Telecommunicator

Wake County; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 73,641,000 - 82,609,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Telecommunicator in Raleigh, NC to serve as the critical link between calls and responders. You will operate dispatching equipment, manage incident prioritization, and coordinate with local and state agencies to ensure swift, accurate information flow.

The role requires calm, precise communication, data entry into CAD, and adherence to all regulatory standards. Schedules include day/night shifts within a 24x7 operation, with a competitive starting range

Qualifications

• No prior 9-1-1 or emergency communications experience required.
• Experience in high-volume public contact work requiring rapid decision-making may be considered.
• Current NC Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Basic Telecommunicator Certification, or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
• Current Division of Criminal Information certification or ability to obtain within timeframe.
• Completion of FEMA/NIMS IC-100, IC-200, IC-700, IC-800, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Must obtain and maintain any additional certifications or access credentials required for 9-1-1 calls and public safety systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate dispatching equipment to receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Communicate with other law enforcement agencies.
• Answer incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and prioritize incidents.
• Dispatch requests for services and ensure timely responses.
• Enter data into a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Maintain records in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Skills

Active listening

Crisis communication

Clear verbal communication

Data entry

Multitasking

Public safety awareness

Education

Basic Telecommunicator Certification (NC)

DCI/NCIC access certification

FEMA/NIMS IC-100

FEMA/NIMS IC-200

FEMA/NIMS IC-700

FEMA/NIMS IC-800

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

Are you a problem solver who thrives in fast-paced environments? Do you have a knack for clear communication and helping others? If you answered 'YES', we want you to be the next essential part of our team! The Wake County Sherriff's Office is seeking candidates for our Telecommunicator role to ensure the safety and well being of the citizens and visitors to Wake County. Be the voice that connects!

Primary Duties

• Operate dispatching equipment to receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency calls


• Communicate with other law enforcement agencies


• Answer incoming emergency and non-emergency calls


• Dispatch requests for services


• Ensure that all calls are dispatched in a timely manner, and that information and addresses are correct


• Prioritize incidents to determine urgency


• Operate a multi-channel computer-based radio system


• Receive and prioritize incoming telephone calls


• Perform data entry into a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System


• Communicate effectively with the public, co-workers and other law enforcement agencies


• Maintain records and files generated from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Criminal Information Section and Identification Section in compliance with state and federal regulations


• Perform other duties as assigned

About Our Team

With a wide array of services, Wake County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow, and play. Wake County Government employs approximately 4400 employees and approximately 1000 of those are employed by the Sheriff’s Office that provides law enforcement services throughout the community. With over 850 square miles of area and 1.1 million residents, Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for those in the unincorporated areas of the County. For more information about the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.wake.gov/sheriff.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• No prior 9-1-1 or emergency communications experience is required


• Experience in public safety, emergency services, law enforcement, fire/EMS, security, military service, crisis intervention, behavioral health crisis response, dispatch, or high-volume public contact work involving rapid decision-making, multitasking, confidential information, emotionally distressed individuals, traumatic circumstances, or stressful situations may be considered when evaluating related knowledge, skills and abilities


• Current North Carolina Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Basic Telecommunicator Certification, or ability to obtain within the timeframe required by state rule, agency policy or direction of ECC management


• Current Division of Criminal Information certification for assigned access level, or ability to obtain required certification within the timeframe established by agency policy


• Completion of FEMA/NIMS IC-100, IC-200, IC-700, and IC-800, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months from the date of hire


• Must obtain and maintain any additional certifications, access credentials or authorizations required to answer 9-1-1 calls, access criminal justice information, operate assigned public safety communications systems, and perform assigned emergency communications duties

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Experience in emergency communications or 911 related role

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Knowledge of public safety communications center operations, 911 and emergency call handling principles, law enforcement dispatch procedures, CAD, radio communications, DCI/NCIC requirements, local geography, confidentiality requirements, records accuracy, caller safety, and responder safety practices


• Skill in active listening, caller control, crisis communication, clear verbal communication, accurate data entry, call prioritization, multitasking, radio discipline, and operating multiple public safety communications systems during time-sensitive, high-liability, or life-safety situations


• Ability to remain calm under pressure, obtain and relay accurate information, provide approved lifesaving pre-arrival or safety instructions, recognize changing incident conditions, apply policies and procedures consistently, maintain confidentiality, work rotating shifts in a 24x7x365 environment, accept training and quality feedback, and exercise sound judgment during routine and emergency operations


• Ability to communicate professionally with callers who may be frightened, angry, injured, victimized, traumatized, suicidal, impaired, uncooperative, or in imminent danger while continuing to collect critical information and coordinate the appropriate public safety response

About This Position

Location: Public Safety Center Raleigh, NC 27601

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Days, nights, weekends, holidays, 12 hour Shift Work

Hiring Range: 25.70 - 28.83

Market Range: 25.70 - 31.96

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 9/24/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two‑time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at‑large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well‑managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.