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 Safety 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.
Typical Work Schedule:
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in the Department and County attendance policies and procedures.
• Regular, predictable attendance is essential.
Our Center offers continuous 24/7 coverage through four dedicated teams working on a 12-hour Pitman shift schedule. Candidates are assigned to a specific shift rotation (day or night shift) based on departmental needs following the completion of their training. While shift preferences will be considered, they cannot be guaranteed.
*Note: This position has been identified as an emergency essential position and as such employees in this position may be needed to work, including after-hours, weekends and during a public emergency (to include but not limited to floods, ice storms, disease outbreak, terrorist attack, etc.)
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 employee's 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 classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.