911 Telecommunicator I, II or III (Full Time)

McDowell County Emergency Services is a progressive, multi-disciplinary public safety organization serving the citizens and visitors of McDowell County, North Carolina. Our department includes 911 Communications, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Community Paramedicine, Emergency Management, Fire Marshal, and other public safety initiatives operating under a One Team, One Mission philosophy.

The McDowell County Communications Center is a combined public safety answering point providing emergency and non-emergency communications services for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Law Enforcement, Fire Services, and other public safety partners throughout McDowell County.

McDowell County Emergency Services is committed to hiring exceptional individuals and providing the training, mentorship, and professional development necessary for success in emergency communications. Whether beginning a career in public safety or bringing years of experience, employees are provided opportunities for growth and advancement throughout their career.

No previous emergency communications or public safety experience is required. Successful applicants will receive the training necessary to perform their assigned duties.

The 911 Telecommunicator position is responsible for receiving, prioritizing, processing, and disseminating emergency and non-emergency communications while providing professional and compassionate customer service to the citizens and visitors of McDowell County. Employees may be assigned responsibilities and career progression opportunities based upon training completed, certifications obtained, demonstrated competencies, leadership abilities, and operational needs.

McDowell County Emergency Services utilizes a competency-based career progression model designed to recognize professional development, leadership growth, certifications, and operational competencies. Opportunities for advancement are available through the Telecommunicator I, II, and III levels.

Responsibilities may include:

1. Receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
2. Providing emergency communications support for EMS, Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue Services, and other public safety partners.
3. Performing emergency and non-emergency radio communications.
4. Utilizing Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and other communications technologies.
5. Obtaining and communicating accurate and timely information during emergency incidents.
6. Providing exceptional customer service during both routine and emergency situations.
7. Participating in required training, certifications, and professional development opportunities.
8. Performing public safety support functions and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings and background requirements.
2. Possess basic computer and keyboarding skills.
3. Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
4. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
5. Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and professional during stressful situations.
6. Demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
7. Demonstrate the ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
8. Be willing and able to complete all required training and certifications appropriate for their assignment.
9. No previous emergency communications or public safety experience is required.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
2. A desire to serve others and support public safety operations.
3. The ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing situations.
4. Professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
5. A commitment to teamwork and continuous professional development.
6. The ability to remain calm and compassionate during difficult situations.
7. Strong problem-solving and multitasking abilities.
8. A willingness to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS (OBTAINED AFTER HIRE)

1. CPR Certification.
2. APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I Certification.
3. Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification.
4. Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) Certification.
5. Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) Certification.
6. NC DCI Module I Certification.
7. NC DCI Security Training.
8. FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 100.
9. FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 200.
10. FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 700.
11. FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 800.
12. TTY Training.
13. Additional certifications as required by departmental policy, Telecommunicator level, assignment, and operational needs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER PROGRESSION

1. Competency-based advancement through Telecommunicator I, II, and III levels.
2. Leadership development opportunities.
3. Specialized certifications and communications assignments.
4. Cross-training opportunities within Emergency Services.
5. Multi-discipline public safety communications experience.
6. Specialized projects and assignments.
7. Future professional development opportunities based upon departmental initiatives and operational needs.

WHY WORK FOR MCDOWELL COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES?

McDowell County Emergency Services is committed to investing in its people and building the next generation of Emergency Services professionals. Employees are provided meaningful opportunities to serve their community while developing professionally within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Benefits of joining our team include:

1. Comprehensive training and mentorship.
2. Competency-based career progression opportunities.
3. Leadership and professional development opportunities.
4. Opportunities for specialized certifications and assignments.
5. Cross-training opportunities throughout Emergency Services.
6. Meaningful work serving the citizens and visitors of McDowell County.
7. A culture committed to employee wellness, professional growth, and organizational excellence.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is performed in a twenty-four (24) hour emergency communications environment and may require shift work, nights, weekends, holidays, and schedule modifications based upon operational needs. Employees will be exposed to emotionally difficult and stressful situations while providing emergency communications services and are expected to maintain professionalism and composure while serving the public.