Job Description

Posting number: 202500062

Department: 911 Communications

Division: 911 Communications

Job classification: Telecommunicator I

Posting type: Open

Categories: 911 Telecommunications

Summary

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.

Examples of 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.

1. Performing emergency and non-emergency radio communications.
2. Utilizing Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and other communications technologies.
3. Obtaining and communicating accurate and timely information during emergency

incidents.

1. Providing exceptional customer service during both routine and emergency situations.
2. Participating in required training, certifications, and professional development

opportunities.

1. Performing public safety support functions and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

1. Successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings and background

requirements.

1. Possess basic computer and keyboarding skills.
2. Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
3. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
4. Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and professional during stressful situations.
5. Demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
6. Demonstrate the ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
7. Be willing and able to complete all required training and certifications appropriate for

their assignment.

No previous emergency communications or public safety experience is required.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

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)

Employees may be required to obtain certifications appropriate for their assignment within

established departmental timeframes. Required certifications may include:

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

McDowell County Emergency Services is committed to developing exceptional Emergency

Services professionals. Opportunities for professional development and career progression may

include:

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.

Progression through Telecommunicator levels is based upon demonstrated competencies,

leadership development, certifications obtained, and professional growth rather than years of

service.

Supplemental information

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.