the pre-employment process will depend on the successful completion of these components.

Applications, cover letters, and resumes will only be accepted online through the designated recruitment management system. This position remains open until filled. Please limit resumes to four pages and cover letters to one page; additional attachments will not be considered.

The Department of State Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing equal opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, political affiliation, or any other categories protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

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