Telecommunicator

Johnston County • Johnston County Public Safety Center, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Johnston County’s Communications Department is hiring a full-time 911 Telecommunicator (Dispatcher). The position answers emergency and administrative calls, dispatches appropriate personnel, and maintains contact with field units until incidents are resolved. Calls and requests may concern law enforcement, fire, EMS, rescue, animal control, emergency management, and other services. The role also provides the public with directions and general information.

The work involves frequent public contact, including communicating with people under extreme stress, and requires tact, firmness, decisiveness, and the ability to make critical decisions quickly. Work is performed under departmental policies and applicable state and federal laws, often in stressful emergency conditions. Employees work indoors. Performance is evaluated by the Telecommunications Supervisor through observation, discussion, report review, and feedback from officers and emergency management personnel.

The starting rate is $56,908.80 annually ($27.36 per hour), with additional compensation based on relevant experience. The posting lists two hours per week of built-in overtime after release from the Training Academy, 12 paid county holidays, and monthly accrual of sick and vacation time. Potential earnings with no experience are listed as $63,486.37.

Candidates will be invited to complete an online assessment through TestGenius. Candidates must possess or obtain specified emergency dispatch certifications and must have, or obtain within 12 months, North Carolina telecommunicator and DCI operator certifications. A pre-employment reference check will be conducted; additional background checks or drug screening may be required.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess or obtain certification in emergency medical, emergency fire, and emergency police dispatch.
• Possess or obtain within 12 months the Certified Telecommunicator certification required by the North Carolina Department of Justice.
• Possess or obtain certification as a State of North Carolina DCI operator.
• Good computer skills and ability to multitask and work under pressure.
• Ability to work a rotating 12-hour shift.
• Considerable knowledge of law enforcement and emergency communications systems and related Federal Communications Commission regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the County’s geographic layout, including streets, important buildings, and landmarks.
• Working knowledge of the functions, practices, and procedures of the Sheriff’s Department.
• Working knowledge of emergency situations sufficient to provide standing-order advice to victims.
• Ability to accurately receive and transmit radio communications; assess people and situations; use sound judgment; remain calm under stress; and obtain essential information for dispatching and assisting field personnel.
• Ability to type, speak clearly and distinctly, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Physical ability to reach, push, pull, lift, finger, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions; exert up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently; read extensively and work at a computer terminal; and process auditory information amid background noise.

Nice To Haves

• Prior 911 telecommunication or dispatch experience; preference is given to applicants with prior 911 telecommunication experience.
• Highly experienced and trained applicants with DCI, EMD, EFD, and/or EPD certifications; certifications will be reviewed.
• Some related communications, dispatching, or reception work experience.

Responsibilities

• Answer 911 emergency and administrative telephone lines and receive routine and emergency calls and personal requests for assistance.
• Dispatch law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel to emergency and non-emergency situations by two-way radio.
• Obtain essential information from callers, including people under extreme stress, and provide assistance or standing-order advice as appropriate.
• Maintain contact with law enforcement personnel and other units; receive and transmit information and messages.
• Coordinate dispatch communications with fire departments, rescue squads, police departments, social services, juvenile officers, wrecker services, the Red Cross, highway patrol, and emergency management personnel.
• Operate a Division of Criminal Information (DCI) terminal to send and receive information concerning criminal histories, vehicle identification, NCIC hot files, missing persons, license plate records, driver histories, and pawn shop transactions.
• Maintain an in-house computer database, communications logs, and reports documenting call details, actions, and times.
• Generate reports concerning recovered or stolen property, missing persons, and residence checks.
• Provide information to the public in person and by telephone concerning County services.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• 12 paid County holidays.
• Monthly accrual of sick and vacation time.
• Two hours per week of built-in overtime after release from the Training Academy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED