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Telecommunicator Jobs in Northbrook, IL (NOW HIRING)

Aside for the core tasks of a Telecommunicator noted below, GPSDC provides public education for our communities through Government and Citizen Police Academies, School Visits, and attending community ...

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911 Call Taker & Dispatcher - Telecommunicator (TC) MUST APPLY THROUGH TO BE CONSIDERED Great Pay & Benefits ▬ Training Program Provided ▬ Rewarding Career DuPage Public Safety Communications (DU ...

911 Call Taker & Dispatcher - Telecommunicator (TC) MUST APPLY THROUGH TO BE CONSIDERED Great Pay & Benefits ▬ Training Program Provided ▬ Rewarding Career DuPage Public Safety Communications (DU ...

Be Seen First

911 Call Taker & Dispatcher - Telecommunicator (TC) MUST APPLY THROUGH TO BE CONSIDERED Great Pay & Benefits ▬ Training Program Provided ▬ Rewarding Career DuPage Public Safety Communications (DU ...

Must hold a valid emergency dispatcher certification from APCO, NENA, or a state agency, and/or a DoD Telecommunicator I/II certification. ExpectedSkills and Competencies: * Computer skillsrequired ...

Telecommunicator information

See Northbrook, IL salary details

$27.9K

$47.7K

$68K

How much do telecommunicator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for telecommunicator in Northbrook, IL is $47,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,600.00 and $53,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Telecommunicator, you generally need strong communication skills, multitasking ability, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and emergency protocols is typically required, along with certifications like APCO or NENA. Outstanding problem-solving, composure under pressure, and active listening are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure fast, accurate information relay and effective emergency response, directly impacting public safety.

What are some common challenges telecommunicators face during high-pressure emergency situations?

Telecommunicators often encounter high-stress scenarios where they must remain calm and collected while quickly gathering vital information from distressed callers. Balancing multiple calls, dispatching appropriate emergency services, and accurately relaying information to first responders requires strong multitasking and communication skills. Emotional resilience is essential, as telecommunicators may handle life-threatening situations and must provide clear guidance under pressure while maintaining professionalism throughout their shift.

What is a telecommunicator?

Telecommunicators, also known as public safety or 911 dispatchers, coordinate communications between police officers, emergency personnel, and the public. Their primary duties include receiving calls and obtaining information from people who need assistance and using a two-way radio to dispatch the appropriate services to firefighters, police officers, and first responders. Telecommunicators keep detailed records and may also track drivers and their vehicles.

How much do telecommunicators make?

Telecommunicators typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced telecommunicators or those in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, often with shift differentials for night or weekend work.

What is the difference between Telecommunicator vs Dispatcher?

AspectTelecommunicatorDispatcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often required to obtain certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; may require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, public safety agencies, or transportation servicesEmergency response units, transportation companies, or public safety agencies
Employer & IndustryPublic safety, transportation, or utility companiesLaw enforcement, fire departments, ambulance services, or logistics companies
Job FocusAnswering emergency and non-emergency calls, providing informationDispatching personnel or vehicles to incidents or locations

While both Telecommunicators and Dispatchers handle communication in emergency and service settings, Telecommunicators primarily answer calls and provide information, whereas Dispatchers coordinate response units and direct resources to incidents.

What cities near Northbrook, IL are hiring for Telecommunicator jobs? Cities near Northbrook, IL with the most Telecommunicator job openings:
Infographic showing various Telecommunicator job openings in Northbrook, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,740 per year, or $23 per hour.

TELECOMMUNICATOR

Village of Glenview

Glenview, IL • On-site

$65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description:

Glenview Public Safety Dispatch Center believes in providing that absolute best-in-class 911 experience to those we serve. We work tirelessly with our agencies and communities to be part of their organization. Aside for the core tasks of a Telecommunicator noted below, GPSDC provides public education for our communities through Government and Citizen Police Academies, School Visits, and attending community events such as National Night Out and Local Police and Fire open houses.

GPSDC challenges the status quo always looking for new ways to improve. We have lead first in-state initiatives creating Geo Diverse 911 centers, implementing automated alarms to CAD (ASAP to PSAP), cloud public safety software, and cloud 911 solutions. GPSDC dispatches for 14 communities and has two dispatch centers located in Glenview and Highland Park. The two dispatch centers serve approximately 240,000 residents, answer approximately 300,000 calls and handle over 200,000 calls for service per year.

The purpose of this position is to:

  • Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, medical or other emergency services.
  • Determine the location and nature of the emergency, establish priorities, and dispatch police, fire, ambulance or other emergency units as necessary in accordance with GPSDC’s policies, procedures and guidelines.
  • Receive and process 911 emergency calls, maintain contact with all units on assignment, maintain status and location of police, fire and medical units.
  • Monitor and process emergency alarms,
  • Answer and process non-emergency calls for assistance.
  • Enter, update and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems.
  • Receive requests for information regarding vehicle registration, driving records and warrants, and provides pertinent data.
  • Monitor multiple public safety radio frequencies.
  • Operate a variety of communications equipment including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio consoles, telephones and other computer systems.
  • Additional duties include monitoring dispatch equipment and systems; researching computer records, updating and maintaining computer files and databases; answering routine questions, and completing general office duties.

Our Recruitment process:

  • The opportunity to apply for employment with GPSDC occurs annually.
  • Our process is on-going. There is benefit to applying early as we typically send out screening tests every two weeks, and conduct interviews on a rolling basis.
  • The recruitment will include an at-home, on-line skills test*, virtual interview, and an in-person interview/sit-along, background investigation and polygraph screening. Each segment must be passed to go on to the next.
    • For example, a candidate must pass the skills test to be scheduled for a virtual interview.
    • Passing a segment does not guarantee moving forward. Being invited to participate in a background screening is dependent on open positions.
    • Candidates with at least 18 months of experience in a State, County, or Municipal 911 center will not be required to take the skills test and will progress straight to the interview stage.
  • If all segments listed above are passed, a candidate may be invited to join our team, and will be required to complete a psychological and medical screening prior to starting.

*If a candidate does not have access to a computer and/or internet at home, a test will be arranged at our facility


Salary and Benefits

The 2026 starting Salary of $65,622 not including overtime. The 12-hour schedule results in part of the full-time hours being paid at an overtime rate. The starting annual salary including hours paid at an overtime rate is approximately $72,184.20.

Top Pay is achieved after 8 steps and is $94,615. To view the current collective bargaining agreement, visit the Village’s transparency page.


2026

Step Contract Actual

1 $65,622 $72,184.20

2 $68,928 $75,820.80

3 $72,349 $79,583.90

4 $75,966 $83,562.60

5 $79,764 $87,740.40

6 $83,751 $92,126.10

7 $87,940 $96,734.00

8 $94,615 $104,076.50


Candidates with current experience as a 911 Telecommunicator in a State, County, or Local 911 center are eligible to start as high as step 5 in our salary table. Lateral candidates can be compensated 1 step for every two years of experience up to step 5. Candidates must be currently employed or have no more than a 45-day gap in service from a 911 Center.



Requirements:

Qualifications

Requirements include a high school degree or equivalent. Must have the ability to read and speak English, read contents on a computer screen and observe the work site simultaneously. The successful candidate will have a strong work ethic and a sense of duty and responsibility to the safety and welfare of the public, and be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Attention to detail and ability to work successfully with other team members is a must. The ability to work effectively under sometimes stressful situations is a must. Successful candidate must be willing to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, and must be available for shift coverage with short notice or very short notice. Candidates must successfully complete the EMD and LEADS course as a part of the structured training program.