Telecommunicator

Telecommunicator Salary: $44,152.00 - $75,059.00 Annually

Location: Wilmington, NC Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202600003 Department: PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS Opening Date: January 15, 2026 Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Are you ready for a career that combines challenge, responsibility, and the opportunity to make a positive impact in your community? New Hanover County is looking for Telecommunicators to answer emergency calls and monitor radio dispatch in our 911 Public Safety Communications Center. We are seeking dedicated individuals to provide the most efficient, accurate, and professional service. Join us in making a difference right where you live!

Job Requirements

This is a continuous posting which will be open to receive applications throughout the year. As vacancies occur during various times throughout the year, the applications in the pool will be screened and considered for referral. The successful candidate must be skilled at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment and must have the ability to talk to citizens, asking scripted questions, while entering responses with accurate information to dispatch calls and provide critical information upon which others rely.

Key Responsibilities

• Dispatching appropriate emergency and non-emergency personnel to calls for service and/or complaints.
• Receiving and dispatching calls to appropriate personnel and securing proper information from persons in a state of excitement or panic to assure adequate response.
• Prioritizing calls based upon nature of request for services, availability of units, and other pertinent information.
• Monitoring radio transmissions of personnel for accurate response, need for additional assistance, and to increase safety of responding personnel.
• Maintaining accurate logs in Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) as required to document the time of calls, time dispatched, response time, time cleared, and other required data.
• Monitoring and maintaining accurate and current awareness of the locations and status of police, fire, and ambulance units for safety and to ascertain availability for response.
• Preparing and maintaining a variety of records and logs including warrant files, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and/or Division of Criminal Information (DCI) entry files, and other required records as needed.
• Operating a manual dispatching system when automatic systems are not functioning or when necessary.
• Performing other related duties as required and assigned.

Work Environment

Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, order-in coverage, and unrestricted mandatory overtime in a 24-hour operation requiring shift work and assigned shift changes. Work is performed indoors in a closed and secured setting involving continuous speaking, conversing on telephone and computer operation. The selected candidate should have the ability to function for extended hours day or night and must possess the necessary skills to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, recording device, and various office skills.

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED and 1 year of related experience involving a high level of multi-tasking and public contact, preferably using communications equipment such as a two-way radio and computers in a high-stress setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) desired.
• Knowledge of county streets, highways, and waterways preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.
• Must be able to obtain CPR, DCI (Department of Criminal Investigation) operator and emergency medical, fire & police dispatch certifications, training provided.
• Must be able to obtain DCI (Department of Criminal Investigation) certification through the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to perform the essential duties of this position.
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain DCI certification.

Benefits and Salary

• Salary Information: The hiring range for this position starts at $44,152.00 annually + a competitive benefits package.
• Bilingual candidates able to read, speak, and write in Spanish and English with the same degree of fluency are eligible for a 5% differential when performing duties utilizing this skill during the course of performing work duties.
• Employees who are assigned to work the night shift will receive a 5% pay differential for time physically worked between 7pm and 7am.
• Sign On Bonus: Candidates accepting regular benefits eligible employment into this position are eligible to receive a one-time sign on bonus of $2,000 with half being paid upon starting in the position and the second half being paid upon successful completion of ones introductory period.

Work Schedule

• Full-time applicants will be assigned 12-hour shifts on either Dayshift, Nightshift, or a Midshift, according to the needs of the department; includes weekends and holidays.
• Part-time applicants will be assigned to no more than 19 hours per week, according to the needs of the department when hired; includes weekends and holidays.
• Part-time positions of 19 hours a week or less are not eligible for benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being, and productivity.

Benefits Package

• Employer-paid 401k deferred compensation contributions (5% for sworn law enforcement and 2.5% for all other benefits-eligible positions).
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system.
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community.
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance + many other insurance options.
• Employee assistance program.
• 100% employer-paid long-term disability.
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center which includes a nurse practitioner and physical therapist.
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives.
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community.

Application Process

• All positions listed as temporary, casual part-time, volunteer, and intern are not eligible to receive benefits.
• Part-time position with fewer than 20 scheduled hours per week will not include benefits.
• Full-time applicants will be assigned 12-hour shifts on either Dayshift, Nightshift, or a Midshift, according to the needs of the department; includes weekends and holidays.
• Part-time applicants will be assigned to no more than 19 hours per week, according to the needs of the department when hired; includes weekends and holidays.

Contact Information

New Hanover County 230 Government Center Drive - Suite 135 Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403 Phone: 910-798-7178 Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nhc