Carbondale, City of (IL)
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
Receive all emergency phone calls and in-person complaints from the public; refer non‑emergency calls to appropriate service providers.
Dispatch police and fire personnel, via appropriate radio, in response to calls for service and specific incidents requiring police and/or fire investigation; assign the proper number of units after obtaining critical information from the requestor.
Record all police activity into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and enter data in the Records Management System (RMS) concurrently with other tasks.
Maintain constant contact with police and fire personnel in the field, remain alert for potential problems or threats to personnel safety, and assess availability through active listening to radio traffic and monitoring the CAD system.
Receive alarm calls from various alarm companies for police and fire; dispatch appropriate units, determine if the alarm is false or bona fide, and maintain geographic familiarity with the city.
Listen to and comprehend other radio frequencies such as fire, ambulance, ISPERN, etc.
Notify and dispatch personnel in response to specific incidents requiring investigation.
Monitor and record prisoner activity, interact with prisoners and personnel in the lockup facility, and alert appropriate personnel to any problems.
Accurately and expeditiously type information using a computer (CAD entries, LEADS information, and inquiries) and efficiently use standard office equipment including network computers, telephone, copier, and fax machines.
Conduct computer inquiries and make entries of stolen property, missing persons, and other data per Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) standards; monitor incoming messages and relay information to the appropriate personnel promptly.
Receive and process emergency calls for other City departments when they are closed.
Maintain a log of towed vehicles, prepare administrative tow releases, and maintain daily house‑watch and extra patrol lists; keep computerized files of bicycle registrations.
Respond to public inquiries regarding police‑related services.
Maintain department recording equipment so telephone and radio traffic can be recorded and reviewed.
Conduct prisoner weapons and contraband searches as requested by field personnel, performing a physical pat‑down of outer clothing and visual examination prior to processing and incarceration of arrested persons.
Communicate effectively in writing and orally, both over the telephone and in person; use logic, tact, and independent judgment; work both independently and as a team member; demonstrate a professional demeanor and appearance; and exhibit the ability to multi‑task.
Other Duties Perform other assigned tasks related to telecommunications.
Work Environment Fast‑paced office setting.
Physical Demands Essentially sedentary with occasional walking, bending, lifting objects under 25 pounds, or minimal physical activities; requires ability to sit for extended periods, operate personal computers and transmitters/receivers, and perceive and discriminate colors, sounds, depth, and texture. The work can be mentally demanding and stressful.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
High‑school diploma or equivalent.
Satisfactory police background investigation and pre‑employment drug screening.
Ability to pass City’s required typing and accuracy tests.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
LEADS and EMD certifications preferred.
Experience as a Telecommunicator/Dispatcher 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 Monday, February 2, 2026. Testing will be conducted on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
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Essential Duties
Receive all emergency phone calls and in-person complaints from the public; refer non‑emergency calls to appropriate service providers.
Dispatch police and fire personnel, via appropriate radio, in response to calls for service and specific incidents requiring police and/or fire investigation; assign the proper number of units after obtaining critical information from the requestor.
Record all police activity into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and enter data in the Records Management System (RMS) concurrently with other tasks.
Maintain constant contact with police and fire personnel in the field, remain alert for potential problems or threats to personnel safety, and assess availability through active listening to radio traffic and monitoring the CAD system.
Receive alarm calls from various alarm companies for police and fire; dispatch appropriate units, determine if the alarm is false or bona fide, and maintain geographic familiarity with the city.
Listen to and comprehend other radio frequencies such as fire, ambulance, ISPERN, etc.
Notify and dispatch personnel in response to specific incidents requiring investigation.
Monitor and record prisoner activity, interact with prisoners and personnel in the lockup facility, and alert appropriate personnel to any problems.
Accurately and expeditiously type information using a computer (CAD entries, LEADS information, and inquiries) and efficiently use standard office equipment including network computers, telephone, copier, and fax machines.
Conduct computer inquiries and make entries of stolen property, missing persons, and other data per Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) standards; monitor incoming messages and relay information to the appropriate personnel promptly.
Receive and process emergency calls for other City departments when they are closed.
Maintain a log of towed vehicles, prepare administrative tow releases, and maintain daily house‑watch and extra patrol lists; keep computerized files of bicycle registrations.
Respond to public inquiries regarding police‑related services.
Maintain department recording equipment so telephone and radio traffic can be recorded and reviewed.
Conduct prisoner weapons and contraband searches as requested by field personnel, performing a physical pat‑down of outer clothing and visual examination prior to processing and incarceration of arrested persons.
Communicate effectively in writing and orally, both over the telephone and in person; use logic, tact, and independent judgment; work both independently and as a team member; demonstrate a professional demeanor and appearance; and exhibit the ability to multi‑task.
Other Duties Perform other assigned tasks related to telecommunications.
Work Environment Fast‑paced office setting.
Physical Demands Essentially sedentary with occasional walking, bending, lifting objects under 25 pounds, or minimal physical activities; requires ability to sit for extended periods, operate personal computers and transmitters/receivers, and perceive and discriminate colors, sounds, depth, and texture. The work can be mentally demanding and stressful.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
High‑school diploma or equivalent.
Satisfactory police background investigation and pre‑employment drug screening.
Ability to pass City’s required typing and accuracy tests.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
LEADS and EMD certifications preferred.
Experience as a Telecommunicator/Dispatcher 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 Monday, February 2, 2026. Testing will be conducted on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr