Public Safety Communications Telecommunicator
Public Safety Communications Telecommunicator
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Job Description
The Buncombe County Public Safety Communications Center plays a crucial role in connecting the public with emergency services. Every day our center answers 911 and administrative calls while coordinating and dispatching vital responses from fire departments law enforcement and emergency medical services. If you feel a calling to make a genuine difference we invite you to consider joining our dedicated team!
Were thrilled to share that we are hiring five dedicated individuals to join our upcoming training academy starting on 10/20/2025! For this academy we will be conducting interviews for both the Calltaker and Telecommunicator positions. While we encourage candidates with prior telecommunicator experience to apply we also welcome those with no previous experience for this Academy. Individuals offered a Telecommunicator (Dispatcher) position will receive additional comprehensive on-the-job training following the 16-week academy.
Training schedule vs. long-term schedule:
Candidates can anticipate that the first 16 weeks of training will be conducted in a classroom type environment scheduled Monday-Friday 8am-5pm at 164 Erwin Hills Road. Following the initial training period academy graduates will be assigned to a 12-hour shift. Our Center provides around-the-clock coverage through four dedicated teams operating on a Pitman shift schedule with candidates assigned to a specific shift based on departmental needs at the conclusion of their training. While shift preferences will be taken into account they cannot be guaranteed.
Purpose of the position:
The purpose of this position is responsible and timely operation of communication equipment to receive and transmit emergency calls for the Buncombe County Public Safety Communications Department.
Minimum Education Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):
High school diploma or GED and a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Public Service call taker dispatcher or telecommunicator; or a current Buncombe County Call Taker that has completed all the trainings under that classification.
Additional Training and Experience:
Within eighteen (18) months of hire the incumbent must complete two Telecommunicator Tracks.
License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:
Telecommunicator Certification within 1 year of hire.
Essential Functions of the position:
Receive emergency and non-emergency calls from the public through the emergency telephone system obtaining pertinent information from callers to determine the nature and location of the emergency.
Prioritize and dispatch calls for service for all disciplines.
Receive and respond to radio requests from emergency response units and monitor and maintain location and status information.
Operation of computer aided dispatch system and communication with responding units via radio.
Maintain accurate and timely records.
Provide information or referral options to the public as requested.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of rules regulations and procedures including safety procedures such as CPR and first aid.
Knowledge of telecommunications systems which may include transmission broadcasting and switching systems and computerized databases including teletype operations and procedures.
Knowledge of basic dispatch codes as well as standard abbreviations and industry terminology commonly used by emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies.
Knowledge of the geographical layout of the County as to location of streets important buildings and other landmarks.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to reach conclusions and approaches to problems.
Ability to use judgment and decision-making skills to evaluate situations establish priorities and resolve matters.
Ability to work in stressful situations.
Ability to actively listen and communicate effectively through clear speech and hearing.
Ability to establish priorities and pass on information as needed.
Ability to elicit information necessary for proper dispatching from persons who may be distressed.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations.
Ability to speak clearly distinctly and professionally.
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
Ability to maintain files records and reports.
In order to uphold internal pay parity and equity salaries are non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees. All new employees are paid according to their years of relevant education and experience above minimum requirements for the position and employees have the opportunity to obtain pay increases via cost of living increases and promotions.
Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture one that fully engages all of our employees honoring and building on each employees unique experiences opinions and perspective.
It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race natural hair or hairstyles ethnicity creed color sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin or ancestry marital or familial status pregnancy veteran status religious belief or non-belief age or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment hiring assignment promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected addition the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.
Employment Type
Full-Time
