Public Safety Telecommunicator - PRN

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.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Buncombe County Public Safety Communications Center is looking for team members who are ready and willing to grow with us. If you've been a Telecommunicator before, we'd love to have you join our team!

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.

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.

• 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.

Within eighteen (18) months of hire the incumbent must complete two Telecommunicator Tracks.

Telecommunicator Certification

• 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.

• 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 organize work effectively to produce quality work with measurable results and within identified deadlines;
  Function in highly stressful circumstances and demonstrate the…