911 Telecommunicator #51731, #51790, #51721

Burke County Government; Morganton, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Burke County Government's Emergency Communications Department seeks reliable Telecommunicators to answer 911 and non-emergency calls, dispatch responders, and provide public assistance. Positions require strong English communication and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with approx.

40 hours weekly and a starting training pathway. Two full-time vacancies are open, with advanced starting pay possible for qualified applicants and an in-house training academy commencing October 19.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1–3 years of experience in emergency management or call centers

Responsibilities

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls received by the Communications Center
• Utilizes various systems and programs to locate the caller's location; prepares necessary reports regarding the caller and details of the call
• Dispatches the appropriate emergency services personnel promptly and per Burke County policies and procedures; provides the responding emergency services personnel with the necessary information
• Interacts with and assists the general public via telephone, email, or in person to provide support, information, and assistance with documents, programs, or systems maintained or provided by the Communications Center or the Emergency Communications Department
• Operates the Division of Criminal Information ("DCI") terminal to send and receive messages regarding criminal histories, warrants, vehicle identification, missing persons, driver histories, and related information
• Maintains all necessary certifications through trainings, courses, and continuing education
• Engages in difficult negotiations requiring a well-developed sense of timing and strategy
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Skills

English communication

Instruction delivery

Verbal communication

Written data analysis

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Systems operation

Data interpretation

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

DCI terminal

Job description

Job Opportunities

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Department: Emergency Communications

Hiring Range: $44,027.00 - $51,719.00 ($19.74 - $23.19 per hour)

Closing Date: Open Until Filled with the interview process beginning the week of September 14th, 2026

*Whether you're new to a career in emergency communications or you bring years of dispatch experience, we want to hear from you.*

Candidates with no experience will be hired as a Trainee at the starting rate of $19.74 per hour and will attend our in-house training academy for the first 6 weeks of employment. Employment, and the training academy, will begin on October 19 th .

Experienced Telecommunicators may qualify for advanced starting pay based on relevant experience, education, and certifications. The hiring range for this position is $19.74 - $23.19 per hour.

We are currently recruiting for two full-time vacancies. The interview process will begin the week of September 14th

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

This position answers calls for emergency services for both emergency and non-emergency situations received by the Burke County 911 Communications Center. Position requires approximately 40 hours of work per workweek.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To successfully perform this position, an individual must be able to perform the following:

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls received by the Communications Center
• Utilizes various systems and programs to locate the caller's location; prepares necessary reports regarding the caller and details of the call
• Dispatches the appropriate emergency services personnel promptly and per Burke County policies and procedures; provides the responding emergency services personnel with the necessary information
• Interacts with and assists the general public via telephone, email, or in person to provide support, information, and assistance with documents, programs, or systems maintained or provided by the Communications Center or the Emergency Communications Department
• Operates the Division of Criminal Information ("DCI") terminal to send and receive messages regarding criminal histories, warrants, vehicle identification, missing persons, driver histories, and related information
• Maintains all necessary certifications through trainings, courses, and continuing education
• Engages in difficult negotiations requiring a well-developed sense of timing and strategy
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED
• At least one (1) to three (3) years of experience in emergency management or call centers developing the necessary knowledge and skill to perform the duties of this position

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (UPON HIRE, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED):

• Licensed Telecommunicator (within 1 year of hire)
• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certification (within 1 year of hire)
• CPR Certified (within 1 year of hire)
• Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International Certification (within 1 year of hire)
• OMNYXX-DCI Certification (within 1 year of hire)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency Certification (within 1 year of hire)
• Must possess a valid driver's license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:

• Standard vision requirements, with or without corrective lenses
• Occasionally lifts up to ten (10) pounds
• Occasionally spends time standing
• Frequently spends time sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands or fingers to handle, feel, type, or text, and engaging in repetitive motions
• Subjected to serious mental effort and potential stressful situations during day to day operations

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Ability to convey detailed instructions loudly, accurately, and/or quickly
• Ability to receive detailed instructions or information through verbal communication
• Ability to prepare and analyze written or computer data
• Ability to address complex problems and issues
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to operate and use systems, technologies, and machines required to perform Communications Center duties
• Ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from several sources, such as guidelines, policies, and procedures
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

Application Process: Burke County paper applications can be obtained at the Human Resources office, located at 200 Avery Ave. Morganton, NC, Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm; online applications are available at: www.burkenc.org .Completed applications should provide a complete work history, including a detailed and thorough list of job duties. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Burke County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, genetic information, or disability in employment or the provision of services.