Communications Specialist III (Dispatcher)

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of South Carolina is hiring a Communications Specialist III (Dispatcher) for the Department of Public Safety. This role involves dispatching information to law enforcement, maintaining documentation of communications, and managing emergencies.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, and be able to work rotating shifts that include nights and weekends. Strong communication skills and independence are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must remain calm and make quick decisions during emergencies.
• Must possess a high degree of independence and accountability.
• Must work 12-hour rotating shifts including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Receives and dispatches information to enforcement personnel.
• Maintains CAD documentation of all transactions.
• Receives calls from citizens requesting assistance for various situations.
• Retrieves information from computer terminals.
• Acts as backup for the Emergency Preparedness Division.

Skills

Voice communications systems

Customer service experience

Typing and computer skills

Oral and written communication

Map reading

Education

High-school diploma

Associate's degree in technical communications

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Receives and dispatches information to South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) enforcement personnel and other agencies over two‑way radio systems, telephones, teletype, computer‑aided dispatch, and fax machine.
• Maintains CAD documentation of all radio transmissions, collision call–in reports, teletype reports, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) / Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) transactions.
• Receives calls from citizens requesting assistance for traffic accidents, reckless drivers, road rage, disabled motorists, and other road conditions that require emergency response; provides information on road and weather conditions and best routes.
• Retrieves information from computer terminals for driver’s license and vehicle registration, both in‑state and out‑of‑state; inquires NCIC to determine possible stolen vehicles, wanted and missing persons, and stolen gun reports.
• Directs law enforcement officers to traffic accident scenes or any other situation requiring response.
• Reads maps to locate incident sites and relay information to troopers.
• Maintains recorder system, notifying personnel of any malfunctions.
• Acts as backup for the Emergency Preparedness Division in receiving notifications from nuclear power plants and facilities of any potential unplanned or accidental release of radioactive material; immediately notifies the Bureau of Radiological Health and the EPD.
• Receives calls for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Revenue (DOR) from the public requesting information and assistance after normal working hours.

Working Conditions

This position works in an office setting and may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for prolonged sitting and the ability to maintain composure in emergency and stressful situations.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements

• A high‑school diploma and entry‑level work experience with voice communications systems or central switchboard operations.
• Alternatively, an associate degree in a technical communications discipline may substitute for the required experience.

Agency Minimum Requirements

• A high‑school diploma and entry‑level work experience with voice communications systems or central switchboard operations, or an acceptable equivalency approved by the Division of State Human Resources.
• Alternatively, an associate’s degree in a technical communications discipline may substitute for the required experience.

Additional Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal job functions of a Communications Specialist III (Dispatcher).
• Must be able to convey and interpret oral and written communications to and from law‑enforcement officers and the general public.
• Must be able to type and operate a computer or quickly acquire typing and computer skills.
• Must possess the ability to solicit accurate information in an emergency situation.
• Must remain calm and make quick decisions during stressful situations and emergencies.
• Must relate well with the public over the telephone.
• Must read a map.
• Must pass and maintain National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.
• Must possess a high degree of independence and accountability for work in the absence of a supervisor.
• Must work at a fast pace with quick sound decision making.
• Must work 12‑hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours on short notice.
• Must provide immediate response to emergency situations and determine required action calmly.
• All applicants will undergo a background investigation, including criminal history check, driving history, drug use history, reference checks, and a polygraph examination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a customer service environment.
• Entry‑level work experience with voice communications systems or central switchboard operations.

Shift and Location Information

The Communications Specialist III (Dispatcher) position requires rotating 12‑hour shifts, which include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours on short notice. Shifts are scheduled on a 24/7 basis to cover all 7 days of the week, with a minimum of 40 hours weekly. The South Carolina Highway Patrol operates three regional Telecommunications Centers located in Blythewood, Florence, and Greenville; applicants must specify the center they are applying for in the supplemental questions when a vacancy exists.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin. The department prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin.