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EMERGENCY RESPONSE TELECOMMUNICATOR

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students.  To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history.  Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history.  To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
Date:  Oct 27, 2026
Location: 

Springfield, IL, US, 62703

Job Requisition ID:  59827

Job Requisition ID: 59827 
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026
Agency: Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
Class Title: EMERGENCY RESPONSE TELECOM (13543) 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,568 monthly; Full Range $4,568- $6,133 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: RC014 Clerical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 
Work Hours: TBD
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 2200 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois, 62703
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: EMA.Jobs@illinois.gov

 

Position Overview: The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is seeking an Emergency Response Telecommunicator (ERT). ERTs perform a wide range of assigned tasks transmitting and receiving emergency and administrative messages via two-way radio concerning hazardous materials, nuclear power plant accidents, natural and manmade disasters, etc. using a multi-frequency, statewide radio base station system. The ideal candidate is quick to learn new technologies and has experience working in fast-paced and ever-changing environments. Our employees work in an ever-changing environment that presents new challenges and rewarding results. If you are interested in joining our team of compassionate and integrity-driven public servants, we invite you to apply for the Emergency Response Telecommunicator position with IEMA-OHS!


About the Agency: Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others? The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is a team of dedicated public servants who are committed to better preparing the State of Illinois for natural, manmade, or technological disasters, hazards, or acts of terrorism. IEMA-OHS coordinates the State's disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs and activities, functions as the State Emergency Response Commission, and maintains a 24-hour Communication Center and State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The SEOC acts as lead in crisis/consequence management response and operations to notify, activate, deploy, and employ state resources in response to any threat or act of terrorism. IEMA-OHS assists local governments with multi-hazard emergency operations plans and maintains the Illinois Emergency Operations Plan. IEMA-OHS is also responsible for protecting Illinois residents from the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation, administering more than two dozen programs to protect citizens and the environment. Programs include extensive emergency planning and response efforts and training for local responders for accidents involving radiation; inspecting and regulating radioactive materials licensees; registering and inspecting radiation producing equipment and facilities statewide; accrediting medical radiation technologists; and certifying mammography facilities. IEMA-OHS also monitors 11 nuclear power reactors at six nuclear stations licensed to generate electricity in Illinois and inspects and escorts spent nuclear fuel shipments. 

 

 

The Operations Center is a 24/7/365 operation. The training period shifts are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, as well as some afternoon shifts of 4:00 PM–12:00 AM. Once the training period is completed, one of these shifts will be available (subject to change based on operational needs):

 

  • 8:00 AM–4:00 PM: Sunday–Thursday, Monday–Friday, or Tuesday–Saturday
  • 4:00 PM–12:00 AM: Sunday–Thursday, Monday–Friday, or Tuesday–Saturday
  • 12:00 AM–8:00 AM: Sunday–Thursday or Tuesday–Saturday

 

Shifts are assigned based on seniority. Days off may vary based on shift availability, operational needs, and the union bidding process. Shifts are opened for bidding at least once per calendar year.

 

 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

 

 

Resume Preferred but Not Required

 

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered. 

 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

 

Essential Functions

  • Serves as the Emergency Response Telecommunicator for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS).
  • Operates a computer within an office setting to perform complex initialization and first-level trouble-shooting procedures as directed.
  • Monitors warning systems.
  • Coordinates the radio communications of Federal, State and local emergency services personnel during natural and manmade disasters.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of high school.
  • Requires ability to keyboard accurately at a minimum rate of 20 words per minute.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Basic experience applying critical thinking skills to evaluate information, identify potential issues, and determine appropriate actions in fast paced or structured environment.
  • Basic experience using sound judgment to make decisions or recommendations based on established procedures or guidelines.
  • Basic experience maintaining professionalism and composure while handling multiple responsibilities or unexpected situations.
  • Demonstrates working knowledge using Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • One year (1) of professional experience using a multi-frequency, statewide radio base station system or related systems.
  • One year (1) of professional experience in a call center or dispatch or other emergency services or related fields.
  • Demonstrates elementary knowledge of office practices and procedures, grammar, spelling, and customer service skills with a clear speaking voice.

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
  • Requires ability to use state-supplied equipment such as cell phone, laptop, etc.
  • Requires the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
  • Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
  • The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

 

 

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com


Nearest Major Market: Springfield

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