Telecommunicator

Gaston County Police Department Communications (911) is overseen by an Assistant Chief and is under the command of a Captain. Communications (911) provides 24‑hour coverage of emergency 911 calls and radio transmissions. The Unit is charged with maintaining and operating the computer‑aided dispatch system for police, fire and medical calls, as well as receiving both emergency and non‑emergency calls for service.

An hourly salary range of $22.45 to $26.66 is anticipated for this position.

• Answers emergency and non‑emergency calls for service, ascertains the nature of assistance requested, verifies location, and enters data into the CAD system.
• Provides CPR, First Aid or other pre‑arrival instructions and records scene safety information in CAD (weapons, domestic situations, hazardous materials, etc.).
• Operates department radio systems, assigns and dispatches calls, updates unit status in CAD, provides updates to units, and records dispositions.
• Receives radio requests for action and notifications, relays information, and records notes in CAD.
• Records and runs NCIC information (missing persons, stolen vehicles, stolen plates, wanted persons), sends administrative messages to out‑of‑county agencies regarding warrants, and performs additional tasks such as gun checks via e‑Warrants.
• Utilizes the CAD interface (DCI) to run license tag information, driver information, and wanted checks; performs locate operations when needed.
• Assists other dispatch personnel during high‑volume events or conditions.
• Keeps current on all policies and procedures, reviews training documents in PowerDMS, checks emails daily, and participates in training sessions.
• Promotes a positive attitude and good working relationships with team members and assists other departments and outside agencies as necessary.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalency; must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen.
• Must meet authorizations set forth and the requirements set forth by the Department of Criminal Information for certification.
• Must be able to become and remain certified:
  1) by the NC Dept. of Crime Information,
  2) as a Medical Priority Emergency Medical Dispatcher,
  3) with Emergency Fire Dispatch Certification, and
  4) CPR certified through the American Red Cross.
• Applicants must possess sufficient visual acuity and color perception to read and interpret multiple computer monitor displays.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient range of motion, dexterity, and hand‑eye coordination to efficiently operate multiple keyboards and CRT workstations.
• Must have a clear, concise speaking voice for transmission over the radio and good communication and computer skills.
• Must be able to hear and comprehend both telephone callers and radio voice communications.
• Must be able to work 12‑hour shift schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays; personnel are subject to ordered overtime and standby scheduling.

• Candidates are subject to a 12‑month probationary period. Final candidates selected must undergo a thorough criminal history background investigation and pass a drug screening test, audiogram test, visual test, medical physical, psychological, and polygraph test prior to employment.
• Applicants may be disqualified at any time during this process.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.