Public Safety Telecommunicator #124219
- Employer
- Western Carolina University
- Location
- Cullowhee, NC
View more categoriesView less categories
- Administrative Jobs
- Institutional & Business Affairs, Safety & Security
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
SHRA754P
Quick Link for Internal Postings:https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/15193
Classification Title:Public Safety Telecommunicator-MR
Competency Level:Journey
Working Title:Public Safety Telecommunicator #124219
Department:Emergency Services
Position Summary:The Department of Emergency Services serves the Western Carolina University community and associated public safety agencies 24/7/365. Public Safety Telecommunicators provide emergency and non emergency communications and dispatch services for the WCU Police Department, WCU EMS, WCU Emergency Management, Counseling and Psychological Services, Parking Services, Cat Tran (transportation), and other university departments. Under the direction of the Emergency Communications Manager, Public Safety Telecommunicators perform a variety of duties following established guidelines which promote the safety and well being of the campus community. Primary accountabilities include dispatching all radio calls; receiving and responding to incoming telephone and radio communications; determining the nature of calls and deploying the appropriate emergency and non-emergency personnel and equipment; providing direction and guidance to callers reporting police, fire or medical emergencies, and other incidents. Public Safety Telecommunicators have access to confidential and sensitive university and criminal justice records and systems and utilizes a variety of criminal justice systems and university databases in support of department and university operations. Telecommunicators are required to maintain a high level of confidentiality and have the ability to keep/follow guidelines, rules, and federal laws pertaining to access and dissemination of information (i.e. FERPA, HIPPA, DCI/NCIC, and university personnel and student information records). Excellent communication and customer service skills are employed when interacting with students, staff, faculty, the public, and officials from external agencies. Good judgment, confidentiality, problem solving, and the ability to make quick decisions are critical components of this position. Public Safety Telecommunicators must be comfortable in a highly technical environment and skilled computer users. This entails operating various communications equipment in a highly technical environment, including multi-channel two-way radio system/console, the Division of Criminal Information System of North Carolina (DCI)/National Crime Information Center Computer terminal (NCIC), ProQA Emergency Medical Dispatch software, multi-line telephone system and TDD unit. Responsible for monitoring, responding, initiating, and programming computer based radio, security, voice recording, emergency notification, weather, and camera surveillance systems. Telecommunicators monitor fire, intrusion, panic/duress, and maintenance alarms; makes decisions concerning building access, access card use and authenticity, arming and disarming intrusion alarm systems, and reporting fire/elevator/emergency callbox trouble alarms. Provides primary communications interface with University and non-university agencies and units; monitors appropriate local area police, fire and EMS radio frequencies and keeps University Police Officers, WCU EMS, WCU Emergency Management, and other personnel apprised of conditions affecting University operations. In accordance with established procedures and policies, exercise independent judgment when handling routine or emergency calls: refer actions requiring deviation from departmental policy to appropriate command level staff. Candidate must be highly skilled in the use of computers and office equipment. Must have the ability to type accurately, the ability to react calmly, quickly, and decisively in emergency situations, the ability to obtain, summarize, relay information, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. May be requested to perform job related tasks other than those specifically presented. Must have the ability to work shift work and holidays, as the Emergency Communications Center operations are 24/7/365.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position:Knowledge of Western Carolina University campus and local community, knowledge of two-way radio systems and 911 call processing procedures including emergency communication operations. Knowledge of computer operation. Skilled in telephone operations. Skilled in customer service. Skilled in computer operations. Skilled in effective communications. Skilled in effective employee relations. Skilled multi-tasker. The ability to speak clearly. The ability to operate effectively under high-stress, emergency situations. The ability to manipulate the controls of a multi-line telephone system. A complex multi-channel two-way radio system, and a computer and its peripherals. The ability to read and comprehend manuals, directives, instruction sheets, general orders, and other documents of direction or instruction. The ability to work in a diverse environment with a demonstrated history of sensitivity to the needs of the community his position serves. The ability to work as part of an emergency response team.
Minimum Qualifications:High School diploma or equivalency and demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Requires certification as a Division of Criminal Information computer operator or the ability to achieve certification within 45 days of employment. Some positions may require Basic Telecommunicator Certification in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:One year as a public safety/911 telecommunicator or two years serving in a public safety position i.e. firefighter, police officer, EMT, etc.
