Telecommunicator

Do you have a deep desire to serve and protect the citizens of Greenville? Then we invite you to join our team of first responders! You will play a critical role in answering emergency and non-emergency calls, monitoring alarms and video surveillance, and relaying important information to our public safety personnel. Your contributions will make a real difference in the lives of those you serve. Take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career in public safety. Join us today!

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

• Receives routine and emergency calls and personal requests for assistance concerning criminal offenses, civil processes, and other matters involving public safety.
• Enters calls for service into a computer-aided dispatch computer.
• Operates two-way radio to maintain contact with police cars and other law enforcement units.
• Dispatches Police, Animal Protective Services, and monitors Fire/Rescue Officers.
• Maintains current location of officers to assure their safety.
• Monitors National Weather Service reports and N.C. State Highway Patrol.
• Dispatches personnel to answer requests for assistance.
• Maintains radio contact with Pitt County Sheriff's Department, East Carolina University, ECU Health Police, Pitt County Fire Control, Greenville Fire/Rescue, and the City's Recreation and Parks, Public Works, and Engineering departments.
• Receives calls on alarms from monitoring stations of business alarms within the City.
• Provides information concerning locations of neighborhoods, businesses, roads, and streets.
• Operates computer terminal connected to the Division of Criminal Information and National Crime Information Center to obtain necessary information.
• Maintains various communications logs and telephone requests for service.
• Monitors traffic cameras located throughout the City.
• Monitors City Hall and Greenville Police Department's building security system to include monitors located in the parking lots of both buildings.
• Answers and fills out tip sheets from Crime Stoppers calls.
• Maintains daily duty work log containing necessary operating information.
• Operates personal computer and computer terminals as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED, supplemented with some training in the use of communications equipment; and
• Six months to one year of experience in dispatching, conducting radio communications, providing customer service to the general public, or in a related field;
• Emergency communications experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Considerable knowledge of:

• the City streets, location of neighborhoods, and general layout of the City.

Good working knowledge of: 

• the operation of a two-way radio communications system and related Federal Communications Commission regulations.

Ability to:

• receive and understand auditory information from citizens and other public safety entities requesting public safety services or assistance as well as to provide telephone support;
• accurately transmit radio communications;
• assess people and situations and use sound judgment in decision-making;
• elicit information from distressed or confused persons necessary for the proper dispatch of police or emergency vehicles;
• speak clearly, distinctly, and politely;
• remain calm and effective under heavy workloads and in emergencies;
• operate assigned equipment and type accurately at an average rate of speed;
• make sound, independent judgments with respect to the police's responsibility to respond based on the Police Department's operations manual;
• learn radio communications code signals and information contained in the Police Department's operations manual;
• obtain Division Criminal Information (DCI) operator certification after hire within a timeframe established by the supervisor;
• deal courteously and tactfully with the public;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

• Must have the ability to type clearly at a rate of at least 35 words per minute.
• Must be willing and able to work rotating 12-hour day or night shifts or permanent 12-hour day or night shifts. Rotating shifts to include 2 weekends per month. This position is required to be staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. You may be required to be on duty for an extended period of time during catastrophic, weather, or unplanned large-scale events.
• Eligible candidates must submit to an interview process, job simulation testing, background checks, psychological exam, polygraph exam, medical exam, and drug screen.
• Must obtain Telecommunicator Certification through the North Carolina Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Division.

Note:  The selection process typically takes 1-3 months but can vary depending on circumstances.  Candidates who do not successfully complete the selection process are eligible to reapply for other City job vacancies.