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Emergency Telecommunicator Certification Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) and EFD (Emergency Fire Dispatch) Certification. CPR and Telecommunicator Certification supported by the N.C Sheriff's Commission. Maintain a credible reputation as ...

911 Telecommunicator I

Carlisle, PA ยท On-site

$20.20/hr

Five Factor Grade: 105 Start at Telecommunicator I-105 - $20.20 Employees who successfully complete ... Must obtain and maintain any emergency management training or certifications as required by the ...

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Emergency Telecommunicator Certification information

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$27.5K

$47K

$67K

How much do emergency telecommunicator certification jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for emergency telecommunicator certification in the United States is $47,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is emergency telecommunicator certification?

Emergency Telecommunicator Certification is a professional credential that verifies an individual's training and competency in handling emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services. This certification ensures that telecommunicators are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage emergency situations, provide critical instructions, and dispatch appropriate resources. Many states or agencies require this certification as a standard for employment in 911 call centers or public safety answering points. The certification process typically includes coursework, examinations, and continuing education requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an emergency telecommunicator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Emergency Telecommunicator, you need strong communication skills, quick decision-making abilities, and completion of a recognized certification program such as Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC). Proficiency with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, multi-line telephone systems, and radio communication equipment is typically required. Exceptional stress management, active listening, and problem-solving skills set outstanding telecommunicators apart. These skills are vital to efficiently coordinate emergency response, provide critical assistance, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.

What are some common challenges faced by newly certified emergency telecommunicators, and how can they prepare for them?

Newly certified Emergency Telecommunicators often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, multitasking with multiple calls, and accurately prioritizing emergencies. Adjusting to the fast-paced environment and handling emotionally charged callers can be demanding, but comprehensive training and ongoing support from experienced team members help build resilience. To prepare, candidates should focus on developing strong communication skills, stress management techniques, and a solid understanding of protocols. Regular practice and mentorship can further ease the transition into the role.

What is the difference between Emergency Telecommunicator Certification vs Emergency Dispatcher Certification?

AspectEmergency Telecommunicator CertificationEmergency Dispatcher Certification
Required credentialsState-specific certification, training, and sometimes licensingSimilar state certifications, often overlapping with telecommunicator requirements
Work environmentEmergency call centers, 911 dispatch centersDispatch centers, emergency response agencies
Employer and industry usagePublic safety agencies, police, fire, EMSPublic safety agencies, law enforcement, fire departments
Common search intentUnderstanding certification requirements for emergency telecommunicatorsComparing dispatcher certification processes and requirements

Emergency Telecommunicator Certification and Emergency Dispatcher Certification are closely related, often sharing similar training and certification standards. Both roles involve working in emergency call centers and require state-specific credentials. While the titles may differ, the certifications often overlap, preparing individuals for dispatching emergency services efficiently.

More about Emergency Telecommunicator Certification jobs

What job categories do people searching Emergency Telecommunicator Certification jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Emergency Telecommunicator Certification jobs are:

Infographic showing various Emergency Telecommunicator Certification job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,035 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Telecommunicator (911)

Greenville, NC โ€ข On-site

Pitt County Government
Outpatient Health Careย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$49K - $78K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

General Statement or Primary Purpose Under general supervision, after probationary period, performs specialized radio and communications work for the County, serving as telecommunicator on an assigned shift. Work involves receiving all incoming calls, dispatching applicable resources, performing Emergency Dispatch Protocols (EMD, EFD) as well as providing pre-arrival instructions and operating a computer-based dispatch system as well as multiple applications and software's. Work also includes dispatching units or representatives from fire departments, EMS departments, law enforcement, medical center, etc., and maintaining equipment and records

Reports to the assigned 9-1-1 Shift Supervisor. Duties and Responsibilities or Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Answer emergency calls in a timely fashion for the best outcome for the citizen(s) calling in an emergency. Process emergency calls using either Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) or Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD).

All calls needing law enforcement will be either transferred to the appropriate agency or contact will be made and resources requested by Telecommunicator. As part of call processing, calls will be assigned a determinant level by the telecommunicator for a emergent or non-emergent response mode by responders. Along with a determinant level, the telecommunicator will also tactically assign a priority to each call so high-level calls are dispatched before lower priority calls.

Assignment of determinants and priorities will be done by efficiently operating a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system along with protocol software (ProQA). The 9-1-1 Telecommunicator is also required to tactically dispatch all calls without delay once a determinant level and priority has been assigned. Using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and the county owned and operated 700 MHz P25 TDMA, the Telecommunicator will dispatch all necessary units to the emergency.

The telecommunicator will use AVL technology and graphic information system (GIS) layers to determine the closest and most efficient resources to respond. Discretion is required in times of peak call volume to ensure resources that are closest, are re-directed to higher priority calls to provide best outcomes for all emergencies. The 9-1-1 Telecommunicator must also tactically monitor all primary and secondary channels for responder safety to include tactical fire channels during major events in the event there is a call for a firefighter down and/or an emergency button press for any responder.

Statewide VIPER talkgroups must also be monitored 24/7 in the event there is a regional and/or statewide issue such as a phone outage, natural disaster, man-made disaster etc. The 9-1-1 Telecommunicator must also, be sure to keep other Emergency Management staff aware of certain incidents they may render media attention or require specialized resources such as aircraft crashes, school bus incidents, school shootings, incidents with EMS/Fire units, injury or death of a responder, etc. ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS Notifies management of the need for location changes, business lookup changes, GIS errors and other needs as they arise in primary dispatch systems.

Maintains a clean work area. Makes sure critical operational information is passed on to relieving shift. Provides approved information to public as requested.

Minimum Education and Experience Graduation from high school or equivalent; and any combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Experience preferred in dispatching fire, EMS, and/or law enforcement within an emergency communications center. Until such time certifications are obtained, employee will be hired and operate as a 911 Telecommunicator trainee.

Special Requirements Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina. Successful completion of American Heart Association Healthcare CPR certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD). Emergency Telecommunicator certification (ETC) **All dispatch certifications are through the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch Approval by Medical Director to function as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher in Pitt County.

Ability to work 12-hour shifts (both day and nights on a rotating basis). Trainee Appointment: Must obtain required certifications within one year of employment. Equal Opportunity Employer.