Public Safety Communications Call Taker

Buncombe County; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Buncombe County Public Safety Communications is hiring Public Safety Telecommunicators for a 16‑week 9‑1‑1 Telecommunications Training Academy beginning January 25, 2027. This full‑time role answers 911 and administrative calls, coordinates dispatches to fire, police and EMS, and advances to independent operations after training.

No prior experience required; candidates must be at least 18, complete the academy with rotating 12‑hour shifts, and commit to a long‑term career serving the community.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations affecting public safety call-taking.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to rapidly evaluate situations and priorities.
• Maintains confidentiality and trustworthy handling of sensitive information.
• Clear, concise, and effective communication with callers and teams.

Responsibilities

• Receive and screen requests for emergency services from distressed callers.
• Obtain information, verify location, nature of incident, and relay data to emergency services.
• Transfer calls and coordinate with agencies when needed, including conference calls.
• Interpret sensor data to triage, prioritize, and categorize calls.
• Document and sequence calls promptly under limited supervision.
• Operate CAD, GIS, and recording systems.

Skills

Critical thinking

Clear communication

Confidentiality

Policy knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on November 27, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on November 27, 2026.

Job Title: Public Safety Communications Call Taker

Department: Public Safety Communications

External Hiring Range: $19.66 - $23.66

Posted Internally and Externally

Join Our Team! 911 Telecommunications Training Academy!

Ready to answer the call and make a difference?

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!!!

We're thrilled to share that we are hiring for MULTIPLE POSITIONS!!!

Buncombe County Public Safety Communications is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as full-time Public Safety Telecommunicators through our upcoming 16-week 9-1-1 Telecommunications Training Academy, beginning January 25, 2027!

The Buncombe County Public Safety Communications Center plays a crucial role in connecting the public with emergency services. Every day, our center answers 911 and administrative calls, while coordinating and dispatching vital responses from fire departments, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. If you feel a calling to make a genuine difference, we invite you to consider joining our dedicated team!

Training schedule:

Candidates can anticipate that the first 16 weeks of training will be conducted in a classroom type environment, scheduled Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, at 164 Erwin Hills Road.

During the academy, new hires will receive structured training designed to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to serve our community when every second cou nts.

Long-term Schedule:

Following successful completion of the academy, employees will transition to their semi-permanent 12-hour (0700-1900 or 1900-0700) rotating shift assignments as they continue developing their skills and working toward independent operational readiness.

Our Center provides around-the-clock coverage through four dedicated teams operating on a Pitman shift schedule, with candidates assigned to a specific shift based on departmental needs at the conclusion of their training. While shift preferences will be taken into account, they cannot be guaranteed.

This isn't just a job. It's a career with the opportunity to serve, grow, and become someone's lifeline during their most critical moments.

Protect. Connect. Serve.

Your journey starts here. Answer the call!

Essential Functions of the position:

• Receive and screen requests for emergency services: Manage challenging callers using appropriate handling of distressed, autistic, hearing-impaired, elderly, angry, and foreign-language-speaking callers.
• Ascertain incident information by obtaining and verifying caller information, 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.
• Facilitate the transferring of calls to the appropriate resources and perform conference calls with entities, such as but not limited to poison control centers or helicopter dispatch.
• Interpret sensor data to triage, prioritize, and properly categorize a call.
• Document, prioritize, and sequence calls promptly in limited time with limited or no supervision.
• Operate a computer workstation comprised of multiple computer systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, geographical information systems (GIS), and recording systems.
• Complete training, certifications, and competencies as needed by actively seeking training, completing the training and certifications required for assigned Call Taker position, and complete continuing education and career development as necessary.
• Follow established agency policies and procedures, being aware of liability to the department, and adhering to federal disclosure and privacy laws.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• By the end of the training period, thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, processes, laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting public safety call‑taking and the ability to apply them appropriately.
• Ability to use logic, critical thinking, and reasoning to reach conclusions and solve problems, using judgment and decision‑making skills to rapidly evaluate situations, establish priorities, resolve matters, and pass on information, as needed.
• Able to adhere to policy and procedure requirements that are stringent, rigorous, and unwavering, including confidentiality of information and trustworthiness while dealing with sensitive information.
• Able to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively; relay detai

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

High school diploma or GED.

Additional Requirements:

At least 18 years of age.