Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Salary: $66,591.00 - $81,757.00 Annually
Location : Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20260105-01
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/05/2026
Closing Date: 4/6/2026 12:00 AM Central

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under supervision, the Public Safety Telecommunicator I perform the full range of operational duties required in dispatching public safety personnel and equipment. This is the entry grade level of the Public Safety Telecommunicator position. Public Safety Telecommunicator I's receive routine and emergency calls and transmit/receive messages via radio, 9-1-1 emergency phone lines and various computer systems. The Emergency Communications Center operates on a 7-day, 24-hour schedule basis and personnel in this position will be required to work a variety of shifts as well as overtime.

What is it like to be a Public Safety Telecommunicator?
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answers incoming 911 and non-emergency phone calls and takes appropriate action to handle call.
• Dispatches appropriate emergency police, fire, and rescue units to calls for service, prioritizing each incident, and under varied conditions using standard operating procedures
• Monitors status of all committed fire, police, and rescue units and provides supplemental information to units as it becomes available and/or necessary
• Monitors, receives, enters and makes inquiries utilizing various sophisticated public safety computer systems for a variety law enforcement and fire related information
• Completes Computer Aided Dispatch terminal entry on incidents, alarms, or calls for service
• Handles emergency medical requests utilizing an emergency medical dispatch protocol computer system
• Promptly responds to radio and telephone inquiries of all fire and police personnel
• Closely monitors multiple talk groups for incoming transmissions from field personnel
• Monitors citywide talk group after hours to respond to incoming transmissions from field personnel
• Handles incoming MABAS alarms and monitors the NIFERN frequency
• Processes and handles all calls to certain agencies regarding disaster situations or hazardous material incidents
• Makes notifications to other support agencies when necessary
• Maintains warrant file and processes warrants, including inquiries for criminal histories, PIMS, and local arrest information
• Monitors fire and burglary alarm systems
• Maintains merchant, fire and burglar alarm files and log
• Monitors building security system and grants access to authorized personnel to secured areas of police building
• Monitors MOSCAD alarm reporting and warning siren system, reporting any malfunctions in the siren or radio equipment site
• Performs monthly tests on the siren warning system, emergency services radio system, TDD, and Cable Emergency Alert System
• Enters equipment malfunctions and failures, streetlights out, street closings, fire hydrant problems, traffic sign and signal problems, police radio and vehicle repairs on the appropriate log or computer file
• Maintains various logs, files, and status sheets as required by current directives
• Performs matron duties as necessary
• Keeps informed of current administrative directives, policies, procedures, City Ordinances, State statutes, and other related documents
• Performs various other related computer/clerical tasks as required
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
To apply for the position follow the steps below:
STEP 1

• Ensure that you meet the minimum requirements of the position
• Submit an application with the City of Elgin by clicking on "Apply" at the top of this posting
• Attach a copy of your high school diploma or GED to this application

STEP 2

You must take and pass the online testing session through TestGenius to determine your skills and abilities for the position. You will receive an email once you have submitted your application from the City of Elgin explaining how to take the online test.
STEP 3

Complete the online test through TestGenius. You will need to pass each of the sections of the test to move forward in the process. There is no cost for taking the test.
STEP 4
We will be notifying candidates of their scores after the close of the testing process. Candidates passing the online test will be placed on an eligibility list. Candidates will be chosen from the list for interviews as positions become available.
Skills and Abilities needed for the position:

• Ability to learn to effectively operate sophisticated public safety computer systems, telecommunications systems, radio systems, emergency medical dispatch systems, and equipment.
• Ability to learn and understand operating procedures and methods used in a busy 911 Center.
• Ability to learn to effectively coordinate multiple events and emergency responses.
• Ability to accomplish tasks in a controlled and competent manner while working under stressful conditions.
• Ability to make sound decisions, anticipate needs, and evaluate alternatives.
• Ability to accurately gather information quickly and respond to it.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures and follow them.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to communicate professionally and precisely.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and citizens.
• Ability to retain information.
• Ability to speak in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise and understandable written documents.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to function efficiently under stressful conditions and fast changing environment
• Ability to hear detailed information and to make sound discriminations.
• Ability to convey oral details or instructions to others.
• Ability to sit for extensive periods of time at dispatch console.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion, with substantial movement of wrist, hands and fingers.
• Ability to read and discern visual images on a variety of media.
• Ability to function in an environment of simultaneous sounds and visuals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position works 12 hour days on a four (4) days on and four (4) days off rotation. Your schedule will vary from month to month. Telecommunicators will be required to work on weekends and holidays. The job may have mandatory mandating of shifts that can occur prior to and/or after shift worked.
Certification Requirements

• Ability to satisfactorily complete Law Enforcement Agencies Data Systems Operator Certification by end of training period
• Ability to satisfactorily complete Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Certification by end of training period.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification by end of training period.
• Required to have 12 hours continuing education credits annually to maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification

1) Vacation - 1 to 6 years of service - 2 weeks
7 to 13 years of service - 3 weeks
14 to 21 years of service - 4 weeks
22 or more years of service - 5 weeks
2) Sick Leave Annual accrual of (.5) sick day per month.*
3) Life Insurance - $70,000 term group life insurance policy.
4) Holidays - New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
5) Personal Days - Four (4) personal days shall be provided per year.

6) Medical Insurance* - Comprehensive major medical insurance program for employee and dependents with employee option to continue coverage upon separation from employment according to one of the available coverage options. City will pay 80% of the specified premium for HMO coverage selected (i.e., single, single plus one, or family) and 80% of the specified premium for PPO coverage selected (i.e., single, single plus one, or family) the employee will pay via payroll deduction the remaining amount of the specified premium. Employees who have alternative health insurance coverage may elect to discontinue to participate in the City's health insurance plan pursuant to the City's health insurance opt out program. The opt out benefit to such employees shall be in the annual amount of $3,000 prorated based upon employment with the city during the applicable plan year and shall be paid to a Health Reimbursement Account.

*City of Elgin is a multi-tiered benefit employer. Available benefit time may differ based on seniority within the unit. Please defer to the collective bargaining unit contract for details.
Additional benefits include
• Vision
• Dental
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending account
• Retirement - IMRF
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation
• Direct Deposit
• Open Door Policy
• Centre membership
• In-house training programs
01

I understand that if I am offered this position I may be required to work any of the shifts at anytime.

• Yes
• No

02

If offered this position I understand that I will be required to work weekends and holidays.

• Yes
• No

03

If offered this position I understand that I will be required to rotate between all shifts during training and once training is complete I may be required to work various shifts as needed.

• Yes
• No

04

If offered this position I understand that I may be mandated (required) to work overtime if coverage is needed.

• Yes
• No

Required Question