Agency
Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division
Job Classification Title
Telecommunicator (S)
Position Number
Grade
NC04
About Us
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!
Description of Work
The North Carolina Zoo is expanding, making this an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as a Temporary Emergency Telecommunicator team member.
In this role, Temporary ZooCom Emergency Telecommunicator team members support the Zoo’s Emergency Operations and Security & Risk Management branch, which provides essential public safety, emergency communications, and operational support to ensure a safe and secure environment for guests, employees, volunteers, facilities, and the animal collection. Services include 24/7/365 emergency and operational call‑taking, radio and telephone communications, dispatching Zoo resources, monitoring alarms and security systems, maintaining incident records, and supporting emergency preparedness activities. This branch’s operations are an integral part of the Zoo’s strategic and operational planning. Seasonal ZooCom Emergency Telecommunicators work under the direct supervision of the Emergency Operations Branch Supervisor or Team Leaders and are expected to collaborate effectively with coworkers, demonstrate strong motivation, and—once trained—perform their duties with professionalism and a high level of independence.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Receive, assess, and prioritize emergency and non‑emergency calls from Zoo staff, guests, and partner agencies in a calm and professional manner.
- Dispatch Zoo Police, Veterinary Services, Animal Care, Maintenance, Security, and other responders using radio, telephone, and computer‑aided dispatch systems in accordance with established protocols.
- Monitor alarms, access control systems, cameras, and emergency notification platforms, promptly identifying and reporting potential safety or security concerns.
- Maintain continuous situational awareness during incidents and relay accurate, timely information to field personnel, supervisors, and outside agencies.
- Document all calls, radio traffic, and incident activity accurately and thoroughly in accordance with Zoo policies and public safety standards.
- Follow established guidelines and communication protocols to promote the safety of guests, staff, volunteers, and animals.
- Coordinate multi‑departmental and multi‑agency responses during routine operations, emergencies, and special events.
- Assist with incident escalation, information flow, and communication support during critical events, weather emergencies, or animal‑related situations.
- Maintain professional radio and telephone discipline, ensuring messages are concise, clear, and compliant with established procedures.
- Support emergency preparedness activities, record keeping, and operational reporting as directed.
- All other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range: $16.00 per hour
To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:
Management Prefers
Experience in emergency telecommunications
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) or similar systems
Position & Physical Requirements
Provide guests with exceptional customer service, including those outlined in the Emergency Operations Training Manual.
Be knowledgeable of park policies and procedures for handling guests and emergency situations; approach and address guests in a professional manner.
Assist guests with wayfinding throughout the Zoo.
Assist with guest escorts from the park.
Respond to radio communication calls (for example calls addressing heated situations and guest dissatisfaction, lost or separated guests, lost personal items, etc.). Respond professionally and appropriately and report to Zoo Communications if the situation cannot be resolved by an Assistant Emergency Operations employee.
Respond appropriately and assist in potential emergency situations.
Follow established guidelines to promote the safety of guests and staff.
Assist with minor first aid situations.
Ability to use radio and telephone to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
Must complete Security Awareness upon hiring.
Must possess sufficient cognitive ability, auditory and visual acuity, and communication skills to perform essential duties and follow general safety practices.
Assist with parking vehicles and directing traffic on Connector Road and in parking lots, including overflow areas.
Drive golf carts, and/or vehicles as a mode of transportation throughout the park.
Must have the ability to navigate paved as well as rough or uneven pathways.
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to Central NC (heat, rain, or cold) and stand or walk for extended periods.
Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts, including holidays, weekends, and special events as needed. This is an 11-month position.
Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, reaching, standing, walking, and lifting or carrying 30 lbs.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of employment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
This position is located at:
4401 Zoo Parkway
Asheboro, NC 27205
WE ARE RECRUITING FOR MULTIPLE VACANCIES.
DNCR does not engage in dual employment for temporary positions; if you are currently employed with another State agency, State university, or the NC National Guard and intend to remain employed with that entity, you may not be considered for temporary work with DNCR.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
And
Or
If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum Education and Experience or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for the position, the agency may consider for this position a trainee who does not meet the minimum requirements. Salary for a trainee may be set at a lower level than the classification salary range and recruitment range that is listed in the posting with the salary being adjusted up accordingly as the trainee has obtained the necessary additional education and experience to fully meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the classification specification.
Division Description
The North Carolina Zoological Park exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the zoo is to conserve and protect representative examples of natural beauty, endangered and threatened plant and animal species, and ecological features of the continents it represents.
Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org
Supplemental and Contact Information
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.
We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.
Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Be sure to complete the application in full . Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting. Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.
Degree/College Credit Verification
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.
Veteran’s and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Employment Eligibility
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
CONTACT INFORMATION
N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division of the North Carolina Zoo
4401 Zoo Parkway
Asheboro, NC 27205
EEO Statement
T he State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Barbara Smith Christian
Email:
[email protected]
