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 Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Parking Services, Facilities Management, Cat Tran (transportation), and other university departments. Under the direction of the Director of Emergency Services, Public Safety Telecommunicators perform a variety of duties following established guidelines and protocols which promote the safety and well-being of the campus community. Primary responsibilities include 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; dispatching calls via two-way radio; and monitoring and researching video footage of the campus CCTV system. Public Safety Telecommunicators have access to numerous confidential and sensitive university and criminal justice records and systems. Additionally, Telecommunicators utilize 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 required 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 be skilled computer users. This entails operating various types of communications equipment in a highly technical environment, including a 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, and a multi-line telephone system.

Telecommunicators are responsible for monitoring and using computer based radio, security, voice recording, emergency notification, weather, and camera surveillance systems. Telecommunicators are frequently required to monitor fire, intrusion, panic/duress, and maintenance alarms; make decisions concerning building access, access card use and authenticity; arming and disarming intrusion alarm systems; and reporting fire/elevator/emergency call-box trouble alarms. Telecommunicators provide front-line communications with University and non-university agencies and units; monitors appropriate local area police, fire and EMS radio frequencies and keep University Police Officers, WCU EMS, WCU Emergency Services, and other personnel apprised of conditions affecting University operations. In accordance with established procedures and policies, Telecommunicators must 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. Telecommunicators may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those specifically presented. Telecommunicator candidates must have the ability to work shift work and holidays, as the Emergency Communications Center operations are 24/7/365.

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 this position serves. The ability to work as part of an emergency response team.

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. Positions will require certifications 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.

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.

Applicants must apply online.

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

Qualified applicants will be contacted by the department directly if selected for interview.

Please Note: Temporary employees are paid bi-weekly on an hourly basis and do not receive benefits.

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.

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.

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 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.