EMERGENCY RESPONSE TELECOMMUNICATOR

State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is recruiting an Emergency Response Telecommunicator (ERT) to handle emergency and administrative messages via two-way radio in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires quick learning, attention to detail and a commitment to public service. Work is in-office at the State's Operations Center with training shifts Mon-Fri; salary starts around $4,568 monthly, with a full range up to $6,133 monthly.

Responsibilities

• Transmit and receive emergency and administrative messages via two-way radio across a statewide system.

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant's wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant's wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:59827
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026
Agency: Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
Class Title:EMERGENCY RESPONSE TELECOM (13543)
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,568 monthly; Full Range $4,568- $6,133 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code:RC014 Clerical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: TBD
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 2200 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois, 62703
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: EMA.Jobs @ illinois.gov

Position Overview: The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is seeking an Emergency Response Telecommunicator (ERT). ERTs perform a wide range of assigned tasks transmitting and receiving emergency and administrative messages via two-way radio concerning hazardous materials, nuclear power plant accidents, natural and manmade disasters, etc. using a multi-frequency, statewide radio base station system. The ideal candidate is quick to learn new technologies and has experience working in fast-paced and ever-changing environments. Our employees work in an ever-changing environment that presents new challenges and rewarding results. If you are interested in joining our team of compassionate and integrity-driven public servants, we invite you to apply for the Emergency Response Telecommunicator position with IEMA-OHS!

About the Agency: Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others? The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is a team of dedicated public servants who are committed to better preparing the State of Illinois for natural, manmade, or technological disasters, hazards, or acts of terrorism. IEMA-OHS coordinates the State's disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs and activities, functions as the State Emergency Response Commission, and maintains a 24-hour Communication Center and State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The SEOC acts as lead in crisis/consequence management response and operations to notify, activate, deploy, and employ state resources in response to any threat or act of terrorism. IEMA-OHS assists local governments with multi-hazard emergency operations plans and maintains the Illinois Emergency Operations Plan. IEMA-OHS is also responsible for protecting Illinois residents from the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation, administering more than two dozen programs to protect citizens and the environment. Programs include extensive emergency planning and response efforts and training for local responders for accidents involving radiation; inspecting and regulating radioactive materials licensees; registering and inspecting radiation producing equipment and facilities statewide; accrediting medical radiation technologists; and certifying mammography facilities. IEMA-OHS also monitors 11 nuclear power reactors at six nuclear stations licensed to generate electricity in Illinois and inspects and escorts spent nuclear fuel shipments.

The Operations Center is a 24/7/365 operation. The training period shifts are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, as well as some afternoon shifts of 4:00 PM-12:00 AM. Once the training period is completed, one of these shifts will be available