CHIEF DISPATCHER - EXCLD

FailSafe Communications; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chicago's Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) seeks a Chief Dispatcher to oversee O'Hare Vehicle Operations, coordinating dispatch for a large fleet and staff. The role emphasizes managerial and confidential responsibilities with a focus on efficiency and safety.

Starting salary is $91,788 with a BX-18 grade. Applicants must pass airport background checks and STA, with training and performance accountability throughout the department.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of dispatching operations for work crews, large vehicle fleets, and equipment; OR
• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of a vehicle maintenance program; OR
• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of road service repair and towing operations; OR
• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of work operations relating to the dispatch of work crews or the inspection and repair of water and sewer lines; OR
• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of a large-scale customer service center

Responsibilities

• Manages Aviation's administrative functions of O'Hare's Vehicle Services dispatch office ensuring scheduling, manpower, procedures, productivity as it pertains to the day-to-day operation
• Assists operational needs of Aviation depending on the season
• Assists with HR Progressive Discipline Mandates and department requirements
• Directs the preparation of work schedules and approves changes in work schedules and reallocation of staff, ensuring work shifts are adequately staffed to meet operational needs of the department
• Monitors the availability of resources (e.g., vehicles, equipment) and reallocates resources as needed in response to operational needs, emergencies, and work priorities
• Develops and implements protocols and standard operating procedures for dispatching operations and monitors work operations to ensure efficient use of resources
• Works with management in developing and establishing performance measures, productivity and, quality work standards
• Monitors and evaluates work performance of subordinate staff and prepares performance appraisals/evaluations
• Attends disciplinary hearings for staff; initiates and enforces disciplinary actions as required; responds to and resolves work related conflicts or problems with staff; enforces personnel rules
• Plans for the training of staff on operating work procedures and the use of communications and dispatch systems, radios, and other computerized equipment
• Prepares productivity and operational reports for use by management Aviation

Skills

Supervisory dispatch experience

Vehicle maintenance supervision

Road service repair supervision

Dispatch operations supervision

Large-scale customer service

Job description

Description

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

CHIEF DISPATCHER - EXCLUDED

CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION (CDA)

VEHICLE OPERATIONS

Starting Salary: $91,788; Grade: BX-18

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59 pm CDT on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The candidate(s) selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).

Under general supervision, manages dispatching operations for a city department directing staff engaged in monitoring communications, and dispatching vehicles, road service repair, equipment and personnel to support departmental operations; and performs related duties as required

Positions at this level are excluded from representation based on the class title's primary responsibility for performing managerial, supervisory, and/or confidential responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Manages Aviation's administrative functions of O'Hare's Vehicle Services dispatch office ensuring scheduling, manpower, procedures, productivity as it pertains to the day-to-day operation
• Assists operational needs of Aviation depending on the season
• Assists with HR Progressive Discipline Mandates and department requirements
• Directs the preparation of work schedules and approves changes in work schedules and reallocation of staff, ensuring work shifts are adequately staffed to meet operational needs of the department
• Monitors the availability of resources (e.g., vehicles, equipment) and reallocates resources as needed in response to operational needs, emergencies, and work priorities
• Develops and implements protocols and standard operating procedures for dispatching operations and monitors work operations to ensure efficient use of resources
• Works with management in developing and establishing performance measures, productivity and, quality work standards
• Monitors and evaluates work performance of subordinate staff and prepares performance appraisals/evaluations
• Attends disciplinary hearings for staff; initiates and enforces disciplinary actions as required; responds to and resolves work related conflicts or problems with staff; enforces personnel rules
• Plans for the training of staff on operating work procedures and the use of communications and dispatch systems, radios, and other computerized equipment
• Prepares productivity and operational reports for use by management Aviation

Additional duties may be required for this position.

Location: CDA - Vehical Operations

O'Hare AMC Bldg

Days/hours: Varies

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CAREER SERVICE.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALFICATIONS

• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of dispatching operations for work crews, large vehicle fleets, and equipment; OR
• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of a vehicle maintenance program; OR
• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of road service repair and towing operations; OR
• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of work operations relating to the dispatch of work crews or the inspection and repair of water and sewer lines; OR
• Four (4) years of supervisory work experience of a large-scale customer service center

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral interview will be selected.

Note: The candidate(s) selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).

APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates.

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

https://my.chicago.gov/dam/intranet/documents/depts/dhr/INFORMATION/2026_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor