Temporary Position: Public Safety Telecommunicator

About the Role

The employee(s) hired for this position will serve as part of a temporary pool of reserve Telecommunicators for UNC Asheville, performing technical communications work in support of the University’s public safety operations. This role involves receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, monitoring alarms, prioritizing calls, dispatching appropriate public safety personnel, and maintaining communications logs and databases using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD). The position requires operating complex telecommunications and computer equipment, including multi-line phone systems, police consoles, two-way radios, security cameras, and Division of Criminal Information (DCI) terminals.

Work requires knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules, public safety operations, and the ability to multi-task in high-stress situations. The employee must communicate effectively with a diverse community, make critical decisions in emergencies, and maintain confidentiality. This is a part-time position (20-29 hours/week) with shift, weekend, holiday, and overtime work required.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls, alarms, and communications.
• Obtain and relay information to coordinate public safety responses.
• Dispatch appropriate personnel (law enforcement, fire/rescue, security, etc.) using CAD systems.
• Maintain logs, databases, and records of public safety communications.
• Operate telecommunications equipment, including multi-line phone systems, radios, consoles, alarm panels, and DCI terminals.
• Monitor security cameras, emergency call boxes, TTY/TDD phones, and other alarm systems.
• Interpret and analyze messages to determine priorities and initiate action based on operating procedures.
• Communicate clearly and calmly with distressed callers, emergency responders, and university officials.
• Ensure compliance with FCC rules, departmental policies, and state/local public safety procedures.
• Complete required in-service training and maintain certifications (e.g., DCI, Basic/Intermediate Telecommunicator).
• Work 12-hour day or evening shifts in a 24/7, 365-day operation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Certification as a Division of Criminal Information (DCI) computer operator or ability to obtain within 45 days of employment.
• Basic Telecommunicator Certification (per North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission) or ability to obtain within one year of employment (required for some positions).
• Ability to multi-task, remain calm under pressure, and make sound decisions in life-or-death situations.
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to calm distressed callers and relay information clearly.
• Proficiency in using telecommunications technology, CAD systems, and office software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Docs).
• Ability to work independently, adapt to change, and maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing DCI and Basic Telecommunicator certifications.
• Experience with Banner or similar systems.
• Two- or four-year degree in a relevant field.

Skills

• Technical: Operation of multi-line phone systems, radios, CAD, DCI terminals, alarm panels, and security cameras.
• Analytical: Prioritizing calls, identifying critical incidents, and coordinating responses.
• Communication: Clear verbal transmission, active listening, and de-escalation techniques.
• Data Management: Accurate record-keeping, database entry, and quality control of logs.
• Decision-Making: Sound judgment in emergencies and adherence to protocols.

Pay

$20.00 per hour.

Schedule

• Part-time (20-29 hours/week).
• 12-hour day or evening shifts.
• 24/7 operation, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.