Radio Dispatcher Entry and Laterals

Salary: $34.15 Hourly
Location : Libertyville, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 03169
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 10/21/2026
Closing Date: 11/21/2026 11:59 PM Central
Salary Grade: Union

General Description
A 911 Telecommunicator handles emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance and information. This position provides dispatch and communication support services for law enforcement, fire, and related public safety services. The Telecommunicator works under supervision while performing critical communication and dispatch functions that support the safety of both personnel and the community.

Telecommunicators are members of the FOP Union. Please note that collective bargaining negotiations are currently underway, and wages are subject to change based on the terms of the newly negotiated agreement.

The current starting rate for an entry level telecommunicator is $34.15.

Candidates with prior experience and training may qualify for a starting rate of up to $47.78 per hour, based on a review of credentials. To be considered a lateral candidate, you must:

• Be currently employed as a telecommunicator
• Have at least two years of telecommunicator experience
• Be in good standing with your current agency

Essential Functions

• Operate a multi-line telephone console system, alerting system, and TDD system for the deaf and hearing impaired.
• Handle emergency and non-emergency questions, complaints, or requests for services by asking questions to determine the correct resources, assigning the appropriate level of priority, and entering this information into a computer-aided dispatch application.
• Ask questions to interpret, analyze, and anticipate the caller's situation to resolve problems, collect vital information for responder safety, dispatch additional emergency services, refer callers to other departments, or provide pre-arrival instructions.
• Receive, transmit, and monitor radio traffic.
• Filing duties as required on shift.
• Send and receive teletype messages to/from other agencies and mobile units via computer terminal.
• Retrieve, interpret, enter and modify confidential public safety data within local, state, and national computer databases.
• All other related duties as assigned.

This is a 24/7 work environment. This position requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and all shifts as required. Overtime may be required. Shift selection is done yearly by seniority shift bidding.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to effectively multitask while operating a variety of telecommunications systems, including radio communications, emergency and non-emergency telephone systems, teletype operations, and computerized databases.
• Knowledge of dispatch codes, standard abbreviations, and terminology commonly used by law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services.
• Knowledge of Lake County geography, including jurisdictional boundaries, major roadways, landmarks, public buildings, and waterways.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and representatives of other agencies.
• Ability to apply logic and reasoning to analyze situations and develop appropriate solutions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions when evaluating situations, establishing priorities, and resolving issues.
• Ability to think quickly and remain calm in high pressure and rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Ability to actively listen and communicate clearly and effectively through both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately and consistently.
• Ability to accurately document, enter, and retrieve information in computer aided dispatch systems, records management systems, and other agency databases while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

Education and/or Other Requirements:

• Requires completion of a standard high school diploma program or equivalent.
• Must meet all State qualifications.
• Must pass and maintain all required certifications.
• Ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute. (total WPM with errors subtracted)
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and post offer medical screening as a condition of employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires light to medium work involving standing or walking some of the time.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods
• Exerting up to 25 pounds of force on a regular basis.
• Moderate dexterity in operating office equipment.

Supplemental Information
Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Visit our page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! To learn more about the department you will be working for, visit Sheriff's Office.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam.
This position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing, and speaking abilities.

The County offers an extensive benefits package to eligible employees including health, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, deferred compensation plans, and so much more! Below are resources for the County's current benefits.

You can find additional details on our benefits at and