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Communications Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Communications Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21.74 - $23.04/hr

Communications Operator POSITION TITLE:Communications Operator STATUS:Full Time DEPARTMENT: Campus Police DIVISION: President's Office CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt UNION: TOSSC-AFT Local 604 REPORTS TO:

The Director, Communications is a strategic thought leader and advisor to the Senior Leadership ... and operating effectively in a matrixed organization. * Ability to translate complex topics into ...

The Director, Communications is a strategic thought leader and advisor to the Senior Leadership ... and operating effectively in a matrixed organization. * Ability to translate complex topics into ...

Director, Communications

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$145K - $181K/yr

The Director, Communications is a strategic thought leader and advisor to the Senior Leadership ... and operating effectively in a matrixed organization. * Ability to translate complex topics into ...

The Director, Communications is a strategic thought leader and advisor to the Senior Leadership ... and operating effectively in a matrixed organization. * Ability to translate complex topics into ...

The role will bring consistent and professional communication streams to all key stakeholders including clients, airlines, airport operators and employees, consumers, media, and the general public to ...

About the Role As Vice President, Communications, you will lead the development and execution of ... Comfort operating at both strategic and executional levels - from advising on approach to producing ...

Lead the development and implementation of a corporate communications strategy aimed at protecting and enhancing the organization's standing as a trusted and leading operator and employer in this new ...

Lead the development and implementation of a corporate communications strategy aimed at protecting and enhancing the organization's standing as a trusted and leading operator and employer in this new ...

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Communications Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$24

$45

How much do communications operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for communications operator in Chicago, IL is $24.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $26.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a communications operator?

A communications operator, also known as an emergency operator, is responsible for answering phone calls from the public about potential emergencies and directing emergency services to the caller’s location as necessary. Your job duties include gathering information from callers, dispatching the appropriate police, fire or ambulance personnel, and coordinating across various emergency personnel. A career as a communications operator does not require you have extensive qualifications or education; typically a high school diploma or GED certificate will suffice. To excel in this position, you need strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communications Operator, you need strong verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio dispatch systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, and emergency communication protocols is important. Calmness under pressure, multitasking, and effective decision-making are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring accurate information relay, rapid response times, and public safety in critical situations.

What are some common challenges communications operators face during high-pressure situations, and how can they effectively manage them?

Communications Operators often encounter high-pressure scenarios, such as handling multiple emergency calls or coordinating responses with first responders. Staying calm and organized is essential; using established protocols and checklists can help ensure nothing is overlooked. Effective multitasking and clear communication with team members are crucial for accurate information relay. Regular training and debriefings also support operators in managing stress and improving performance during critical incidents.

What is the difference between Communications Operator vs Radio Dispatcher?

AspectCommunications OperatorRadio Dispatcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in radio operationHigh school diploma; certifications in radio communication often preferred
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, call centers, or communication hubsField sites, transportation hubs, emergency services
Industry UsageTelecommunications, transportation, emergency servicesPublic safety, transportation, logistics

Communications Operators and Radio Dispatchers both handle communication tasks, but Communications Operators typically work in centralized control rooms managing various communication systems, while Radio Dispatchers are more involved in field-based radio communication, often in emergency or transportation settings. Both roles require strong communication skills and certifications in radio operation, but their work environments and specific duties differ.

Infographic showing various Communications Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,982 per year, or $24 per hour.

Communications Operator

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, IL • On-site

$21.74 - $23.04/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Joliet Junior College rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

500th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:
Communications Operator
Job Description:
POSITION TITLE:Communications Operator
STATUS:Full Time
DEPARTMENT: Campus Police
DIVISION: President's Office
CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt
UNION: TOSSC-AFT Local 604
REPORTS TO: Chief of Police through the chain of command
PLACEMENT: Grade 106
HIRING RANGE: $21.74 -$$23.04 hourly
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age, and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff.
POSITION SUMMARY
This is a fast-paced, highly technical work environment involving automated systems pertaining to law enforcement public safety communications. Work requires the ability to comprehend and apply county, state and federal regulations governing law enforcement and public safety operational procedures, including transmissions by radio, telephone; ability to analyze situations and determine the effective course of action; adjust quickly to changing situations while assessing time and sensitive information; perform several tasks at the same time and assign appropriate priorities to incoming calls for service while monitoring multiple frequencies and viewing multiple computer screens. Must have the ability to maintain an efficient and calm demeanor in handling adverse or stressful situations for extended periods in a high-volume public safety work environment. Requires frequent contact with the public, police and emergency service providers, and occasional contact with other federal, state, and local government agencies. Data entry skill; ability to speak clearly and distinctly; ability to hear; ability to utilize appropriate methodology and resources; ability to follow instructions quickly; ability to operate a computer terminal keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Processes incoming and outgoing emergency and non-emergency telephone calls, ensuring agency policy, procedures and goals are met.
2. Dispatches and communicates with law enforcement, fire, and EMS units, ensuring agency policy, procedures and goals are met.
3. Provides Supervisor with input regarding policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of the communications center.
4. Provide prompt and courtesy service to all college community.
5. Works effectively and calmly in a high stress environment.
6. Maintains familiarity with the general geography of the communities served.
7. Meets all training requirements of the Center, as well as train new staff and those needing to be cross trained.
8. Participates in available professional development for center staff.
9. Familiarity with principles and practices of radio communications as well as the proper policies and procedures used in public safety dispatching with an emphasis on professionalism and high level of customer service.
10. Knowledge of all aspects of operations of a public safety communications center.
11. Communication facilities, equipment, and management practices as they pertain to the operation of a public safety communications center.
12. Technology systems utilized by a public safety communications center.
13. Become certified & maintain all required certifications.
14. Operates and monitors various computer systems and networks as necessary to perform dispatching tasks - CAD and Records management system; as well as cameras and alarm boards responds per department procedures.
15. Recognizes and has a clear understanding of the classification systems for UCR, NIBRS and Clery as related to report functions.
16. Perform other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Two (2) years of experience in police, fire, or emergency dispatch.
3. Strong verbal and written skills and the ability and willingness to work cooperatively with a diverse population under high stress situations.
4. The ability to file and keep records and to prepare reports from such records.
5. Must successfully complete in house training for position.
6. Must acquire and maintain LEADS certification within one (1) year of assignment.
7. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence.
8. Demonstrated commitment to the college's core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor, and well-being, innovation, and quality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Prior police, fire, or emergency dispatch experience of two or more years.
2. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency.
3. Demonstrated multicultural competence.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Personal computer, copy machine, fax machine, multi-line telephone, radio system and CAD Terminals.
BENEFITS
Click on the link for information about JJC's Benefits: Technical Office Support Staff Council (TOSSC)-AFT Local 604
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
Union (If Applicable):
TOSSC
Scheduled Hours:
40

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