Dispatcher, Part-Time

Elmhurst University; Illinois; On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Elmhurst University seeks a Public Safety Dispatcher to serve as the in-office liaison for calls, alarms, access control, and video security across campus.

You will gather information, coordinate with patrol staff and facilities teams, and enter incident data to support daily operations. The role requires effective communication and professional conduct under pressure.

Qualifications

• High school diploma is required.
• Ability to speak clearly and be understood via radio and phone communication.
• Ability to read comprehensively and apply written and verbal directives.
• Normal hearing due to heavy volume of radio/phone communication and alarms.
• Strong command of the English language.
• Ability to maintain calm and professional demeanor during stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate university policies professionally.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office.
• Comfortable with radios, scanners, electronic access control, fire panels and PC-based programs.
• Ability to work varying shifts as required.

Responsibilities

• Answers calls and walk-up inquiries for service.
• Gathers information to assess situations and informs responders.
• Coordinates with 911 for emergencies.
• Initiates emergency procedures as required.
• Communicates with Public Safety and Facilities staff to resolve calls.
• Operates security systems (video, access control, alarms, dispatch databases).
• Monitors activity and collects information to support emergencies.
• Issues parking permits and University IDs; maintains files.
• Performs data entry in the student/employee data system.
• Prepares and distributes incident reports and work orders.
• Interacts calmly with students, staff, faculty and visitors.
• Maintains daily log of events; supports routine tasks.

Skills

Clear radio/phone communication

English language proficiency

Microsoft Office proficiency

Calm under pressure

Fast information gathering

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Dispatch systems

Video security systems

Access control systems

Job description

The Dispatcher reliably and effectively functions as the in-office Public Safety representative, answering calls for service and communicating with patrol staff, Facilities Management personnel, Residence Life and other offices. Monitors alarms, access control and video security systems, and uses those systems to retrieve information in a timely manner. Maintains basic records associated with daily shift activities, and performs data entry of incident reports, parking records and other department information in an accurate and timely manner. In the event of an emergency situation, activates the University’s emergency procedures to protect life, prevent injury, protect property, and initiates emergency notifications.

Position Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $19.00. This is the expected hourly rate for this position.

Responsibilities

• Answers telephone calls, walk-up inquiries, and requests for service.
• Gathers appropriate information to assess situations for the proper response and articulates the necessary information to responding officers.
• Communicates with 911 personnel to request emergency assistance for police, fire and medical response to campus.
• Initiates emergency response procedures, and fulfills responsibilities in handling emergencies in accordance with department’s emergency procedures.
• Communicates with Public Safety and Facilities Management personnel by phone, radio and in-person, to resolve calls for service and emergency situations.
• Operates computer-based security systems, including video security systems, access control/alarm systems, emergency broadcast systems, fire alarm monitor, 911 call-alert computer, incident report database and dispatch call database.
• Uses capabilities of these systems to monitor activity, respond to and manage emergency situations, and collect information to support routine and emergency information needs.
• Issues parking permits and University ID’s, and maintains parking permit files and database.
• Performs data entry in the University’s main student/employee data system, and utilizes the system to acquire information needed for routine and emergency purposes.
• Prepares and enters information accurately in incident reports and work orders as needed. Electronically distributes reports according to department procedures.
• Interacts in a calm, professional and cordial manner with members of the campus community, including students, staff and faculty, as well as visitors to campus.
• Maintains positive working relationships with campus personnel and local emergency responders.
• Maintains accurate daily log of events.
• Performs occasional light administrative tasks.

Other Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Supports the University’s mission, vision and values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Ability to speak clearly and be understood via radio and phone communication.
• Ability to read comprehensively and apply both written and verbal directives.
• Normal hearing, due to the heavy volume of telephone and radio communication, audible alarms, and duties requiring monitoring of police/fire/EMSradio traffic.
• Strong command of the English language.
• Ability to maintain calm and professional demeanor during stressful or critical situations.
• Ability to communicate department/University policies and procedures in a professional manner.
• Strong computer skills, including solid experience with Microsoft Office products.
• Comfortable with technical equipment to include, radios, scanners, electronic access control, fire panels and PC based programs.
• Ability to work varying shifts, as required to meet departmental requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a public safety/911 or campus security dispatcher.

Work Hours:
Weekend overnight shift openings :

• Shift #1: Friday 10:00 PM - Saturday 6:00 AM
• Shift #2: Saturday 10:00 PM - Sunday 6:00 AM

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
The essential functions of this position are primarily performed in an indoor dispatch center environment, with limited exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work is often sedentary in nature and requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods. Required abilities include clear speaking and active hearing for telephone, radio, and in person communication, using close and distance vision when reading documents and monitoring screens, and performing frequent tasks with repetitive fine motor skills, such as typing, writing, and operating dispatch systems and equipment. Work may require occasional lifting, bending, carrying, or otherwise moving objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Qualified applicants who can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Benefits

An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is availablehere .