What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Safety Telecommunicator position at Appalachian State?

Posting Details

Work experience or education that is NOT included on the application will NOT be considered when screening your application. Please include ALL work experience and education on the application to ensure that you receive the appropriate credit toward qualification for this position.

Position Summary Information

Classification Title

Public Safety Telecommunicator - Metro

Working Title

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Location

Job Category

Position Number

093311

Department

University Police - 430500

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. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Special Note : This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to identify essential work functions per ADA. Examples of competencies are primarily those of the majority of positions in this class, but may not be applicable to all positions. Ability to create and maintain collegial working relationships with customers and co-workers, contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment, and serve as a productive team member is expected in all positions.

License / Certification Required

Essential Job Functions

The Appalachian Police Department (APD) supports the university's academic mission by working in partnership with the campus community to prevent crime, solve problems and improve the quality of life on campus. The department's philosophy is one of proactive community engagement, collaboration and customer service, holding the safety and health of Appalachian's community members as its top priorities.

The Public Safety Telecommunicator is a critical role that serves as the vital communications link between the public needing assistance and emergency services response. Employees must be able to work independently in a high-stress environment while receiving and evaluating incoming emergency and administrative requests for emergency services, including but not limited to police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS); triaging those requests for service; providing guidance and assistance to the public in life-safety situations; and coordinating appropriate responses to high-risk, high-stress operations, with the objective of keeping all participants safe.

Duties & Responsibilities include :

Work Environment

Work is performed in a police department communications center. The work level can fluctuate from minimal to fast-paced and high volume. The employee deals with crisis situations that require them to quickly make major decisions involving people, resources, and property with limited direction.
The employee may be asked to work scheduled shifts at any time of the day and on holidays.
Must be able to cope in a safe manner with stressful situations, emotional callers, irate responders and unprofessional contacts.

Call Taker

Using training and policies to screen requests for emergency services; answering them professionally, recognizing if a call is received from telephone, text, video, or an automated data feed.

Providing pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions to those requiring assistance during high-stress situations.

Ascertaining incident information by obtaining and verifying caller information and location, determining the nature of the incident, and all available data including but not limited to automated data, social media information, text message, images or video and providing information to emergency services either verbally and / or digitally.

Dispatcher

Using training and operational protocols to take appropriate action such as : relaying critical information, dispatching / initiating emergency response services, etc..

Conducting health and safety status checks of responders and using other available technology to ensure the safety of on-scene responders.

Documenting all incident activities thoroughly and accurately while maintaining awareness of scene activities.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Knowledge

Working knowledge of Windows-based software and various other computerized electronic, telecommunications equipment

Skills

Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively; relay details accurately; listen actively; think and act quickly

Compile and analyze operational data and prepare and maintain accurate records

Effectively interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds

Abilities

Dependable, self-motivated and team-oriented

Relentless problem solver

Friendly and tactful personality

Patient and resilient

Stress tolerance and adaptability

Preferred Qualifications

Type of Position

Permanent Full-Time

Staff / Non-Faculty

Appointment Type

Work Schedule / Hours

Twelve-hour shifts, rotating four (4) days on and four (4) days off.

Work hours are 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am, depending on yearly shift bid.

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

Mandatory Staff

Physical Demands of Position

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Repetitive stationary positions for long hours

Ability to speak and hear clearly while repeatedly answering the radio and telephone system

Overall Competency Level

Journey

Salary Grade Equivalency

GN05

Salary Range

Anticipated Hiring Range

41,637 (PLUS an Additional 10% Shift Differential Pay for Evening and Overnight Hours)

Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.

Communication-Verbal :

Listens to callers and quickly ascertains nature of call. Obtains and extracts relevant information. Interprets and analyzes messages from callers.

Applies judgment in responding to callers. Speaks clearly and distinctly; effectively uses language and tone to calm distressed callers and to provide aid / assistance via phone until help arrives.

Transmits radio messages quickly and concisely. Directs emergency personnel to scene and conveys relevant information to responders.

Interacts with co-workers, supervisors, law enforcement and emergency response personnel (including those from other jurisdictions), university officials, media, and the general public to relay information and coordinate activities.

Decision Making :

Analyzes messages and information in order to determine priorities; recognizes critical incidents; coordinates response; initiates action based upon acquired information and knowledge of operating procedures. Makes consistently sound and accurate dispatch decisions.

Technical Knowledge :

Learns Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations pertaining to radio transmissions. Learns departmental policies and procedures related to the answering, response, and dispatch of calls; works under close supervision.

Learns to operate required telecommunications and information technology

Learns the general operations and procedures of applicable state and local public safety organizations (including law enforcement agencies, fire and rescue, security, and other response units). Learns the relevant infrastructure of the jurisdiction (e.g., roads, buildings, location of emergency response units).

Obtains DCI certification. Adapts to changes in telecommunications procedures and systems adopted by the department.

Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.

Posting Details Information

Posting Date

01 / 27 / 2025

Closing Date

02 / 10 / 2025

Competency Level Statement

If no applicants apply who meet the required competencies, then management may consider other applicants at a lower competency level.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Required documents to attach :

Cover Letter

Please list a minimum of 3 professional references in the application.

Search Chair Name

Scott Mash

Search Chair Email

mashsa@appstate.edu

Applicant Pool Preference

External (Post on the Web)

Departmental Information

Quick Link

https : / / appstate.peopleadmin.com / postings / 49569

Posting Number

201502805P

Salary : $41,637

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