EMD – TELECOMMUNICATOR

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Department: Emergency Services
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

General Statement of Duties

This position involves responsible public safety communications and administrative support for law enforcement, fire, and EMS services. The role includes:

• Receiving and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Gathering medical information and providing Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) instructions to responders.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Call Handling & Dispatching:
  • Receive and assess routine and emergency calls for crimes, fires, EMS, and general assistance.
  • Identify caller locations and dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire, or EMS units.
  • Operate electronic communication equipment to maintain contact with multiple emergency response agencies.
  • Interview callers to determine the nature of emergencies and provide pre-arrival medical instructions via the EMD system.
• Data Retrieval & Communication Support:
  • Use DCI terminal to obtain driver history, vehicle registration, criminal records, and warrant checks.
  • Run vehicle inquiries and driver’s license history for law enforcement agencies.
• Log Maintenance & Monitoring:
  • Maintain communication logs and reports detailing call nature, actions taken, and response times.
  • Monitor fire and security alarm systems, dispatching volunteer agencies as needed.
  • Transfer appropriate calls to state patrol.
  • Track the status and safety of law enforcement officers on patrol.
• Emergency & After-Hours Support:
  • Handle after-hour calls for utilities, maintenance, social services, and other county services.
  • Work in the communications center during severe weather events (e.g., hurricanes, ice storms).
  • Notify emergency personnel, hospitals, nursing homes, and county departments of National Weather Service warnings.
• Other Duties:
  • Perform related tasks as required.

Education & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Public contact or customer service experience required.
• Communications or dispatching experience preferred.
• Must be able to type 30 words per minute.

Special Requirements

• Within three months:
  • Obtain North Carolina DCI Operator Certification.
• Within six months:
  • Obtain North Carolina Sheriff’s Training and Standards Telecommunicator Certification.
  • Obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and CPR Certification.

Application Process

Apply Online:

Columbus County Employment Application

Or Submit Application to:

Columbus County Human Resources
125 W Webster Street
Whiteville, NC 28472

Columbus County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.