EMERGENCY RESPONSE TELECOMMUNICATOR

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

2d•$4,568 - $6,133•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is seeking an Emergency Response Telecommunicator (ERT). ERTs perform assigned tasks transmitting and receiving emergency and administrative messages by two-way radio concerning hazardous materials, nuclear power plant accidents, natural and manmade disasters, and related incidents, using a multi-frequency, statewide radio base station system. The role is suited to someone who learns new technologies quickly and can work in fast-paced, changing environments. The Operations Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Training shifts are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, with some afternoon shifts from 4:00 PM–12:00 AM. After training, available shifts may be 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, 4:00 PM–12:00 AM, or 12:00 AM–8:00 AM, on specified Sunday–Thursday, Monday–Friday, or Tuesday–Saturday schedules depending on the shift. Shifts are assigned based on seniority and may change according to operational needs and the union bidding process. This is a union position subject to the relevant collective bargaining agreement. The position is fully in office at the agency’s Springfield headquarters. Overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime, may be required. Night, weekend, holiday work and travel, including overnight stays when appropriate, may also be required.

Requirements

Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of high school.
Ability to keyboard accurately at a minimum rate of 20 words per minute.
Ability to use state-supplied equipment such as a cell phone and laptop.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Ability to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime, which may involve evenings and weekends.
Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.

Nice To Haves

Basic experience applying critical thinking to evaluate information, identify potential issues, and determine appropriate actions in a fast-paced or structured environment.
Basic experience using sound judgment to make decisions or recommendations based on established procedures or guidelines.
Basic experience maintaining professionalism and composure while handling multiple responsibilities or unexpected situations.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
One year of professional experience using a multi-frequency, statewide radio base station system or related systems.
One year of professional experience in a call center, dispatch, emergency services, or related fields.
Elementary knowledge of office practices and procedures, grammar, spelling, and customer service skills, with a clear speaking voice.

Responsibilities

Serves as the Emergency Response Telecommunicator for IEMA-OHS.
Operates a computer in an office setting, performing complex initialization and first-level troubleshooting procedures as directed.
Monitors warning systems.
Coordinates radio communications of Federal, State, and local emergency services personnel during natural and manmade disasters.
Performs other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the listed duties.