Public Safety Telecommunicator - PRN

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on March 01, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on March 01, 2026.

Job Title:

Public Safety Telecommunicator - PRNDepartment:
Public Safety Communications External Hiring Range: $21.04 - $24.94

Compensation Grade: 2004

Pay Range: $21.04 - $30.34

Posted Internally and Externally# Buncombe County Public Safety Communications is hiring a PRN Telecommunicator. PRN is an as-needed position filled by an individual whose duties and responsibilities are required on an annually-recurring, seasonal, or on-call basis. PRN workers are eligible for cost-of-living adjustments. PRN workers must work at least one shift in each calendar year to remain an active employee but cannot work more than 900 hours per year.#

# A PRN worker is not eligible for severance pay upon separation, paid holidays, sick leave, or any other employee-specified benefit per Buncombe County’s Benefits and Leave Policies.##
**** 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.
**** 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 Emergency Services Department.
** Essential Functions of the position:
*** Receiving 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
* Prioritizing and dispatching calls for service for all three emergency service disciplines (fire, police, and medical)
* Handling radio requests from emergency response units
* Maintaining location and status information of emergency response units
* Maintaining accurate and timely records
* Providing information or referral options to the public as requested
* Perform other related duties as assigned.

** 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
** 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.
** Organization Conformance Standards for all positions:
*** Interact with other employees, customers, and partners in an effective manner, with professionalism and cultural competency; work effectively and efficiently as a team contributor including interacting and communicating clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
* Maintain knowledge of the agency organizational rules, policies, procedures, services, and mission.
* Plan, prioritize, and…