Telecommunicator

DEPARTMENT:

Communications

FLSA STATUS:

Non-exempt

UNION STATUS:

SEIU

NORMAL WORKING HOURS:

12-hour shifts

Day Shift: 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Night Shift: 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM

WORKING HOURS:

Position involves regular and irregular shift work, and shift rotations necessary to provide dispatching services 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 52 weeks/year (weekends and holidays included).

12 hour shifts of 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM. The position requires mandatory weekends, holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, and other days of significance.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

May 2024

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF CLASS:

The Telecommunicator is responsible for learning the basics of dispatching police, fire, and EMS services a daily basis as well as communicating with the public. Training is a minimum of 1 year in-house to include CPR certification, EMD certification, LEADS Certification, proficiency in City geography, verbal communication skills, weekly exams, and daily evaluations. All candidates must pass a background check and integrity interview as well as a drug test.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The Telecommunicator reports directly to the Communications Supervisor or his/her designee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None, unless directed so by a Telecommunications Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

The essential job duties below are equally of importance and must be performed in order for the incumbent to be successful. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be organized, adept at multi-tasking, level-headed, and trustworthy.
• High quality written and verbal skills.
• Operate a multi-line telephone system and answer emergency and non-emergency telephone calls in a manner consistent with acceptable public safety standards.
• The ability to think quickly.
• The ability to work under stressful situations.
• The ability to actively listen and communicate effectively.
• The ability to follow instructions.
• The ability to establish priorities and pass on information as needed.
• Dispatch police, fire, and medical calls in a manner consistent with acceptable public safety standards.
• Ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions for emergency medical calls.
• Receive and respond to a variety of emergency and non-emergency service calls.
• Dispatch and coordinate the response of public safety agencies.
• Maintain CPR certification.
• Maintain EMD and LEADS certifications.
• Monitor all radio frequencies; I.S.P.E.R.N.; Public Works; Fire Ground; WPD Alternate, and other City of Waukegan radio channels.
• Make proper notifications, via the Chain of Command, on unusual or major police and fire matters as indicated in applicable Department policy.
• Ensure compliance of the Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.
• Maintain a good working relationship with coworkers and other departments.
• Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of City of Waukegan geography, jurisdictional boundaries, as well as landmarks, and public buildings.
• Be available for a rotating mandatory overtime assignment when needed (including weekends and holidays).
• As part of initial training and maintenance training, be able to ride-along with a police officer while performing law enforcement duties.
• Monitor and respond to a variety of technical systems and alarms.

Please take notice that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The knowledge, skills and abilities below are needed in order to successfully perform the essential job duties.

• Must be proficient with a computer/keyboard.
• Must demonstrate excellent communications skills.
• Must have knowledge of providing excellent customer service.
• Must demonstrate and ability to multi-task.
• Must maintain professional verbal and written skills.
• Must possess and demonstrate acceptable organizational skills.
• Must have or acquire a thorough knowledge of City of Waukegan geography.
• Must be willing to store his/her personal cell phone out of the workplace for the entire work shift.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

The following list of tools and equipment is a representative but not necessarily all-inclusive inventory of items needed to successfully perform the essential job duties.

• Conventional notetaking equipment
• Computer and Monitor
• Copy/Fax machine
• Multi-line telephone system

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Ability to operate in a sometimes high-stress environment.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds over head.
• Ability to walk/move across dispatch room when necessary.
• Ability to read from an LED display on a regular basis.

Regularly (>90% of day) sitting at desk doing daily tasks and adjusting visual focus.

Occasionally (10% of day) bends, kneels, crouches, or lifts objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Regularly sitting at a desk, in a climate controlled office
• Occasionally riding in a squad car with a sworn law enforcement officer

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must possess the following minimum requirements in order to successfully perform the essential job duties.

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or equivalent 

OTHER:

• Must be able to pass entry-level testing.
• Must be able to pass a physical and drug test
• Must be able to pass a hearing test
• Must submit to psychological testing
• Must submit to a background and criminal history investigation
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be able to work rotating days off and shift work (including holidays)
• Must be able to work overtime when required and upon short notice
• Must be proficient with computer systems
• Knowledge of basic public safety radio and telephone systems preferred

HOW TO APPLY:

If interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter on or before the close of business on Sunday, June 30, 2024 to:

jobs@waukeganIL.gov

Please indicate Telecommunicator in the subject line.

The City of Waukegan is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.