Certification in DCI, Division of Criminal Information System of North Carolina.
Certification in EMD, Emergency Medical Dispatch through the Academy of Emergency Dispatch.
CPR certification.
$31,200 - $33,000
Position Type:Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week:40
Number of Months per Year:12
Salary Band Range:$31,200-$50,082
Salary Grade:For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this journey level position is considered a Salary Grade 61.
Open Date:06/07/2021
Close Date:06/21/2021
Open Until Filled:No
Special Instructions to Applicants:Applicants must apply online in order to be considered.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information).
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Effective October 1, 2015 all new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
Background/E-Verify:Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification:All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
AA/EOE:Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Organization
About Us
Why Work at Western Carolina University?
Western Carolina University is more than a workplace—it’s a collaborative community of faculty and staff dedicated to supporting the success of our students and the strength of our institution. Our employees are inspired by the meaningful difference we make together in the lives of more than 11,000 students who call WCU home.
Here are just a few reasons WCU is a great place to work:
A Commitment to Community
Do you value being involved locally? So do we. WCU offers robust service-learning and community outreach programs that invite students, faculty, and staff to engage with and serve our region in countless ways.
Recognized Excellence
WCU has been named the Top Employer in North Carolina by Forbes for 2025 and ranks #7 in the United States for company culture.
Academic Distinction and Opportunity
As the westernmost campus in the University of North Carolina System, WCU attracts students from around the globe for our nationally ranked programs, affordability through NC Promise, and exceptional student support. We’re consistently recognized as a Top Adventure College, offering unparalleled experiential learning opportunities in the heart of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
An Inspiring Location
Our main campus in Cullowhee is just 15 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. With hiking and biking trails on campus and countless more nearby, outdoor adventure is always within reach.
Leading in Research and Honors
WCU is home to the oldest and largest Honors College in the UNC System and ranks among the Top 5 institutions nationally for undergraduate research projects accepted to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
A Cultural Hub for the Region
From professional-quality theater led by Broadway star Terrence Mann to nationally recognized music programs, WCU enriches the arts in our region. Our Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and
Healthcare Education
Our competitive healthcare programs are housed in a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility, featuring cutting-edge technology and community clinics that provide hands-on learning experiences.
For more information, visit wcu.edu.
Awards
Western Carolina University (WCU) is proud to be recognized across multiple areas that reflect our unwavering commitment to students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
Our distinguished faculty includes national award-winning authors, internationally recognized experts, and recipients of prestigious honors such as Emmy Awards, O. Henry Awards, and National Endowment for the Arts grants.
WCU has earned numerous accolades, including:
• Top Green College by The Princeton Review
• Top 5 in the Nation for Undergraduate Research
• Best College Value by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
• #1 Outdoor Adventure College for three consecutive years by Blue Ridge Outdoors
The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, a Sudler Trophy recipient, has showcased its excellence on some of the world’s biggest stages, including:
• The Rose Bowl Parade (2011)
• The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2014 and 2019)
• The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland (2024)
WCU is also proud to be designated a Military Friendly® School for 2025–2026, earning both the Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly® School honors.
Each year, our faculty and staff are celebrated for outstanding achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service.
For more information, visit wcu.edu.
Benefits
Western Carolina University offers a wide array of high-quality benefit plans from which to choose. These include comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, a choice between two retirement programs, both of which provide a valuable retirement benefit, as well as optional retirement savings opportunities. Employees also benefit from a generous leave program. For more information, please visit our benefits page at UNC Benefits.
Mission and Vision
Our Mission (who we are):
To improve individual lives and enhance economic and community development in our region, state and nation through engaged learning opportunities in our academic programs, educational outreach, research and creative activities, and cultural activities.
Our Core Values and Guiding Principles (what guides and inspires us):
Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, and Learning
Collaboration with and Respect for our Communities
Free and Open Interchange of Ideas
Responsible Stewardship and Organizational Effectiveness
Organizational and Environmental Sustainability
Cultural Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Our Vision Statement (who we want to be):
To be a national model for student learning and engagement that embraces its responsibilities as a regionally engaged university.
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