Dispatcher Public Safety

Lake Forest College; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits information via HR site

Job summary

Lake Forest College seeks a customer-focused and detail-oriented Public Safety Dispatcher for the night shift to serve as the central communications hub for Lake Forest College’s Department of Public Safety.

The Dispatcher receives, prioritizes, and dispatches calls for service, monitors alarms, and initiates emergency notifications. Dispatchers ensure timely, accurate, and professional communication with officers, campus partners, and external responders.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent work experience; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Prior dispatch, communications, or coordination experience preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with computer systems, records management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and multi-line phone systems.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and non-emergency calls; prioritize and dispatch Public Safety Officers and other responders.
• Monitor intrusion, fire, panic, CCTV, and other safety systems; initiate appropriate response protocols.
• Maintain communication with officers in the field; coordinate with local police, fire, and EMS when required.
• Accurately document calls, incidents, and actions in the department’s records of management and dispatch systems.
• Provide directions, information, and assistance to students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
• Operate two-way radios and communication systems with clear, professional etiquette.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Prepare reports as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Multitasking

Decision-Making

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

Computer systems

Records management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Multi-line phone systems

Job description

Lake Forest College seeks a customer-focused and detail-oriented Public Safety Dispatcher for the night shift. The Dispatcher serves as the central communications hub for Lake Forest College’s Department of Public Safety. This position is responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching calls for service, monitoring alarms, and initiating emergency notifications. Dispatchers ensure timely, accurate, and professional communication between officers, campus partners, and external emergency responders to maintain a safe and secure campus environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Call Handling & Dispatching: Receive emergency and non-emergency calls; prioritize and dispatch Public Safety Officers and other responders.
• Alarm Monitoring: Monitor intrusion, fire, panic, CCTV, and other safety systems; initiate appropriate response protocols.
• Emergency Coordination: Maintain communication with officers in the field; coordinate with local police, fire, and EMS when required.
• Information Management: Accurately document calls, incidents, and actions in the department’s records of management and dispatch systems.
• Campus Support: Provide directions, information, and assistance to students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
• Radio Operations: Operate two-way radios and communication systems with clear, professional etiquette.
• Confidentiality: Handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Perform other administrative duties such as preparing reports as assigned.

Working Conditions

Must be available for day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts to support 24/7 operations. Work is primarily indoors at a communications center; requires prolonged sitting, computer use, and focused attention.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Communication: Clear, calm, and professional verbal and written communication.
• Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple calls, radio traffic, and computer systems simultaneously.
• Decision-Making: Assess situations quickly and prioritize responses under pressure.
• Attention to Detail: Accurate data entry and documentation.
• Customer Service: Courteous and supportive interaction with the campus community.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent work experience; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Prior dispatch, communications, or coordination experience preferred.Technical Skills: Proficiency with computer systems, records management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and multi-line phone systems.
• Availability: Ability to work rotating shifts and provide coverage as needed.
• Other key qualities: reliability,strong teamorientation, ability to work under pressure, and commitment to campus safety and service.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and phone/radio operation.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor screens, alarms, and radio traffic.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate: $18.50 - $20.00/hour (40 hour/week schedule)
• Benefits: www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits