Dispatcher Trainee, Telecommunicator Trainee in Metcalf, IL - ShiftDifferentials Available

911 Emergency Communications; Paris (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance eligibility

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Employer-provided training

Job summary

911 Emergency Communications seeks motivated individuals to join our trainee program for emergency call-taking and dispatch operations. You will learn procedures, confirmations, and security requirements in a structured training environment.

As a trainee, you may work nights or weekends during shifts, complete assessments, and advance through milestones as you gain field competencies. High school diploma or equivalent is required; strong typing and communication skills help you succeed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic computer skills and typing ability.
• Good communication and customer service orientation.
• Willingness to receive feedback and complete assessments.

Responsibilities

• Learn emergency call-taking procedures and agency terminology.
• Practice confirming locations and gathering essential incident details.
• Develop accurate typing and computer-aided dispatch skills.
• Study service-area geography, maps, and response jurisdictions.
• Learn radio procedures and unit-status monitoring.
• Observe and perform assigned duties under supervision.
• Complete assessments, coaching sessions, and training milestones.
• Learn confidentiality, security, and professional-conduct requirements.

Skills

Typing

Clear communication

Basic computer skills

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Details

Duty Location: {airport_name}, Metcalf, IL

Employer: The hiring public safety or communications agency identified in the official vacancy

Pay: {salary_min}–{salary_max} per year

Schedule: {work_schedule}

Appointment Type: {appointment_type}

Who May Apply: {who_may_apply}

Application Deadline: {closing_date}

Training may combine classroom instruction, simulations, and supervised console assignments. Training schedules and later operational shifts may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

What You May Do

• Learn emergency call-taking procedures and agency terminology
• Practice confirming locations and gathering essential incident details
• Develop accurate typing and computer-aided dispatch skills
• Study service‑area geography, maps, and response jurisdictions
• Learn radio procedures and unit‑status monitoring
• Observe and perform assigned duties under supervision
• Complete assessments, coaching sessions, and training milestones
• Learn confidentiality, security, and professional‑conduct requirements

Experience and Education Requirements

A high school diploma or recognized equivalent is commonly required. Trainee positions are often intended for applicants without previous dispatch experience, although individual employers may establish additional prerequisites.

Candidates should have basic computer skills, clear communication, accurate typing, and a willingness to receive feedback. Customer service or telephone‑based experience may be useful. Check the vacancy for required assessments and minimum scores.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet the agency’s minimum age and employment eligibility requirements
• Successfully complete required background screening and hiring assessments
• Complete additional pre‑employment evaluations when specified
• Attend required training and meet attendance standards
• Achieve required competencies and certifications within established deadlines
• Meet probationary requirements and operational performance standards

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Trainees may work in classrooms and active communications centers using headsets, keyboards, and multiple displays. Supervised duties may include exposure to distressing calls. The official vacancy describes essential functions, training expectations, and accommodation procedures.

Benefits

• Eligible trainees may receive insurance coverage, retirement benefits, paid leave, and employer‑provided training. Confirm trainee pay, benefits eligibility, and any advancement conditions in the official announcement. Completion of training does not automatically guarantee promotion unless the employer states otherwise.