Job Description

Job Requisition ID: 53188
Opening Date: 02/03/2026
Closing Date:02/19/2026
​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 $4,414/month; Full Range $4,414-$5,926/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC014 Clerical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

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

Agency Statement: 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 Mon - Fri; 8a - 4p as well as some afternoon shifts of 4p - 12a. Once the training period is completed, one of these shifts will be available (subject to change based on operational needs):

8a - 4p: Sunday - Thursday, Monday - Friday, & Tuesday - Saturday
4p - 12a: Sunday - Thursday, Monday - Friday, & Tuesday - Saturday
12a - 8a: Sunday - Thursday & Tuesday - Saturday
12a - 8a: Tuesday - Saturday
12a - 8a: Sunday-Thursday

*Shifts are assigned based on seniority. 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.

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.

Work Hours: TBD
Headquarter Location: 2200 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois, 62703
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: EMA.JOBS@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

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