Communications Specialist III

Clemson University; Seneca (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University in Seneca, SC seeks a Communications Dispatcher to interpret information from telecommunication equipment and dispatch Police, Fire, and EMS personnel across Clemson campus and surrounding counties. The role covers several duties including system administration, equipment monitoring, documentation, and technical operations.

Must have a high school diploma with experience in voice communications or central switchboard operations; an associate degree can substitute.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree may substitute experience.
• Experience with voice communications systems or central switchboard operations preferred.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, holidays, and on-call as needed.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency lines and document details in CAD.
• Dispatch officers and direct responders to locations via radio/phone.
• Operate CAD and multi-channel radio console and related equipment.
• Maintain documentation for maintenance requests, parking passes, and guest passes.
• Monitor CCTV and alarms and coordinate with campus safety staff.

Skills

CAD system

Multi-line phone

Radio dispatch

Data entry

Documentation

Education

High school diploma

Assoc. degree substitution

Tools

NCIC application

SkyGuard Weather System

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Receives and interprets information through telecommunication equipment Dispatches the information received verbally to personnel within the Police Fire and Emergency Medical Services of Clemson University Performs fire and medical assistance to the City of Clemson campus and surrounding counties Performs other duties as assigned

JOB DUTIES:

40% - Dispatch Communications: Answer all emergency and non-emergency telephone lines, obtains and records pertinent information in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system regarding the nature and urgency of the situation. Determines appropriate response and expeditiously alerts responding emergency response units (Police, Fire or EMS) via radio and/or telephone. Dispatches and directs officers promptly to emergency, fire and medical locations. Dispatches Parking Enforcement Officer to parking complaints. Ability to work flexible schedules - day and/or night, rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, special events - based on the needs of the department. Ability to work flexible schedules - day and/or night, rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, special events - based on the needs of the department.15% - System Administration: Operates the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) application to obtain information of drivers registration, vehicle registration, boats, guns, articles, missing person, unidentified person, South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle Information, wanted person, warrants, criminal history checks on suspects; FAA Air Tracing, STORM-Hurricane Tracking. Enters, modifies, clears, cancels, and queries records to all of the above transactions. Adheres to the 10 minute ““Hit Confirmation”” messages. Obtains and remains certified within the first six months of employment. “15% - Equipment Monitoring: Monitors an assortment of CCTV’s, observing unusual activities occurring in certain areas of campus and dispatching officers as required. Monitors burglar alarms, fire alarms, local law enforcement channels, hazardous waste information, Clemson University CU Safe Alert (Rave Mass Notification System) and SkyGuard Weather System via on-line notification. Dispatches officers as required15% - Documentation: Maintains documentation on Facility and Housing maintenance requests, as well as entering a work order online for the issue. Issues guests temporary parking passes and visitor parking passes per Parking and Transportation Services guidelines. Accepts parking fines after business hours. Documents key sign in and out for campus buildings and vehicles. Answers and dispatches safety escort calls for service. Enters lost and found items into system database, as well as contacting owner of the property.15% - Technical Skills: Possesses the necessary knowledge to effectively operate the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, multi-line telephone system, multi-channel radio console and other equipment within the Communications Center. Types using a computer keyboard.

JOB CODE:

BA30

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Regular FTE Staff

Minimum Requirements:

A high school diploma and entry-level work experience with voice communications systems or central switchboard operations. An associate degree in a technical communications discipline may be substituted for the required experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No fiscal responsibility for the department’s budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: 80%Extends hands or arms in any direction: 50%Recognize or inspect visually: 50%Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: 100%Move, transport, raise or lower 30lbs or less: 5%Stand for Prolonged Period: 5%Walk or move about: 10%Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: 100%Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): 10%Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: 20%

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Overnight travel: 5%Electrical hazards: 5%Mechanical hazards: 5%Noise: 20%

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours:

40

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range

$37,944.00 - $58,677.67

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson’s compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

Essential Support - In the event of an emergency closure or modified operations, this position is necessary to maintain/resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

JOB LOCATION:

Seneca, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

November 6, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency : Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.