FIRE COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR II

BID ANNOUNCEMENT
Fire Communications Operator II
Office of Emergency Management and Communications
Fire Operations
Number of Positions: 12
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $104,616 annually
Applications for this position will be accepted from August 25, 2026 until 11:59pm CDT on 09/8/2026
This position is covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with the INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS (I.B.E.W.) LOCAL UNION NO. 9 - BARGAINING UNIT 29. Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION

Under supervision, the class functions as dispatchers within the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), working a fixed shift responding to 9-1-1 emergency calls and dispatching of fire suppression and rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) units to reported incidents of fire or medical emergencies, and performs related duties as required

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

* Dispatches fire and ambulance companies to reported incidents of fire or medical emergencies using a three-screen fire dispatch console
* Reviews fire apparatus and personnel response recommendations generated by computer-aided dispatch system (CAD)
* Determines if computer generated recommended responses are appropriate for reported incidents and initiates dispatch instructions
* Dispatches additional fire companies as required during extra alarm fires to provide adequate levels of support at the scene
* Monitors the status of incidents via radio communications to ensure dispatched fire companies and emergency medical units arrive at the scene and to relay requests for additional support
* Operates radio and mobile data computer (MDC) equipment to communicate with fire and emergency medical service personnel in the field
* Apprises supervisor of any significant or unusual fire incidents or emergency medical services field activities during and assigned shift change
* Performs routine testing of communication equipment and electrical circuits to ensure proper operation of fire communication systems, as required
* Assists in trouble shooting fire communication lines and circuits, as required
* May answer emergency 9-1-1 calls from persons reporting fires and requesting fire suppression and rescue, or emergency medical services
Additional duties may be required for this position

Location: Office of Emergency Management and Communications
Address: 1411 West Madison
Days Off: Rotating Days Off
Watch/Shifts: Various (1st, 2nd & 3rd Watch)
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.; 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience
* One (1) year experience as a Fire Communications Operator I with the City of Chicago

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
* Must currently possess and maintain an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and/or EMT Paramedic certification
* Must currently possess and maintain an Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification
* Must be able to type a minimum of twenty-five (25) words per minute
NOTE: Bidders who pass the test must show proof of a valid Illinois EMT (or higher) license and validation that their continuing education hours are up to date AND a current EMD certification, AT THE TIME OF INTERVIEW.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete a written test / skills assessment. Test results will be sent out by the Department of Human Resources after the test results have been analyzed and compiled. Bidders who receive a passing score on the test will be interviewed. The interviewed bidder(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dhr/provdrs/Job_Classification_Compensation/svcs/classification-and-pay-plan.html#docaccess-ba6c316e7a6d538348ff53b1eeebb6ab

Application Evaluation: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligibility list in lottery order. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.

City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor