Job Title: Communications Training Officer (CTO)
Department: Public Safety Communications
External Hiring Range: $25.77 - $31.01
Posted Internally and Externally
Buncombe County’s Public Safety Communications Center is the central answering point for public safety agencies throughout our County. We are seeking a Communications Training Officer (CTO) who is passionate about developing others and committed to excellence in public safety communications. Our center serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders, operating with professionalism, compassion, and precision.
As a Communications Training Officer, you will play a key role in preparing new and existing telecommunicators for success by providing structured one-on-one instruction, coaching, mentoring, and occasional group training. In addition to training responsibilities, you will monitor employee progress, provide constructive feedback, assist with performance evaluations, maintain training documentation, and serve as a subject matter expert while promoting adherence to departmental policies, procedures, and best practices. While not actively training, you will be dispatching field units in their day-to-day operations and/or taking emergency and non-emergency calls within the communications center.
This position is ideal for an experienced telecommunicator who excels in a fast-paced environment, enjoys mentoring others, and is dedicated to fostering continuous learning and professional growth. By helping develop the next generation of public safety professionals, Communications Training Officers play an essential role in maintaining the high level of service our citizens, visitors, and first responders depend upon every day. If you are ready to lead by example and make a lasting impact on our organization, we encourage you to apply.
Purpose of the position:
The purpose of this position is to receive and transmit routine and emergency calls for the County Public Safety Communications Department and provide operational support to unit staff in the absence of the Telecommunicator Supervisor.
Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): High school diploma or GED and a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a telecommunicator with Buncombe County or two (2) years of other 911 Telecommunicator experience that includes dispatching for both Law Enforcement and EMS/Fire.
Additional Training and Experience: APCO Communications Training Officer (CTO) Certification, equivalent, or experience training new hires in a 911 environment preferred.
License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: APCO Telecommunicator Certification, or equivalent.
Essential Functions of the position:
Assist the Telecommunicator Supervisor in overseeing daily operations during their absence.
Assign trainees the appropriate training staff, attend training meetings and oversee new employee training.
Coordinate with pre-trial services to monitor and track pre-trial release participants and violators.
Receive emergency and non-emergency calls from the public through the emergency telephone system, obtaining pertinent information from callers to determine the nature and location of the emergency.
Prioritize and dispatch calls for service for both emergency service disciplines (EMS/Fire and Law)
Maintain accurate and timely records.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Abilities:
Knowledge of rules, regulations, and procedures, including safety procedures, such as CPR and first aid.
Knowledge of telecommunications systems, which may include transmission, broadcasting, and switching systems, and
computerized databases, including teletype operations and procedures.
Knowledge of basic dispatch codes, as well as standard abbreviations and industry terminology commonly used by emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies.
Knowledge of the geographical layout of the County as to location of streets, important buildings, and other landmarks.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to reach conclusions and approaches to problems.
Ability to use judgment and decision-making skills to evaluate situations, establish priorities, and resolve matters.
Ability to work in stressful situations.
Ability to actively listen and communicate effectively through clear speech and hearing.
Ability to establish priorities and pass on information as needed.
Ability to elicit information necessary for proper dispatching from people who may be distressed.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations.
Ability to speak clearly, distinctly, and professionally.
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
Ability to maintain files, records, and reports.
Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.
It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or GED
- One year experience as a telecommunicator with Buncombe County OR two years other 911 telecommunicator experience including Law Enforcement and EMS/Fire dispatch
- APCO Telecommunicator Certification or equivalent
- APCO Communications Training Officer (CTO) Certification or equivalent experience training new hires in a 911 environment
What We Do
Buncombe County is a local government entity in North Carolina. It provides essential public services and focuses on creating a robust, sustainable regional economy. The county aims to support homegrown industries, attract new businesses, and increase high-wage employment opportunities to ensure economic mobility for its residents, as detailed in its strategic planning and economic development policies.
