Telecommunicator

Carbondale, City of (IL) • Full-time • Police Department, IL • $22 / hour • 1w ago

City of Carbondale, Illinois

Job Description/Job Opening Announcement

Title: Telecommunicator

Dept: Police

Nature of Work: The Telecommunicator is a regular, full-time, non-sworn position in the Police Department responsible for receiving telephone and in-person complaints and requests for police service from the public. In addition, the Telecommunicator dispatches all calls for police and fire services, transmits necessary information to police units, monitors and operates the department's computer systems and monitors the security and safety of prisoners. The Telecommunicator must be able to perform two or more functions simultaneously. The Telecommunicator is supervised and evaluated by the Lead Telecommunicator.

Essential Duties:

1. Receive all emergency phone calls and in-person complaints from the public. Refer non-emergency calls to appropriate service providers.

2. Dispatch police and fire personnel, via appropriate radio, in response to calls for service and specific incidents requiring police and/or fire investigation. This involves assigning the proper number of police and fire units after obtaining critical information from the service requestor.

3. Record all police activity into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and enter data in the Records Management System (RMS). This activity is conducted concurrently with other Telecommunicator tasks.

4. Maintain constant contact with police and fire personnel in the field and remain alert for potential problems or threats to personnel safety. Maintain on-going assessment of personnel availability through active listening to police and fire radio traffic and by monitoring the computer-aided dispatch system.

5. Receive alarm calls from various alarm companies for police and fire and dispatch appropriate units to the alarm. This requires geographic familiarity with the city as well as constant monitoring of personnel availability. React quickly in contacting personnel as the source of the alarm to determine if alarm is false or bona fide.

6. Listen to and comprehend other radio frequencies such as fire, ambulance, I.S.P.E.R.N., etc.

7. Notify and dispatch appropriate personnel in response to specific incidents requiring investigation.

8. Monitor and record prisoner activity and interact with prisoners and police personnel in the lockup facility. Alert appropriate personnel to any problems in the lockup facility.

9. Accurately and expeditiously type information using a computer, such as CAD entries, LEADS information and inquiries. Effectively and efficiently use standard office equipment including network computers, telephone, copier and fax machines.

10. Conduct computer inquiries and make computer entries of stolen property, missing persons, etc., as necessary and in accordance with the standards of the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). Constantly monitor computer for receipt of messages regarding commission of crimes, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc. and relay that information to the appropriate personnel in a timely manner.

11. Receive and process emergency calls for other City departments when they are closed.

12. Maintain log of towed vehicles and prepare administrative tow releases. Prepare and maintain house watch and extra patrol lists on a daily basis. Maintain computerized files of bicycle registrations.

13. Respond to inquiries from the public regarding police related services.

14. Maintain Department recording equipment so telephone and radio traffic can be recorded and reviewed.

15. Conduct prisoner weapons and contraband searches as requested by field personnel by conducting a physical pat down of the outer clothing and by visual examination prior to processing and incarceration of persons arrested.

16. Communicate effectively in writing and orally, both over the telephone and in person; use logic, tact and sound independent judgment; use strong and effective interpersonal skills in interacting with co-workers and the general public; work effectively both independently and as a team member. Demonstrate a professional demeanor and appearance. Ability to multi-task.

Other Duties: Perform other assigned tasks related to telecommunications.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a fast paced office setting.

Physical Demands: Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, bending, lifting of objects under 25 pounds, or minimal physical activities. Work requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time, to operate personal computers and transmitters/receivers, and to perceive and/or discriminate colors, sounds, depth, and texture. The work of a Telecommunicator can be mentally demanding and stressful.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; satisfactory police background investigation and pre-employment drug screening test; must be able to pass City’s required typing and accuracy tests; valid Illinois Driver’s License; L.E.A.D.S. and E.M.D. Certifications preferred; experience as a Telecommunicator/Dispatcher also preferred.

Regular, Full-Time Position/Overtime Eligible

Residency Boundary Requirement (Residency within the City’s “20-mile boundary” is required within six months of employment.)

Benefits Include:

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

Retirement pension

457 deferred compensation plan

Employee Assistance Program

10 days of vacation /12 days of sick leave per year

11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday

Section 125 pretax deductions

Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

Initial application review at 4:00 pm on Friday, August 1, 2025. Testing will be conducted on Friday, August 8, 2025. Additional applications will be reviewed on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 4:00 pm. Testing will be conducted on Friday, August 22, 2025.

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