Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST)​/ PST Trainee

Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) and PST Trainees

The Buncombe County Public Safety Communications Department is hiring for Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST) and Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Trainees. Multiple positions available!!!

Candidates or employees who do not meet the minimum qualifications for Telecommunicator (listed below) can be hired as Telecommunicator Trainees at a pay rate of $19.66 per hour. The employee will remain in "trainee" status and will continue to receive trainee pay until the hiring manager certifies that the employee is qualified to assume the full responsibilities of the position. At that time, they will receive a salary adjustment to the minimum of the Telecommunicator pay range, which is currently $21.04 per hour.

If you are someone who stays steady under pressure, listens deeply, and cares about helping others, we have a career option for you. You don't need a background in emergency services to be hired as a Telecommunicator trainee. We welcome people from all walks of life who are committed to supporting their community with empathy and professionalism. As a Telecommunicator Trainee, you will be the first point of contact for people experiencing some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Your voice will provide guidance, reassurance, and connection. You will gather essential information, coordinate emergency responses, and help callers feel heard and supported. We know this work can be emotionally complex, and we take your wellbeing seriously. Our trauma-informed workplace prioritizes safety, support, and continuous learning. You'll never be left alone to figure it out.

We're looking for these personality traits and qualities:

• Clear and compassionate communication
• Patience and the ability to stay grounded during stressful situations
• Willingness to learn new skills and receive feedback
• Emotional resilience

As a Telecommunicator Trainee, you'll have access to a structured, hands-on training program designed for people with no previous experience. Our supportive supervisors and peer mentors will provide regular check-ins focused on your wellbeing and growth. You'll also have access to wellness resources and confidential support programs, as well as a team culture grounded in respect, calm communication, and shared purpose.

Buncombe County Government offers a robust benefits package:

• 8% County contribution to employee 401(k) - you don't have to contribute anything from your paycheck
• Free physical therapy
• Employee and Family Health clinic with $5 co-pay
• $0 Tier-1 generic prescriptions
• 10+ vacation days per year
• 12 sick days & 13 paid holidays
• Flexible Spending Account

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 for a PST:
High school diploma or GED, and a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Public Service call taker, dispatcher or telecommunicator; or a current Buncombe County Call Taker that has completed all the trainings under that classification.

A PST Trainee must be able to meet the minimum requirements for a PST within 2 years of their start date.

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…