Temporary Emergency Telecommunicator

Natural and Cultural Resources; North Carolina; On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo, part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is expanding and seeks a dynamic Temporary Emergency Telecommunicator to support its Emergency Operations. The role covers 24/7 call-taking, radio and telephone dispatch, and coordination of Zoo resources to ensure a safe, secure environment for guests, staff, volunteers, and animals.

Working under supervision, you will handle incident documentation, monitor alarms, and support emergency preparedness

Qualifications

• Experience in emergency telecommunications preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• High school diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Receive, assess, and prioritize emergency and non‑emergency calls from Zoo staff, guests, and partner agencies.
• Dispatch Zoo Police, Veterinary Services, Animal Care, Maintenance, Security, and other responders using radio, telephone, and computer‑aided dispatch systems.
• Monitor alarms, access control systems, cameras, and emergency notification platforms; report safety concerns.
• Maintain situational awareness and relay timely information to field personnel and agencies.
• Document calls, radio traffic, and incident activity per Zoo policies.

Skills

Emergency telecommunications

Microsoft Office

Education

High School diploma / GED

Tools

Dispatch systems

Job description

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Description of Work

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding, making this an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as a Temporary Emergency Telecommunicator team member. In this role, Temporary ZooCom Emergency Telecommunicator team members support the Zoo’s Emergency Operations and Security & Risk Management branch, which provides essential public safety, emergency communications, and operational support to ensure a safe and secure environment for guests, employees, volunteers, facilities, and the animal collection. Services include 24/7/365 emergency and operational call‑taking, radio and telephone communications, dispatching Zoo resources, monitoring alarms and security systems, maintaining incident records, and supporting emergency preparedness activities. This branch’s operations are an integral part of the Zoo’s strategic and operational planning. Seasonal ZooCom Emergency Telecommunicators work under the direct supervision of the Emergency Operations Branch Supervisor or Team Leaders and are expected to collaborate effectively with coworkers, demonstrate strong motivation, and—once trained—perform their duties with professionalism and a high level of independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, assess, and prioritize emergency and non‑emergency calls from Zoo staff, guests, and partner agencies in a calm and professional manner.
• Dispatch Zoo Police, Veterinary Services, Animal Care, Maintenance, Security, and other responders using radio, telephone, and computer‑aided dispatch systems in accordance with established protocols.
• Monitor alarms, access control systems, cameras, and emergency notification platforms, promptly identifying and reporting potential safety or security concerns.
• Maintain continuous situational awareness during incidents and relay accurate, timely information to field personnel, supervisors, and outside agencies.
• Document all calls, radio traffic, and incident activity accurately and thoroughly in accordance with Zoo policies and public safety standards.
• Follow established guidelines and communication protocols to promote the safety of guests, staff, volunteers, and animals.
• Coordinate multi‑departmental and multi‑agency responses during routine operations, emergencies, and special events.
• Assist with incident escalation, information flow, and communication support during critical events, weather emergencies, or animal‑related situations.
• Maintain professional radio and telephone discipline, ensuring messages are concise, clear, and compliant with established procedures.
• Support emergency preparedness activities, record keeping, and operational reporting as directed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Management Preferences

• Management Prefers Experience in emergency telecommunications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) or similar systems

Position & Physical Requirements

Provide guests with exceptional customer service, including those outlined in the Emergency Operations Training Manual. Be knowledgeable of park policies and procedures for handling guests and emergency situations; approach and address guests in a professional manner. Assist guests with wayfinding throughout the Zoo. Assist with guest escorts from the park. Respond to radio communication calls (for example calls addressing heated situations and guest dissatisfaction, lost or separated guests, lost personal items, etc.). Respond professionally and appropriately and report to Zoo Communications if the situation cannot be resolved by an Assistant Emergency Operations employee. Respond appropriately and assist in potential emergency situations. Follow established guidelines to promote the safety of guests and staff. Assist with minor first aid situations. Ability to use radio and telephone to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions. Must complete Security Awareness upon hiring. Must possess sufficient cognitive ability, auditory and visual acuity, and communication skills to perform essential duties and follow general safety practices. Assist with parking vehicles and directing traffic on Connector Road and in parking lots, including overflow areas. Drive golf carts, and/or vehicles as a mode of transportation throughout the park. Must have the ability to navigate paved as well as rough or uneven pathways. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to Central NC (heat, rain, or cold) and stand or walk for extended periods. Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts, including holidays, weekends, and special events as needed. This is an 11‑month position. Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, reaching, standing, walking, and lifting or carrying 30 lbs. Must be at least 18 years of age. Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of employment. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

High School or General Education Development (GED) diploma

And Sufficient experience to demonstrate an ability to work under pressure situations

Or An equivalent combination of education and experience

WE ARE RECRUITING FOR MULTIPLE VACANCIES.

DNCR does not engage in dual employment for temporary positions; if you are currently employed with another State agency, State university, or the NC National Guard and intend to remain employed with that entity, you may not be considered for temporary work with DNCR.

Location

This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

Salary

Recruitment Range: $16.00 per hour

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoological Park exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the zoo is to conserve and protect representative examples of natural beauty, endangered and threatened plant and animal species, and ecological features of the continents it represents.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Employment Eligibility

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

CONTACT INFORMATION

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of the North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post‑secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.