Temporary Emergency Telecommunicator

State of North Carolina

9h • $16 • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding, making this an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as a Temporary Emergency Telecommunicator team member. In this role, Temporary ZooCom Emergency Telecommunicator team members support the Zoo’s Emergency Operations and Security & Risk Management branch, which provides essential public safety, emergency communications, and operational support to ensure a safe and secure environment for guests, employees, volunteers, facilities, and the animal collection. Services include 24/7/365 emergency and operational call‑taking, radio and telephone communications, dispatching Zoo resources, monitoring alarms and security systems, maintaining incident records, and supporting emergency preparedness activities. This branch’s operations are an integral part of the Zoo’s strategic and operational planning. Seasonal ZooCom Emergency Telecommunicators work under the direct supervision of the Emergency Operations Branch Supervisor or Team Leaders and are expected to collaborate effectively with coworkers, demonstrate strong motivation, and—once trained—perform their duties with professionalism and a high level of independence.

Requirements

• High School or General Education Development (GED) diploma
• Sufficient experience to demonstrate an ability to work under pressure situations
• Ability to use radio and telephone to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must complete Security Awareness upon hiring.
• Must possess sufficient cognitive ability, auditory and visual acuity, and communication skills to perform essential duties and follow general safety practices.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in emergency telecommunications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) or similar systems
• Provide guests with exceptional customer service, including those outlined in the Emergency Operations Training Manual.
• Be knowledgeable of park policies and procedures for handling guests and emergency situations; approach and address guests in a professional manner.
• Assist guests with wayfinding throughout the Zoo.
• Assist with guest escorts from the park.
• Respond to radio communication calls (for example calls addressing heated situations and guest dissatisfaction, lost or separated guests, lost personal items, etc.).
• Respond professionally and appropriately and report to Zoo Communications if the situation cannot be resolved by an Assistant Emergency Operations employee.
• Respond appropriately and assist in potential emergency situations.
• Follow established guidelines to promote the safety of guests and staff.
• Assist with minor first aid situations.
• Assist with parking vehicles and directing traffic on Connector Road and in parking lots, including overflow areas.
• Drive golf carts, and/or vehicles as a mode of transportation throughout the park.
• Must have the ability to navigate paved as well as rough or uneven pathways.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to Central NC (heat, rain, or cold) and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts, including holidays, weekends, and special events as needed.
• This is an 11-month position.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, reaching, standing, walking, and lifting or carrying 30 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Receive, assess, and prioritize emergency and non‑emergency calls from Zoo staff, guests, and partner agencies in a calm and professional manner.
• Dispatch Zoo Police, Veterinary Services, Animal Care, Maintenance, Security, and other responders using radio, telephone, and computer‑aided dispatch systems in accordance with established protocols.
• Monitor alarms, access control systems, cameras, and emergency notification platforms, promptly identifying and reporting potential safety or security concerns.
• Maintain continuous situational awareness during incidents and relay accurate, timely information to field personnel, supervisors, and outside agencies.
• Document all calls, radio traffic, and incident activity accurately and thoroughly in accordance with Zoo policies and public safety standards.
• Follow established guidelines and communication protocols to promote the safety of guests, staff, volunteers, and animals.
• Coordinate multi‑departmental and multi‑agency responses during routine operations, emergencies, and special events.
• Assist with incident escalation, information flow, and communication support during critical events, weather emergencies, or animal-related situations.
• Maintain professional radio and telephone discipline, ensuring messages are concise, clear, and compliant with established procedures.
• Support emergency preparedness activities, record keeping, and operational reporting as directed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.
• If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED