POSITION SUMMARY
The Telecommunicator serves as a critical link between the public, public-safety agencies, and emergency responders throughout Franklin County.
Telecommunicators receive, prioritize, process, and disseminate emergency and non-emergency information and requests for service involving law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, emergency management, public works, utilities, animal control, and other agencies or services as assigned.
Duties include answering and processing 911 and administrative telephone calls; operating public-safety radio systems; dispatching and coordinating emergency responders; monitoring radio, telephone, camera, computer, and other communications systems; documenting incidents and responder activity; and processing information received from local, State, and Federal agencies.
Telecommunicators are expected to maintain situational awareness, exercise sound judgment, communicate clearly and professionally, accurately document information, maintain confidentiality, and comply with OEMC policies, procedures, protocols, and applicable laws and regulations.
This position operates in a 24-hour public-safety environment. Employees may be required to work days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, optional overtime, mandatory overtime and during emergencies or periods of increased operational activity.
FULL-TIME COMPENSATION
Starting Base Salary: $39,390.96 annually
Paid Lunch Periods & 14 Paid Holidays: $6,932.04 annually
Total Starting Annual Compensation: $46,323.00
Additional compensation may be available when applicable under Franklin County policies, collective bargaining agreements, or applicable law, including overtime and other authorized compensation.
FULL-TIME BENEFITS
Full-time employees are eligible for a benefits package that includes:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) participation
- $600 annual clothing allowance
- Paid holidays
- Paid lunch periods
- Training and professional-development opportunities
- Career advancement opportunities
Eligibility, employee contributions, coverage levels, leave benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by applicable Franklin County policies, benefit plans, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable law.
PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT
Applicants may also apply for part-time Telecommunicator positions by indicating their interest in part-time employment on the application.
Starting Pay: $18.00 per hour
Schedule: PRN / as needed
Part-time employees may be scheduled based upon operational and staffing needs. Benefits and other compensation, if applicable, are governed by Franklin County policy, applicable agreements, and law.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The position requires the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced public-safety communications environment and to manage multiple tasks and sources of information simultaneously.
Essential duties may include prolonged periods of sitting; continuous use of computers, telephone and radio equipment; listening to and understanding multiple communications sources; accurately entering information into computer systems; communicating clearly by telephone and radio; and maintaining concentration and professional composure during emergency, stressful, or emotionally difficult situations.
Franklin County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Thank you for your interest in serving as a 911 Telecommunicator with the Franklin County Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC).
911 telecommunications is a demanding and rewarding public-safety profession. Our hiring process is designed to identify candidates who demonstrate the abilities, judgment, professionalism, adaptability, and willingness to learn necessary to succeed in a modern 911 Communications Center.
Prior 911 or public-safety experience is not required. We are looking for individuals with the potential to learn and succeed through our comprehensive training program.
Step 1 — Application Review
OEMC reviews submitted applications to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Qualified applicants may be invited to continue in the selection process.
Step 2 — Pre-Employment Assessment
Selected applicants will complete the PreHire Assessment, a pre-employment assessment specifically designed for the 911 profession.
The assessment provides applicants with exposure to the types of challenges encountered in emergency communications while helping OEMC evaluate characteristics and abilities important to success as a telecommunicator.
Applicants should approach the assessment carefully, follow all instructions, and complete it without outside assistance.
You are not expected to already know how to be a 911 telecommunicator. The assessment is intended to help evaluate your potential to learn and perform successfully in the profession.
You must complete the assessment from a computer equipped with a microphone and camera.
Step 3 — OEMC Interview
Candidates who advance may be invited to a structured interview with OEMC.
The interview focuses on areas such as communication, customer service, teamwork, integrity, professionalism, problem-solving, conflict resolution, compassion, career goals, and the candidate’s ability to function effectively in a high-responsibility public-safety environment.
Step 4 — Communications Center Observation
Selected candidates may be invited to observe operations within the OEMC Communications Center.
This provides candidates with a realistic understanding of the working environment, including 911 call processing, radio communications, computer-aided dispatch, multitasking, shift work, and the pace and responsibilities associated with emergency communications.
Step 5 — Conditional Selection & Pre-Employment Requirements
Candidates selected to continue may receive a conditional offer of employment subject to successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include background investigation, and other screenings or documentation required by Franklin County, OEMC, or applicable law.
Step 6 — Training & Qualification
Newly hired telecommunicators enter the Franklin County OEMC Training & Qualification Program.
Our training program combines classroom instruction, technology-based training, practical exercises, simulations, supervised on-the-job training, and progressive competency evaluations.
Candidates work with qualified Communications Training Officers (CTOs) and must demonstrate competency in the knowledge, skills, systems, and responsibilities required for independent assignment.
What We Are Looking For
Successful 911 telecommunicators must be dependable, professional, compassionate, capable of working as part of a team, receptive to coaching, able to communicate effectively, and willing to continuously learn.
The work can be fast-paced and stressful. Telecommunicators must be prepared to make sound decisions, manage multiple responsibilities, communicate with people experiencing emergencies, and maintain professionalism when circumstances are difficult.
Every emergency begins with someone asking for help. Our telecommunicators are often the first public-safety professionals to answer that call.
We appreciate your interest in joining the Franklin County OEMC team and serving the residents, visitors, and public-safety professionals of Franklin County.
Apply Online
Paper Application
Download Franklin County Employment Application
Completed paper applications may be submitted to:
Franklin County Office of Emergency Management & Communications
403 E. Main Street
Benton, Illinois 62812
Positions will remain open until filled.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Franklin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, State, and local law.
Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and as otherwise required by law.
QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
Applicants who have questions regarding the position, application process, or who require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing the application process may contact:
Director Ryan M. Buckingham
Franklin County Office of Emergency Management & Communications
403 E. Main Street
Benton, Illinois 62812
Phone: (618) 439-4362, Ext. 2000
Email: ryan.buckingham@franklincountyil.gov
