Telecommunicator Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• No prior experience required.
• Obtain CPR, EMD, and LEADS certifications within a period designated by the City.
• Pass a background check, criminal-history investigation, pre-employment physical, drug test, hearing test, psychological testing, and entry-level test.
• Typing speed of at least 40 words per minute.
• Communicate clearly and concisely under pressure by phone, radio, and in written records.
• Multitask across calls, dispatching, and data entry; prioritize emergencies and non-emergencies appropriately.
• Remain calm and focused in stressful situations, including critical incidents and interactions with distressed or hostile people.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and data.
• Use dispatch systems and related technology, including CAD, GPS, GIS, mapping tools, multi-line phone systems, emergency alert systems, paging systems, software, and radio equipment.
• Work effectively with law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other professionals.
• Use active listening, analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Know local geography, jurisdictional boundaries, landmarks, and public buildings, or develop proficiency in City geography.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions for medical emergencies.
• Work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and long hours, and respond during emergencies or on an overtime basis when needed.
• Meet the physical and sensory demands described for the position, including extended focus on systems, required hearing and vision, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Suite.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls received by phone, text, TTY, or radio, and ensure prompt, accurate responses.
• Question callers and assess verbal cues, background noise, and other information to gather critical details and provide real-time updates to fire, ambulance, and police responders.
• Prioritize incidents, dispatch appropriate units, maintain situational awareness, and support responder safety.
• Use 10-codes, law enforcement terminology, and first-responder language to communicate clearly and accurately.
• Maintain contact with field officers, conduct regular safety checks, and record field-initiated calls by radio.
• Relay vital information during critical and high-stress events with composure and urgency.
• Enter call information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and maintain accurate records.
• Monitor radio frequencies and channels, including I.S.P.E.R.N., Public Works, Fire Ground, WPD Alternate, and other City of Waukegan channels.
• Make notifications through the Chain of Command about unusual or major police and fire matters as required by department policy.
• Comply with Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.
• Manage data and records using LEADS and other communication systems, maintaining accuracy and security.
• Process NCIC entries for wanted or missing persons, stolen items, seized vehicles, and tags; perform warrant checks and relay license and tag readbacks as needed.
• Handle and dispatch animal-control calls.
• Coordinate after-hours emergencies with Public Works and Public Utilities.
• Ensure tornado sirens are sounded.
• Train assigned trainees while maintaining dispatch-room workload, and complete daily trainee observation reports.
• Keep all certifications current.
• Engage with the public and perform other duties as assigned.