Telecommunicator I - Experienced

City of Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

The City of Champaign seeks an Experienced Telecommunicator I for METCAD 9-1-1 in Champaign County. Candidates must have at least two years’ recent experience in a multi‑jurisdictional, multi‑discipline emergency communications center.

The starting pay ranges from $32.96 to $36.39 per hour, with potential increases based on performance and longevity. Applicants will undergo NTN testing, exams, and background checks, including fingerprinting.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in a multi-jurisdictional, multi-discipline center within last 5 years.
• Must be 18 years or older by hire date.
• U.S. Citizen or authorized to work in the United States (I-9).
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Ability to acquire mandated certifications during training.

Responsibilities

• Meet eligibility steps with METCAD Hiring Manager.
• Complete NTN testing; NTN fees waived for some applicants.
• Pass NTN exams: Call Taker 53, Notes 64, Dispatch 43.
• Pass typing test at 35 wpm with 90% accuracy.
• Complete computer simulations and attestations.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Completed training program

Completed probationary period

Tools

Multijurisdictional center

Job description

Position Overview

METCAD 9-1-1 of Champaign County, Illinois, is continuously hiring for Experienced Telecommunicator I in a multi-discipline, multi-jurisdictional communications center. Watch this video to see how you can make a difference today. To be considered for this Experienced Telecommunicator position, candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience in a multi-jurisdictional, multi-discipline emergency communications center within the last five years. (See full list of requirements below.).

Job Responsibilities

Required

• METCAD Hiring Manager will contact you directly to confirm eligibility and hiring process steps below.
• Complete Testing through National Testing Network (NTN). Note: testing fees waived for applicants meeting Experienced Telecommunicator I requirements.
• E-Comm National Exam with passing scores of: Call Taker/53, Notes/64, Dispatch/43.
• Typing Test (35 words per minute with at least 90% accuracy, based on the Adjusted Words Per Minute score).
• Computer Simulations
• Sign and upload Attestation form to NTN account

Candidates Successfully Passing The Steps Above Will Then Be Invited To Move Through The Remainder Of The Hiring Process Which May Include

• Attendance at an Informational Session that outlines details of the position.
• In-person interviews.
• Reference and background checks, including a fingerprint-based criminal history check.
• Job preview sit along with a current Telecommunicator.
• Contingent offer of employment.
• Drug screening, hearing test, and psychological evaluation.
• Confirmed offer of employment.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience (full-time, continuous basis in multi-jurisdictional center, within last 5 years).
• Completed training program in most recent center.
• Completed probationary period in most recent center.
• Must be 18 years or older by date of hire.
• U.S. Citizen, or legally authorized to work in the United States (must meet I-9 requirements).
• High School diploma, or equivalent.
• Ability to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Ability to solve problems and provide excellent customer service in stressful situations.
• Ability to acquire mandated certifications (i.e. Law Enforcement Agency Data Systems, Emergency Medical Dispatch, National Incident Management Systems). during the training phase.

Starting salary range is $32.96 to $36.39 per hour, DOQ. Employees may qualify for salary increases based on performance and/or longevity

Other Information

Contact the Human Resources Department at [phone] Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process. The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch, and the Illinois WorkNet Center.

The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting a work environme nt and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The City of Champaign's mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community. The following values guide our work: Personal Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Teamwork, Results. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environme nt and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Learn more about the city's mission and values at https://champaignil.gov/city-managers-office

This position is covered under the City of Champaign American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Bargaining Unit labor agreement. This information is current as of February 12, 2026.

HEALTH INSURANCE

The City of Champaign offers a robust PPO Select Network plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois with a $500 individual and $1,000 family deductible. The plan covers nearly 98% of providers and facilities across the State of Illinois and grants access to providers nation-wide through Blue Cross Blue Shield. The City of Champaign pays up to $606.10 of the employee (single) health insurance premium and 50 percent of the dependent premium for continuous full-time employees. Premiums for single employee coverage above $606.10 per month are shared by the employee and the City. For the 2026/2027 plan year, AFSCME employees contribute 1.7719% of salary towards employee only health care. Premiums may be made on a pre-tax basis, through the City’s Section 125 plan. Health insurance coverage begins on the date of hire and ends on the employee’s last day of work at the City.

Health Insurance Premiums PPO (2026-27 Plan Year)

Type of Coverage

City Pays (per month)

Employee Pays (per month)

Employee Only $606.10 + City share of premium above $606.10 1.7719% of salary

DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE

Employees may purchase dental and/or vision insurance through payroll deduction. Employees pay 100 percent of the monthly premium for this coverage. Premiums for dental and vision insurance may be made on a pre-tax basis, through the City’s Section 125