"Being calm is key in this role. During people's worst or high-intensity moments, I have to remain level-headed to answer emergency calls, listen, quickly assess the situation, and be able to send the right help— whether that’s
police, fire, or medical. Although this is a job where I'm constantly under pressure, I have been through extensive training in emergency protocols, dispatch technology, and clear communication in fast-paced environments.

With so much training and having been in this role for just over 10 years, I take every shift one call at a time because I am the first link in someone’s chain to get help and feel supported in a crisis situation."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 43-5031

Public Safety Telecommunicators operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Customer service
• Typing
• Filing documents
• Routing calls
• Taking messages

General Work Activities:

• Interacting With Others
  • Provide basic health care services
  • Coordinate operational activities
  • Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information
  • Relay information between personnel
  • Refer customers to appropriate personne
• Information Input
  • Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation related activities
  • Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information
• Work Output
  • Maintain call records
  • Operate communications equipment or systems
  • Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment
  • Enter information into databases or software programs

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Midlands
• Lower Savannah
• Trident
• Greenville
• Catawba
• Waccamaw

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• University of South Carolina
• AIM World Services
• Southeastern Freight Lines
• City of Columbia - Emergency Communication Center
• Allendale County Government

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
• First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
• Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.