Temporary Emergency Telecommunicator

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding, inviting dynamic, efficient individuals to join as Temporary Emergency Telecommunicator team members.

In this role you will support the Zoo's Emergency Operations and Security & Risk Management, providing 24/7/365 emergency call-taking, radio and telephone communications, dispatching Zoo resources, monitoring alarms, and maintaining incident records, with professionalism and independence after training.

Qualifications

• Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position as stated in the vacancy announcement.
• Preferred: experience in emergency telecommunications and proficiency with Office software.

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.

Skills

Emergency telecommunications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division

Job Classification Title

Telecommunicator (S)

Grade

NC04

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. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!

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 include but are not limited to:

• 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

Recruitment Range: $16.00 per hour

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required.

Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

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 handli