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City of Evanston

Evanston, IL 60201

Phone: 847-448-8204 

Fax: 847-448-8109    

Website: www.cityofevanston.org

Salary: $51,954 - $67,891

Population: 75,000 

Sworn Officers: 163 

Application Deadline: 5/31/11

JOB DESCRIPTION/JOB POSTING

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/W/D

DEPARTMENT:

EVANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT (2200)

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION – COMMUNICATIONS (2245)

TELECOMMUNICATOR (1327)

P26 ($51,954 – $67,891)

NON-EXEMPT

NON-EXEMPT

NATURE OF WORK:

Receive and prioritize 911 emergency and non-emergency calls.  Operate radio equipment to dispatch police, fire and emergency medical personnel.  Track status of units and maintain related records.  Monitor alarm system, process warrants, relay messages.  Computerized data entry and access City Network and a variety of databases to retrieve related information as required.  Innovative 40 hour per week work schedule gives you 78 more days off per year than a traditional work schedule.  You get a 3 day weekend every other week.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK:

• Receives complaints from public concerning crimes and police emergencies.

• Broadcasts orders to police radio patrol units in vicinity to investigate complaint, and relays instructions or questions from remote units.

• Solicits information to determine appropriate resources needed to respond to requests for service.

• Assesses requests and dispatches Police and Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units to incidents of crime, emergencies and non-emergencies.

• Monitors status of dispatched assignments and units and coordinates all police, fire, EMS, and other emergency requests, relaying instructions to radio units concerned.

• Enters and retrieves information using computer aided dispatch system (CADS).

• Answers, screens, and routes non-emergency telephone calls.

• Records complaints received and calls broadcast.

• Coordinates the relaying of messages between divisions within the Evanston Police Department and other law enforcement agencies and fire departments.

• Monitors burglar and fire alarm systems to detect illegal entry and fires at businesses and residences.

• Expected to receive training to qualify on LEADS computer system and NIMS compliance.

• Maintains contact with Police Officers, Parking Enforcement Officers and Fire Department personnel to verify assignment locations.

• Responds to routine inquires.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Possession of a High School Diploma, and/or some college or Associate’s degree preferred; and at least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a communication management, emergency communications field, experience in a 911-Center preferred; or fast paced, high stress environment; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.

• Considerable knowledge of and ability to use computer systems and networks, Internet search engines, word processing software, email, and Windows operating systems.

• Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  To interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

• Ability to prepare work assignments, summaries, reports, memos, and purchase recommendations using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules and punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.

• General understanding of principles underlying the laws and regulations of the municipality.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills in dealing with individuals and groups at all levels.

• Self motivated, disciplined, organized, and reliable.

• Innovative, creative, resourceful and independent thinking.

SUPERVISION:

The Telecommunicator reports to the Assistant Communications Coordinator who outlines work assignments, reviews work in progress, and completed work.  Works closely with all relevant departments/bureaus to assist and inform in the incorporation of communication best practices, as appropriate.  Guidance is provided via the City Code, Standard Operating Procedures, City policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, as well as the Teamster contract.  Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to progress toward achieving goals, leadership, communication skills, customer service, ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization as well as elected and appointed officials, community groups and the general public.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee has regular and frequent contact with department and division employees and other City employees; regular contact with individual citizens and groups, business owners, and elected officials.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 20 pounds. The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes.

There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.

SPECIAL LICENSES AND REQUIREMENTS:

N/A

• Test

• Interview

• 911 Observation

• Background

• Polygraph and Psychological

TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST:

Provisional

LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST:

2 years

To apply for this position, please apply online at:

www.cityofevanston.org

on or before the closing date

Chosen candidates will be subject to a qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen.

The City of Evanston is committed to making all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities.  Any citizen needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Facilities Management Office at 847-866-2916 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).

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