County Manager Jobs in Rutherfordton, NC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $19.25 - $23.25 Hourly
Location : 911 Communications Center, NC
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 202500062
Department: 911 Communications
Division: 911 Communications
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
McDowell County Emergency Services is a progressive, multi-disciplinary public safety organization serving the citizens and visitors of McDowell County, North Carolina. Our department includes 911 Communications, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Community Paramedicine, Emergency Management, Fire Marshal, and other public safety initiatives operating under a One Team, One Mission philosophy. The McDowell County Communications Center is a combined public safety answering point providing emergency and non-emergency communications services for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Law Enforcement, Fire Services, and other public safety partners throughout McDowell County. McDowell County Emergency Services is committed to hiring exceptional individuals and providing the training, mentorship, and professional development necessary for success in emergency communications. Whether beginning a career in public safety or bringing years of experience, employees are provided opportunities for growth and advancement throughout their career.
No previous emergency communications or public safety experience is required. Successful applicants will receive the training necessary to perform their assigned duties.
The 911 Telecommunicator position is responsible for receiving, prioritizing, processing, and disseminating emergency and non-emergency communications while providing professional and compassionate customer service to the citizens and visitors of McDowell County. Employees may be assigned responsibilities and career progression opportunities based upon training completed, certifications obtained, demonstrated competencies, leadership abilities, and operational needs. McDowell County Emergency Services utilizes a competency-based career progression model designed to recognize professional development, leadership growth, certifications, and operational competencies. Opportunities for advancement are available through the
Telecommunicator I, II, and III levels.
Responsibilities may include:
1. Receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
2. Providing emergency communications support for EMS, Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue
Services, and other public safety partners.
3. Performing emergency and non-emergency radio communications.
4. Utilizing Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and other communications technologies.
5. Obtaining and communicating accurate and timely information during emergency
incidents.
6. Providing exceptional customer service during both routine and emergency situations.
7. Participating in required training, certifications, and professional development
opportunities.
8. Performing public safety support functions and other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
1. Successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings and background
requirements.
2. Possess basic computer and keyboarding skills.
3. Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
4. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
5. Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and professional during stressful situations.
6. Demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
7. Demonstrate the ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
8. Be willing and able to complete all required training and certifications appropriate for
their assignment.
No previous emergency communications or public safety experience is required.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES
Successful candidates typically demonstrate:
1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
2. A desire to serve others and support public safety operations.
3. The ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing situations.
4. Professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
5. A commitment to teamwork and continuous professional development.
6. The ability to remain calm and compassionate during difficult situations.
7. Strong problem-solving and multitasking abilities.
8. A willingness to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS (OBTAINED AFTER HIRE)
Employees may be required to obtain certifications appropriate for their assignment within
established departmental timeframes. Required certifications may include:
1. CPR Certification.
2. APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I Certification.
3. Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification.
4. Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) Certification.
5. Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) Certification.
6. NC DCI Module I Certification.
7. NC DCI Security Training.
8. FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 100.
9. FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 200.
10. FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 700.
11. FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 800.
12. TTY Training.
13. Additional certifications as required by departmental policy, Telecommunicator level,
assignment, and operational needs.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER PROGRESSION
McDowell County Emergency Services is committed to developing exceptional Emergency
Services professionals. Opportunities for professional development and career progression may
include:
1. Competency-based advancement through Telecommunicator I, II, and III levels.
2. Leadership development opportunities.
3. Specialized certifications and communications assignments.
4. Cross-training opportunities within Emergency Services.
5. Multi-discipline public safety communications experience.
6. Specialized projects and assignments.
7. Future professional development opportunities based upon departmental initiatives and
operational needs.
Progression through Telecommunicator levels is based upon demonstrated competencies,
leadership development, certifications obtained, and professional growth rather than years of
service.
WHY WORK FOR MCDOWELL COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES?
McDowell County Emergency Services is committed to investing in its people and building the
next generation of Emergency Services professionals. Employees are provided meaningful
opportunities to serve their community while developing professionally within a supportive and
collaborative environment.
Benefits of joining our team include:
1. Comprehensive training and mentorship.
2. Competency-based career progression opportunities.
3. Leadership and professional development opportunities.
4. Opportunities for specialized certifications and assignments.
5. Cross-training opportunities throughout Emergency Services.
6. Meaningful work serving the citizens and visitors of McDowell County.
7. A culture committed to employee wellness, professional growth, and organizational
excellence.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is performed in a twenty-four (24) hour emergency communications environment
and may require shift work, nights, weekends, holidays, and schedule modifications based upon
operational needs. Employees will be exposed to emotionally difficult and stressful situations
while providing emergency communications services and are expected to maintain
professionalism and composure while serving the public.
How to Apply
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING AND BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED
APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. No additional information will be solicited by the McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.
McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin. The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions.
McDowell County participates in E-Verify.
Applications are available:

• on our website:

- under "Job Opportunities"

• McDowell County Administration Building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752
Applications can be submitted:

• Online at
• in person at the County Administration building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

• or by Mail to:

McDowell County Human Resources
60 East Court Street Marion, NC 28752

• or by email to:

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. We also offer up to 8 weeks of paid family leave to eligible employees.