Telecommunicator

UNC Overview

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and a welcoming campus community.

In addition to award-winning faculty, UNCA has also ranked high in Research.com, US News & World Report and the Princeton Review in 2025.

Classification Title

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Department

University Police

Position Summary

This position performs technical communications work in support of the University's public safety operations. Work involves receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, monitoring alarms, obtaining and relaying information, prioritizing calls/alarms and coordinating response procedures, dispatching appropriate public safety personnel, and maintaining public safety communications logs and databases utilizing Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD). The employee in this position is responsible for operating a host of complex telecommunications and computer equipment, including multi-line phone systems, multi-channel police consoles, two-way radios, scanners, monitoring security cameras and Division of Criminal Information terminals. Work requires knowledge of applicable Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations, an understanding of public safety operations, and skill in the operation of telecommunications technology.

This position requires the ability to multi-task and to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations. The employee should also be able to work with a diversified community; be able to communicate effectively with those who may be irate; be able to make effective decisions in emergency life and death situations; be able to prioritize calls and identify potential dangers; and be able to work as a member of a team and interact favorably with all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. The employee is expected to maintain confidentiality and discretion in the course of conducting business; work individually and/or with others; and adapt to change and circumstances.

Positions require shift, weekend, holiday and/or overtime work. The selected candidate must be able to work 12-hour permanent day or night shifts. The UNC Asheville Police Department is a 24-hour, 365-day-per-year operation.

Minimum Education/Experience/Skill

High School diploma and sufficient experience to demonstrate ability to work under pressure. Additional Education and Experience will be necessary for progressive steps (Journey and Advanced). Requires certification as a Division of Criminal Information computer operator or the ability to achieve certification within 45 days of employment. 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

Preferred Education/Experience/Skill

Prefer candidates with DCI and Basic Telecommunicator certifications. May also consider applicants with ability to obtain a certification within 45 days of hire. In addition, the ideal candidate will be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Google docs, and Banner. Candidates with a two or four year degree in addition to the certifications would be a plus.

The successful candidate will be asked to attend and pass a telecommunicator certification course; such as a four-day Sheriff's Training and Standards Course or The Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO).