911 Telecommunicator
About The Position
Catawba County Emergency Services is seeking reliable, calm, and service-oriented individuals to join its 911 Communications Center as Telecommunicators. Telecommunicators are the essential link between the public and emergency responders, answering 911 and non-emergency calls, gathering critical information, and dispatching law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel. The role takes place in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment requiring multitasking, sound judgment, and composure under pressure. The position requires 12-hour night shifts, including weekends and holidays, with overtime as operational needs require. Top applicants will be scheduled for an on-site CritiCall test before advancing in the hiring process. Testing is offered Tuesday, November 10, through Thursday, November 12, and applicants should allow 1–1.5 hours.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent, along with demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Ability to pass a CritiCall exam as part of the selection process.
- Ability to meet Division of Criminal Information (DCI) standards.
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to recognize and comprehend another person's speech, including listening to and understanding spoken information and ideas.
- Ability to clearly communicate information and ideas in written and spoken language so others understand.
- Ability to transmit, broadcast, switch, control, and operate telecommunications systems and relevant equipment such as computers and phones.
- Ability to monitor multiple radio talk groups simultaneously and distinguish between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
- Ability to concentrate on a task over time without distraction and, when necessary, switch between activities or sources of information.
- Ability to type at least 35 words per minute.
- Ability to sit for extended periods.
- Ability to lift or carry up to 10 pounds.
- Adequate vision, hearing, and speech.
- Ability to work in an environment that may be noisy at times.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a 911 communications or emergency response center.
- Background in medical, fire, or law enforcement fields.
- Familiarity with emergency radio and phone systems.
Responsibilities
- Answer and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
- Gather essential details and determine the appropriate level of response.
- Dispatch public safety units via two-way radio and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD).
- Determine response requirements for medical emergencies using the Emergency Medical Dispatch program.
- Document call details and maintain responder status updates in CAD.
- Perform DCI queries and relay critical law enforcement information.
- Read and interpret maps to assist responders and callers.
- Maintain confidentiality and secure access to sensitive data.
- Support after-hours calls for other County departments.
- Learn and obtain all necessary certifications.
- Be flexible with work schedules, including holidays, nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Benefited new hires are eligible for up to 40 hours of advanced annual leave and 40 hours of advanced sick leave.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
