Communications Operator

Joliet Junior College; United States; On-site; USD 29,949 - 31,739; Full time

Job summary

Joliet Junior College’s Campus Police seeks a Communications Operator to monitor multiple frequencies, dispatch police, fire, and EMS units, and manage public safety communications with professionalism.

The role requires knowledge of regulatory guidelines and proficiency with CAD and records-management systems, with the ability to perform under high-stress conditions while delivering prompt, courteous service to the college community.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in police, fire, or emergency dispatch.
• Strong verbal and written skills and the ability and willingness to work cooperatively with a diverse population under high-stress situations.
• Ability to file and keep records and to prepare reports from such records.
• Acquire and maintain LEADS certification within one year of assignment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence and emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated commitment to the college’s core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor, and well-being, innovation, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming and outgoing emergency and non‑emergency telephone calls, ensuring agency policy, procedures and goals are met.
• Dispatch and communicate with law enforcement, fire, and EMS units, ensuring agency policy, procedures and goals are met.
• Provide the supervisor with input regarding policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of the communications center.
• Provide prompt and courteous service to the college community.
• Work effectively and calmly in a high‑stress environment.
• Maintain familiarity with the general geography of the communities served.
• Meet all training requirements of the center, and train new staff and those needing cross‑training.
• Participate in available professional development for center staff.
• Understand principles and practices of radio communications and the proper policies and procedures for public safety dispatching, with an emphasis on professionalism and customer service.
• Know all aspects of operations of a public‑safety communications center.
• Understand communication facilities, equipment, and management practices as they pertain to the center’s operation.
• Use technology systems utilized by a public‑safety communications center.
• Become certified and maintain all required certifications.
• Operate and monitor various computer systems and networks as necessary to perform dispatching tasks (CAD, records‑management system, cameras and alarm boards) and respond per department procedures.
• Recognize and understand the classification systems for UCR, NIBRS, and Clery as related to reporting functions.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Calm under pressure

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD terminals

Radio system

Multi-line telephone

Job description

Job Details

Status: Full Time

Department: Campus Police

Division: President’s Office

Position Title: Communications Operator

Classification: Non-exempt

Union: TOSSC-AFT Local 604

Reports To: Chief of Police

Placement: Grade 106

Hiring Range: $21.74 - $23.04 hourly

Job Summary

This is a fast‑paced, highly technical work environment involving automated systems pertaining to law enforcement public safety communications. The role requires knowledge of county, state and federal regulations governing public safety operational procedures, radio and telephone transmissions, and the ability to analyze situations and determine the effective course of action. It involves monitoring multiple frequencies, handling several tasks simultaneously, and prioritizing incoming calls for service while maintaining an efficient and calm demeanor during extended periods of high‑volume activity. The position involves frequent contact with the public and emergency service providers, and occasional contact with federal, state, and local government agencies.

Responsibilities

1. Process incoming and outgoing emergency and non‑emergency telephone calls, ensuring agency policy, procedures and goals are met.
2. Dispatch and communicate with law enforcement, fire, and EMS units, ensuring agency policy, procedures and goals are met.
3. Provide the supervisor with input regarding policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of the communications center.
4. Provide prompt and courteous service to the college community.
5. Work effectively and calmly in a high‑stress environment.
6. Maintain familiarity with the general geography of the communities served.
7. Meet all training requirements of the center, and train new staff and those needing cross‑training.
8. Participate in available professional development for center staff.
9. Understand principles and practices of radio communications and the proper policies and procedures for public safety dispatching, with an emphasis on professionalism and customer service.
10. Know all aspects of operations of a public‐safety communications center.
11. Understand communication facilities, equipment, and management practices as they pertain to the center’s operation.
12. Use technology systems utilized by a public‑safety communications center.
13. Become certified and maintain all required certifications.
14. Operate and monitor various computer systems and networks as necessary to perform dispatching tasks (CAD, records‑management system, cameras and alarm boards) and respond per department procedures.
15. Recognize and understand the classification systems for UCR, NIBRS, and Clery as related to reporting functions.
16. Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Two (2) years of experience in police, fire, or emergency dispatch.
3. Strong verbal and written skills and the ability and willingness to work cooperatively with a diverse population under high‑stress situations.
4. Ability to file and keep records and to prepare reports from such records.
5. Successfully complete in‑house training for the position.
6. Acquire and maintain LEADS certification within one (1) year of assignment.
7. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence and emotional intelligence.
8. Demonstrated commitment to the college’s core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor, and well‑being, innovation, and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prior police, fire, or emergency dispatch experience of two or more years.
2. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency.
3. Demonstrated multicultural competence.

Tools & Equipment Used

• Personal computer
• Copy machine
• Fax machine
• Multi‑line telephone
• Radio system and CAD terminals

EEO and Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age, and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff.