Public Safety Dispatcher / Telecommunicator

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Employee assistance resources

Professional development

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Sterling, IL seeks qualified dispatchers/telecommunicators to support emergency and nonemergency requests. Responsibilities include verifying locations, classifying calls, and operating CAD, radio, and mapping systems to coordinate responders.

Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with certifications varying by service and jurisdiction. The role may require shift work, training, and adherence to confidentiality and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent commonly required.
• Certifications depend on the services handled and the jurisdiction’s training standards.

Responsibilities

• Process emergency and nonemergency requests for public safety assistance
• Verify incident locations and gather essential caller information
• Classify and prioritize requests using approved procedures
• Operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, mapping, and radio systems
• Coordinate response resources within assigned qualifications
• Monitor unit status and communicate significant incident updates
• Support interagency coordination and requests for additional assistance
• Maintain accurate records and follow information-security requirements

Skills

Typing

Active listening

Clear communication

Multitasking

Decision making

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Telephone systems

Radio systems

Mapping software

Job description

Public Safety Dispatcher / Telecommunicator Opportunities in Sterling

Public Safety Dispatchers and Telecommunicators support the flow of information between the public and emergency response agencies. Depending on the communications center, their responsibilities may include call taking, police dispatch, fire dispatch, emergency medical dispatch, or a combination of assignments.

This position brings together communication, technology, and careful decision-making. Employees must organize incoming information and apply agency procedures while keeping callers and responders informed.

Position Details

Duty Location: {airport_name}, Sterling, IL

Employer: The hiring public safety or consolidated 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}

Public safety communications centers often require continuous staffing. Assignments may include nights, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and overtime during staffing shortages or major emergencies.

What You May Do

• Process emergency and nonemergency requests for public safety assistance
• Verify incident locations and gather essential caller information
• Classify and prioritize requests using approved procedures
• Operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, mapping, and radio systems
• Coordinate response resources within assigned qualifications
• Monitor unit status and communicate significant incident updates
• Support interagency coordination and requests for additional assistance
• Maintain accurate records and follow information-security requirements

Experience and Education Requirements

A high school diploma or recognized equivalent is commonly required. Entry-level and experienced classifications may have different qualifications, training expectations, and compensation.

Applicants should demonstrate accurate typing, active listening, clear communication, and the ability to switch between tasks. Required certifications depend on the services handled and the jurisdiction’s training standards.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet the hiring agency’s eligibility and minimum age requirements
• Complete required background screening and competency assessments
• Complete medical, psychological, or drug screening when specified
• Successfully complete training for assigned operational positions
• Maintain applicable certifications and continuing education
• Follow confidentiality rules and emergency staffing procedures

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Telecommunicators typically work at technology-equipped consoles for extended periods. Duties involve headset communication, keyboard entry, screen monitoring, and sustained attention. Exposure to distressing incidents is possible. Review the vacancy for essential functions and accommodation information.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive health coverage, retirement benefits, paid leave, employee-assistance resources, and professional development. Additional compensation and benefits depend on the employer, classification, and appointment conditions.