Job Details

Public Safety Telecommunicator - 182771
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Position Number: 5211768
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Campus Safety and Police

Public Safety Telecommunicator - 182771

Western Carolina University

Department: Office of University Police

About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary: The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

The WCU Police Department serves the Western Carolina University community and associated public safety agencies 24/7/365. Public Safety Telecommunicators provide emergency and non emergency communications and dispatch services for the WCU Police Department, WCU EMS, WCU Emergency Management, Counseling and Psychological Services, Parking Services, Cat Tran (transportation), and other university departments.

Under the direction of the Chief of Police, Public Safety Telecommunicators perform a variety of duties following established guidelines which promote the safety and well being of the campus community.

Primary accountabilities include dispatching all radio calls; receiving and responding to incoming telephone and radio communications; determining the nature of calls and deploying the appropriate emergency and non-emergency personnel and equipment; providing direction and guidance to callers reporting police, fire or medical emergencies, and other incidents.

Public Safety Telecommunicators have access to confidential and sensitive university and criminal justice records and systems and utilizes a variety of criminal justice systems and university databases in support of department and university operations. Telecommunicators are required to maintain a high level of confidentiality and have the ability to keep/follow guidelines, rules, and federal laws pertaining to access and dissemination of information (i.e. FERPA, HIPPA, DCI/NCIC, and university personnel and student information records).

Excellent communication and customer service skills are employed when interacting with students, staff, faculty, the public, and officials from external agencies. Good judgment, confidentiality, problem solving, and the ability to make quick decisions are critical components of this position. Public Safety Telecommunicators must be comfortable in a highly technical environment and skilled computer users. This entails operating various communications equipment in a highly technical environment, including multi-channel two-way radio system/console, the Division of Criminal Information System of North Carolina (DCI)/National Crime Information Center Computer terminal (NCIC), ProQA Emergency Medical Dispatch software, multi-line telephone system and TDD unit. Responsible for monitoring, responding, initiating, and programming computer based radio, security, voice recording, emergency notification, weather, and camera surveillance systems. Telecommunicators monitor fire, intrusion, panic/duress, and maintenance alarms; makes decisions concerning building access, access card use and authenticity, arming and disarming intrusion alarm systems, and reporting fire/elevator/emergency callbox trouble alarms. Provides primary communications interface with University and non-university agencies and units; monitors appropriate local area police, fire and EMS radio frequencies and keeps University Police Officers, WCU EMS, WCU Emergency Management, and other personnel apprised of conditions affecting University operations. In accordance with established procedures and policies, exercise independent judgment when handling routine or emergency calls: refer actions requiring deviation from departmental policy to appropriate command level staff. Candidate must be highly skilled in the use of computers and office equipment. Must have the ability to type accurately, the ability to react calmly, quickly, and decisively in emergency situations, the ability to obtain, summarize, relay information, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. May be requested to perform job related tasks other than those specifically presented.

Must have the ability to work shift work and holidays, as the Emergency Communications Center operations are 24/7/365.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalency and demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Requires certification as a Division of Criminal Information computer operator or the ability to achieve certification within 45 days of employment. Some positions may require Basic Telecommunicator Certification in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information).Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veterans Preference.PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. EffectiveAll new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/27329