New

Public Safety Telecommunicator (multiple vacancies)

Appalachian State University

$49,367 - $53,838 (PLUS an Additional 10% Shift Differential Pay for Evening and Overnight Hours)

United States, North Carolina, Boone

287 Rivers Street (Show on map)

Jul 17, 2026

Position Summary Information

Classification Title	Public Safety Telecommunicator - Metro
Working Title	Public Safety Telecommunicator (multiple vacancies)
Location	Boone, NC
Job Category	6
Position Number	093311
Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship	VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S
Department	University Police - 430500
Primary Purpose of Position	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.
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.
License/Certification Required
Essential Job Functions	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 electronics Ability to operate a CAD system, radio console, University computer programs, two-way radios, the Division of Criminal Information (DCI) console, monitor Closed Circuit Camera System, Fire and numerous other alarms and operate a multi-line telephone. Skills Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively; relay details accurately; listen actively; think and act quickly while working under pressure (this role receives emergency messages from students, faculty, staff, campus police and/or other law enforcement officers reporting a variety of situations such as criminal acts, traffic accidents or illness) Compile and analyze operational data and prepare and maintain accurate records Effectively interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds Ability to articulate concisely and distinctly. Ability to relay information to campus police officers, other law enforcement units and/or appropriate medical units, identifying the problem and directing them to the appropriate destination. Abilities Dependable, self-motivated and team-oriented Relentless problem solver Friendly and tactful personality Patient and resilient Stress tolerance and adaptability
Preferred Qualifications	Prefer individual to have Division of Criminal Information ( DCI) Terminal Certification; a working knowledge of Banner Student, two years of experience as a police telecommunicator; a working knowledge of operating a two-way radio, Closed Circuit TV, TDD phone, and other alarm systems; and possess a working knowledge of the numeric codes and 10 signals.
Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.	Decision Making Independently resolves issues and problems .Problem resolution requires some interpretation of policy and procedures. Serves as a resource for others in resolving unprecedented, non-standard issues and problems. 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. 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.
Type of Position	Permanent Full-Time
Staff/Non-Faculty	Staff/Non-Faculty
Appointment Type	1
Work Schedule/Hours	Twelve hour shifts, rotating four(4) days on and four (4) days off. either 7am-7pm, or 7pm to 7am depending on yearly shift bid. Shifts/hours are subject to change based on operational needs. Employees serve as the receptionist and perform various other clerical duties on the 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift.
Number of Hours Per Week	40
Number of Months Per Year	12
Mandatory Staff	Yes
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 This work is sedentary and requires little to no exertion of force.
Overall Competency Level	Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalency	GN08
Salary Range
Anticipated Hiring Range	$49,367 - $53,838 (PLUS an Additional 10% Shift Differential Pay for Evening and Overnight Hours)

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

Posting Details Information

Posting Date	07/17/2026
Closing Date	08/02/2026
Competency Level Statement	Management will only consider applicants who meet the required competencies.
Special Instructions to Applicants	Required documents to attach: Cover Letter Please list a minimum of 3 professional references in the application. 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.
Search Chair Name	Lori Miller , Daryan Watson
Search Chair Email	millerla11@appstate.edu , watsondm4@appstate.edu
Applicant Pool Preference	External (Post on the Web)

Departmental Information

Quick Link	https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/55254
Posting Number	201503006P