Emergency Response Telecommunicator

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is hiring an Emergency Response Telecommunicator (ERT) for its 24/7/365 Operations Center. The position transmits and receives emergency and administrative messages via two-way radio about hazardous materials, nuclear power plant accidents, natural and manmade disasters, and other incidents, using a multi-frequency, statewide radio base station system. The ERT also operates a computer in an office setting, performs complex initialization and first-level troubleshooting as directed, monitors warning systems, and coordinates radio communications among federal, state, and local emergency services personnel during disasters. Training shifts are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, with some afternoon shifts of 4:00 PM–12:00 AM. After training, available shifts may be 8:00 AM–4:00 PM or 4:00 PM–12:00 AM, Sunday–Thursday, Monday–Friday, or Tuesday–Saturday; or 12:00 AM–8:00 AM, Sunday–Thursday or Tuesday–Saturday. Shift assignments are based on seniority, days off may vary with shift availability and operational needs, and shifts are opened for bidding at least once per calendar year. The position is fully in office in Springfield, Illinois, and is covered by a union collective bargaining agreement. Night, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime, is a condition of employment. The agency coordinates Illinois disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery programs; maintains a 24-hour Communications Center and State Emergency Operations Center; supports local emergency planning and response; and administers programs related to radiation safety and emergency response.

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.
Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
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; this may require working evenings and weekends.

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

Transmit and receive emergency and administrative messages via two-way radio concerning hazardous materials, nuclear power plant accidents, natural and manmade disasters, and related incidents.
Operate a computer in an office setting, including performing complex initialization and first-level troubleshooting procedures as directed.
Monitor warning systems.
Coordinate radio communications of federal, state, and local emergency services personnel during natural and manmade disasters.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.