Alarm Operator (Telecommunicator)

Northbrook, Illinois

The Regional Emergency Dispatch Center (RED Center) is currently seeking applicants for the position of Alarm Operator (Telecommunicator), for full-time employment in our multi-agency communications center. Currently we are anticipating a summer vacancy and will also be creating an eligibility list for future vacancies. RED Center dispatches FIRE and EMS services for 14 communities, as well as serving M.A.B.A.S. Division 3 dispatch, along with critical roles in Divisional and Statewide response plans.  

Duties include, but not limited to: receiving, processing and dispatch of FIRE/EMS related service for emergent and non-emergent calls, maintaining accountability of companies and equipment for the affiliate departments/agencies and alarm monitoring for multiple agencies. Candidates must have the ability to proficiently operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) terminal and multi-faceted communication devices. Candidates must be skilled in keyboard use, exercise good judgment and be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality in the performance of duties.

Candidates must multi-task efficiently and under pressure. Candidates must be able to work weekends, holidays, extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing shortages. Candidates must have a professional demeanor and sensitivity necessary to maintain an effective working relationship with other employees, related public safety personnel and the public at large. Situations may involve emergency circumstances and high stress levels. 

The shift is a rotating shift, working four 12-hour shifts, the first two of which are 6am-6pm and the second two shifts are 6pm-6am, and then having four days off.   

Applicants that most closely meet the needs of the position will be invited to participate in the testing and interview process. Final selection is contingent upon a background check, psychological evaluation, physical examination and pre-employment drug testing. RED Center reserves the right to alter this process.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Must be of good moral character
• Must submit to the all testing (Written/Computer aided testing, physical, psychological exam, drug screening, hearing test)
• Preferred 1-3 years – Public Safety/Dispatch experience, but not required 

To Apply:

Forward your resume, cover letter and answers to the three essay questions below via email to:

kfalco@redcenter.org

Deadline: 3:00 pm Monday, August 12, 2019.

Please reference RED Center Employment in the subject line of your email.  

Hard copies and faxed resumes will be declined. 

Essay Question Instructions:

Essay questions will be evaluated for content and are limited to one (1) type written page per question.  Microsoft Word Documents or PDF Documents are accepted.  Page limitations are based on .5” margins and no smaller than a 10-point Times New Roman font, double spaced.  Pages more than the specified limit will not be evaluated. 

1. Why do you believe you are qualified for the position of Alarm Operator (Telecommunicator) for The Regional Emergency Dispatch (RED) Center?
2. Public safety call-taking and dispatching work requires high moral character, trust, and ethical behavior.   Explain how you possess these attributes.
3. Attention to detail in public safety dispatching can ultimately mean the difference between someone dying and living.   Explain why you believe you possess this attribute and how it would help you in a career at RED Center. 

*RED Center is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.