Washington and Lee University

Part-Time Public Safety Dispatcher

100 Glasgow St, Lexington, VA 24450

Part-time · $18.50–$19/hr (as posted)

First seen by offpeak October 4, 2026

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Provides highly service-oriented dispatch services, responsible for maintaining effective and efficient communications among the Public Safety dispatch center, officers in the field, outside emergency services agencies, the campus community, and the public.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Essential Functions:

Receives and takes action on all emergency and non-emergency calls made to Public Safety.
Dispatches Public Safety staff as necessary and appropriate, and maintains communication to ensure that all pertinent information is received.
Coordinates responses to incoming calls involving Student Affairs, Counseling Center, or other departments on campus, as well as law enforcement agencies.
Able to collaborate and work with individuals from all backgrounds to respond to issues and conflicts within the team quickly and effectively.
Maintains appropriate logs and records within the dispatch function of the department.
Receives and transfers calls on the University switchboard system. Monitors alarm systems, CCTV camera systems, and other security-related technologies in the Public Safety dispatch center.
Acts as a knowledgeable resource to students, staff, and visitors to campus. Provides general information such as directions, as well as more up-to-date information about campus events.
Sets high standards and provides excellent customer service to students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Work hours available on all shifts - days, overnights, and weekends. Priority needs include nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary. This position is limited to 29 or fewer hours per week and less than 999 hours each anniversary year.

Pay Range: The range for this position is $18.50- $19.00 per hour.

Offers are based on factors such as qualifications and relevant experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

A high school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Prior dispatch center experience is preferred.
Strong record maintenance skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to use computers to read and respond to emails and to use basic applications is also required.
Prior experience with security-related technologies preferred (i.e. CAD/RMS systems, cctv camera systems, access control systems, etc.)
Successful candidates will possess a high degree of reliability,
Successful candidates will also possess the ability to relate well to students, faculty, and community.
Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license and a good driving history.
Must be able to pass an extensive background check.
Must be a self-starter and have the ability to work independently, as well as to communicate and interact effectively in a professional, confidential, and courteous manner with team members, visitors, faculty, staff, and students.
Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to multi-task, and possess strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Optional materials include:

Cover letter
Resume
Names and contact information for three professional references

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at: http://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Fine Motor Manipulation: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.
Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Extensive sitting in standard dispatch desk environment.
Extensive typing and computer work
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Position Type:

Non-Exempt, Part Time, Non-Benefit Eligible

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.