Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Bloomington

Contact Information

Address:

Website:

• www.bloomingtonil.gov

Phone:

• 309-434-2602

Fax:

• 309-434-2831

Email:

• ldenny@cityblm.org

Application Deadline:

• 12/28/25

Salary:

• $27.28/hour

Sworn:

• 135

Population:

• 78,283

Position Details

This critical role serves as the vital communications link between the public needing help and emergency services response. As first responders, public safety dispatchers (PSD) are typically the first point of contact when a person reaches out for help. This requires a candidate to be able to work independently in a high-stress environment while receiving and evaluating incoming emergency and administrative requests for emergency services, including but not limited to law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS); triaging those requests for service; providing guidance and assistance to the public in life-safety situations; and coordinating appropriate responses to high-risk, high-stress operations, with the objective of keeping all participants safe.

Typical Qualifications:

• By the end of the probationary period, thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, processes, laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting public safety call-taking and the ability to apply them appropriately.
• Able to use logic, critical thinking, and reasoning to reach conclusions and solve problems.
• Ability to prioritize multiple events based on available resources—critical thinking.
• Adhere to policy and procedure requirements that are stringent, rigorous, and unwavering, including confidentiality of information and trustworthiness while dealing with sensitive information.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively; relay details accurately; listen actively; think and act quickly.
• Compile and analyze operational data and prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Effectively interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, representatives from other departments, and other emergency services agencies.
• Follow instructions, spell correctly, and write clearly.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Learn quickly and retain public safety and technology training material.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Obtain information from hostile, confusing, and emotional callers.
• Provide effective customer service and deal tactfully and courteously with a demanding public.
• Able to handle complaints and difficult situations, remaining calm under pressure.
• Remember names, numbers, and locations accurately.
• Read and interpret geographical spatial data and maps quickly and accurately.
• Resilient and resourceful while coordinating high-risk, high-stress operations, with the objective of keeping all participants safe. 

Required Education/Experience:

• A high school diploma or GED

Preferred Certificates or Licenses:

Must be able to obtain and maintain the following licenses and certifications within a given time frame:

• Illinois Department of Public Health, Emergency Medical Dispatcher
• Illinois State Police, Full Access Certification, Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS)
• American Heart Association, CPR Certification
• International Academy of Emergency Dispatch Certifications:
• Emergency Telecommunicator Course (ETC)
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD)
• Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) 

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Work is performed in an emergency communications center. The work level can fluctuate from minimal to fast-paced and high volume. The employee deals with crisis situations that require them to quickly make major decisions involving people, resources, and property with frequently limited direction.
• The PSD may be asked to work scheduled shifts at any time of the day and on weekends and holidays. Must be able to cope in a safe manner with stressful situations, emotional callers, responders, and unprofessional contacts. Under unusual circumstances, the PSD may be required to perform duties at or near the scene of any emergency.
• This position is designated as essential and must report to work during times when other facilities maybe closed. This position is subject to call back and hold over to maintain minimum staffing 24/7. 

Supplemental Information:

This position is a 24/7 operation where specialized skills and shift availability are important to the Department. You will need to be available to work any of the 3 shifts, weekends and holidays.

For a full job description and to apply online, please visit:

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