Telecommunicator - Part Time

Forsyth County (NC); Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Forsyth County Department of Emergency Services seeks dedicated Telecommunicators to operate an enhanced 911 system, receive emergency calls, and dispatch appropriate fire, EMS, and rescue units. The role requires calm, accurate decision-making under pressure, and strict adherence to APCO protocols.

Successful candidates will handle mutual aid requests, coordinate with multiple agencies, and complete related paperwork while maintaining secure, compliant operations in a high‑security

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; one year emergency services experience preferred.
• Ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, and follow procedures.
• Willingness to work in a high-security area and pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Answer 911 calls and determine the appropriate response.
• Dispatch fire, EMS, and rescue units as needed.
• Monitor multiple units and coordinate mutual aid requests.
• Complete paperwork accurately and promptly.
• Operate a wide range of complex communications equipment.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Decision making

Effective communication

Public interaction

Quick decisions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

APCO protocols

Communications equipment

CJIS policy compliance

Job description

Forsyth County Department of Emergency Services is seeking dedicated and hard working professionals to join our team as Telecommunicators. Operates an enhanced 911 emergency system in receiving and dispatching emergency calls.

• - Answers 911 calls requesting emergency assistance; asks callers appropriate questions in determining proper response needed; verifies and obtains all needed information in order to correctly dispatch the call.
• - Dispatches municipal, county, and volunteer fire personnel and equipment; determines appropriate fire department and amount of response based on computer information and standard operating procedures; monitors frequency for any additional assistance.
• - Dispatches ALS/BLS vehicles and emergency medical service personnel to respond to medical emergencies; assigns calls to first responders and medic units as necessary.
• - Categorizes fire/medical calls and provides prearrival instructions for emergencies based on protocols established by APCO.
• - Responds promptly to all mutual aid requests from adjoining counties; monitors calls from a large number of state and local units transmitting messages; patches in out of county ambulances to local hospitals.
• - Operates a wide range of very complex equipment in performing the functions of the position; maintains auxiliary equipment as required.

- Sound judgment is required in making decisions during emergencies. This employee must respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through conferences and review of operations.- Considerable knowledge of rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.
- Considerable knowledge of the operation of a wide variety of complex communications equipment and ability to use all equipment.
- Considerable knowledge of the locations and capabilities of available fire, rescue, and emergency medical units.
- Ability to communicate effectively emergency medical dispatch protocols.
- Ability to hear and speak clearly and remain calm during emergency situations.
- Ability to make quick decisions in handling emergency situations.
- Ability to direct the daily activities of an assigned shift.
- Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
- Lifting up tp 10 lbs occasionally or sitting most of the time.Graduation from high school or GED. Prefer one year experience in emergency services communications

This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the U.S. Department of Justice's Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy and thereforerequiressuccessfully passing a more stringent criminal background check.

• - Answers calls requesting emergency assistance; asks callers appropriate questions in determining proper response needed; verifies and obtains all needed information in order to correctly dispatch the call.
• - Dispatches county fire personnel and equipment in addition to appropriate volunteer fire departments; determines appropriate volunteer fire department and amount of response based on computer information and standard operating procedures; monitors frequency for any additional assistance.
• - Dispatches ALS vehicles and emergency medical service personnel to respond to medical emergencies; assigns calls to volunteer rescue squads and medic cars as necessary.
• - Categorizes medical calls and provides prearrival instructions for emergencies based on flip cards published by APCO.
• - Responds promptly to all mutual aid requests from adjoining counties; monitors calls from a large number of state and local units transmitting messages; patches in out of county ambulances to local hospitals.
• - Operates a wide range of very complex equipment in performing the functions of the position; maintains auxiliary equipment as required.
• - Completes all associated paperwork accurately.
• - Completes all associated paperwork accurately.
• - Performs related duties as assigned.