Telecommunicator (Full-Time)

Mitchell County North Carolina Seal

| Human Resources Home | Mitchell County Home |

Employment Opportunity
Full-Time, Non-Exempt Position

Location: 117 Long View Drive, Bakersville, North Carolina 28705
Salary Grade: 61
Salary Range: $32,218 – $48,328

Mitchell County is accepting applications from qualified applicants for the position of a Telecommunicator.  This position performs responsible public safety communications and administrative support work for multiple Public Safety Agencies while serving the emergency and routine needs of the citizens, workers, and visitors in Mitchell County.

An employee in this class receives routine and emergency calls, dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance using two-way radios, computer aided dispatch, telephone and TDD machines.  Work includes interviewing callers, dispatching personnel and equipment, and maintaining contact with all Public Safety Agencies. Work also includes operation of electronic dispatch equipment, Division of Criminal Information (DCI) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC), performance of detailed documentation, and monitoring alarm systems. Work involves frequent public contact which requires tact, firmness and decisiveness and judgement in obtaining information and following policy and protocol to appropriate courses of action. Work is performed in accordance with departmental and county policy, along with state and federal law. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation, monitoring of radio communication, discussion and review of reports. The employee will report to the Director of Communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Receives routine and emergency telephone calls and personal requests for assistance concerning crimes, fires, rescue needs or general information, identifies the locations of callers to choose and dispatch the proper law enforcement, fire, or rescue department or unit.
  • Operates a variety equipment and technology, including computer-aided-dispatch to maintain contact with personnel from law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, fire and rescue, social services and other agencies responding to emergency calls; dispatches personnel to answer requests for assistance utilizing Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) or Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD); provides information about the situation as it develops and/or background information from the DCI system.
  • Operates terminal connected with state and national agencies to obtain driver’s history, vehicle registration data and criminal record information; checks warrants.
  • Documents all information within the Computer Aided Dispatch system.
  • Monitor’s activities of law enforcement officers on patrol and makes radio contact to ensure safety; takes and transmits personal and departmental messages.
  • Works during times of disaster, natural or man-made causes.
  • Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Considerable knowledge of the physical layout and landmarks of the county.
  • Working knowledge of the operation of an electronic radio and telecommunications system and related Federal Communications Commission regulations.
  • Working knowledge of the functions, practices and procedures of the Sheriff Department, Police Departments, multiple fire or fire/rescue departments, EMS units, and other public safety agencies.
  • Working knowledge of the application of information technology to telecommunications including utilization of computer aided dispatch, data base management and efficient keyboard skills.
  • Skill in public contact and collaborative conflict resolution.
  • Ability to accurately receive and transmit radio communications.
  • Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities, set priorities, and maintain calm control under the stress of emergency conditions.
  • Ability to assess people and situations, to apply sound judgment, to remain calm under stressful conditions and to elicit sufficient and essential information for dispatching and assisting field personnel.
  • Ability to deal tactfully, firmly and courteously with the public under the stress of emergency conditions.
  • Ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
  • Ability to maintain accurate and complete work activity records and files, including operating computer terminals.
  • Ability to work simultaneously on different calls with different agencies and staff.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessi­tated by work assignments.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Graduation from high school. Experience in customer service and public contact; communication and dispatching experience is preferred; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Additional Requirements

A valid North Carolina driver’s license is required.  Ability to obtain DCI Operator certification by the State of North Carolina as available. Ability to obtain certification as Public Safety Telecommunicator, EMD, EPD, EFD, and CPR certification within six months.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force; work occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, speaking or hearing. Must possess the visual acuity to operate computer equipment, and maintain and review written and computerized records and reports.

Recruitment Process

Applicants must submit a Mitchell County Employment Application (PDF file – open with the free Adobe Reader software) and résumé. The position is subject to employment reference checks, pre-employment drug testing and a criminal background check. All interested applicants should submit their application and resume to Glenda Shuffler, Human Resources Director, at Human.Resources@mitchellcountync.gov (e-mail) or 26 Crimson Laurel Circle, Bakersville, North Carolina 28705 (regular mail).

Position open until filled.

Mitchell County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or genetic information
in employment or in the provision of services.