911 Dispatcher

The City of Collinsville's Emergency Communications Center is looking for qualified applicants who are interested in a fast-paced, fulfilling career as a 911 Telecommunicator. This position entails emergency and non-emergency radio communications, dispatch services, telephone contact, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) services, and tracking calls and unit status for the Collinsville Police and Collinsville Fire/EMS.

Hiring Salary and Benefits

Probationary Entry Level: $28.50 per hour (approx. $66,675/year); After Probationary Period: $35.03 (approx. $81,257/year) including clothing allowance, anticipated OT, and Holiday pay
Shift differential for night shift additional $.60 per hour.
Qualified lateral applicants start at the off-probation rate of pay.
Longevity pay increases
Uniforms provided.
Vacation, sick time, personal leave, comp time.
Holiday pay
12-hour rotating shifts
Educational bonuses and tuition reimbursement
IMRF retirement
Employee medical/dental/vision paid 100%
City-funded retiree insurance stipend covering 66.7% ($517.15/month) of the cost of single coverage
Healthy Minds Program providing paid mental health wellness services, offering one paid day off work after 4 mental health sessions per year
This posting is to establish a pool of candidates for potential future hiring. Must be 18 years of age, have a High School diploma, GED or equivalent, and a valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record.

Selection Process Phases

Please note that all phases must be completed to qualify. Preference may be given to applicants who qualify for the Lateral Telecommunicator Hiring Program.

Application submission
Online Assessment
Communications Center observation
Conditional offer of employment
Background investigation
Medical/physical/drug screening
Requirements to be a certified Telecommunicator for the Lateral Program

Full-time telecommunicator currently employed with a law enforcement agency for at least one year.
A telecommunicator previously employed with a law enforcement agency full-time for at least one year (separated from that agency under good standing for no longer than the past 6 months).
80-hour Telecommunicator Certification (or equivalent waiver if out of state). The waiver must be obtained within the field training process.
911 Certification
EMD Certification (current or must obtain during field training)
LEADS Full Access Certification (out of state applicants must obtain the certification during the field training process).
Our Position

Gather information, receive complaints and/or requests for service (both routine and emergency), via a multi-line telephone system and/or through multiple channels of radio equipment as prescribed by policy and procedures.
Dedication to thorough customer service.
Using highly technical equipment, dispatch resources in accordance with the department's policies and procedures.
Monitor mutual aid radio channels and computer-based communication.
Correctly determine departmental resources for varying Police/Fire/EMS emergency and non-emergency situations
Prioritize actions during multiple response scenarios requiring division of attention and listening.
Document each action and response from both emergency and non-emergency request for service utilizing the CAD system as well as required logs and forms.
Other duties

Monitor direct alarms into the Communications Center, third party notification, and dispatch appropriate personnel.
Complete special assignments, projects, tasks, and other administrative assignments as required.
Perform other duties as assigned and required.
May require unrestricted mandatory overtime. 24-hour operating hours require shift work, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime coverage.
Our candidate

Ability to operate and monitor radio and CAD systems under stressful and demanding emergency situations while maintaining a calm demeanor, professional attitude, and a mature disposition.
Ability to rapidly gather information and accurately enter it into the CAD system.
Knowledge of the physical layout of streets and buildings within our coverage area.
Computer skills and accurate typing skills. Effective communication with people by giving information, directions, and instructions via telephone and radio.
Sound reasoning, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to react quickly in critical situations.
Using highly technical equipment, develop the ability to dispatch resources in accordance with the department's policies and procedures.
Ability to work in a high stress environment.
Undergo a periodic audit/review of information queries.
Ability to learn, within a reasonable period of training, the operation of dispatch communication equipment.
Working environment

Most work is performed indoors in a closed and secure office setting.
Continuous speaking, conversing on telephone, and computer operation.
Ability to function for extended hours day and night.
Must be able to operate multiple computers, telephone system, recording systems, and various office skills.
Sitting, stooping, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, grasping, talking, seeing, hearing, reading, and repetitive keyboard motions as well as extended periods of sitting.
Working in a closed and restricted office environment with the same coworkers for extended periods and frequently communicating via phone with citizens in stressful situations who may be unable to communicate effectively.
Material and equipment used

911 system, multiple Police/Fire/EMS radio channels, CAD system, copy/fax machine, headset, foot pedal, and other commonly used office equipment.

This job announcement is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Conditional employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of an extensive criminal background check, Online Assessment, Communications Center observation, and medical/physical/drug screening.

Applications must by submitted by June 1, 2026.