Highway Patrol Telecommunicator in Training (Catawba County)

Highway Patrol Telecommunicator (S)

Join the North Carolina State Highway Patrol as a Telecommunicator—where every call you take supports troopers, protects communities, and helps save lives across our state. You do not need a badge to make a difference—your voice can be the first line of response. This position performs fast-paced, high-responsibility work coordinating emergency and non-emergency response efforts. Telecommunicators serve as the critical link between the public and first responders by receiving, prioritizing, and accurately relaying information to ensure timely and effective response to incidents impacting public and officer safety.

Location: 1033 Smyre Farm Road, Newton, NC 28658

Salary Range: $33,902 - $59,327 (full range for this classification)

Salary Grade: NC05

Starting Salary and Training Progression: This position follows a structured training and progression plan. Selected candidates will be hired as a Highway Patrol Telecommunicator Trainee at a starting salary of $40,343, regardless of education or experience level. Candidates with recent prior experience as a North Carolina State Highway Patrol Telecommunicator within the last three (3) years may be considered for a higher starting rate, based on that experience. As part of the training program, employees must successfully complete a 640-hour Basic Telecommunicator Training Program, required certification courses, and obtain North Carolina Sheriff's Education and Training Standards Commission certification. Following successful completion of training and one year of on-the-job experience, along with a performance rating of "Meets Expectations" or higher, employees may progress to Highway Patrol Telecommunicator with a salary of $42,615, based on funding availability.

Key Responsibilities including but not limited to:

• Assess and coordinate emergency and non-emergency response activities by evaluating reported situations, determining necessary response actions, and deploying appropriate resources
• Support critical operations involving officer safety, SHP Aviation Mission emergencies, severe weather events, rescue operations, transportation of nuclear fuel, fixed nuclear facility incidents, terrorist threats, and homeland security-related situations
• Receive, solicit, process, and prioritize information from multiple sources—including the public, law enforcement, and state and federal agencies—to manage emergency and non-emergency communications
• Identify and evaluate potential risks to responding law enforcement units using effective listening skills and public safety systems such as the Criminal Intelligence Information System (CIIS)
• Operate a variety of communication and technology systems, including: Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), TTY/TTD systems, Land Mobile Radio System, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Form Flow), Internet and Intranet applications, Omnixx, and mapping programs
• Communicate effectively using law enforcement radio codes (e.g., 10-codes) to ensure the secure and accurate exchange of sensitive information over publicly accessible radio channels.
• Handle specialized communication systems, including: Dedicated circuits for North Carolina's three fixed nuclear power plants, Telephone systems for AMBER Alerts, SILVER Alerts, and the Center for Missing Children
• Access and disseminate law enforcement data through CIIS, including criminal history, driver and vehicle records, and terrorist or gang-related intelligence, supporting information exchange at the state, national, and international levels
• Serve as a key liaison between the public, the organization, and allied government agencies, providing professional and effective customer service that directly impacts public perception and trust
• Maintain cooperative and effective communication with local, state, and federal partners to support coordinated emergency response and public safety operations

Position/Physical Requirements:

• Typical work schedule: Rotating & permanent day/night shifts, weekends, and holidays

Note: Qualified recommended applicant(s) must undergo and successfully pass:

• Criminal Background Investigation
• Drug Screening Test
• Psychological Evaluation

Minimum Education and Experience: High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma AND ability to type and work efficiently under pressure;OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Must meet the applicable education, employment, and training standards as required for the following certifications:

• Department of Criminal Information (DCI) operator (must be DCI certified or become certified within 120 days of employment)
• NC Sheriff's Education & Training Standards Commission Telecommunicator certification