Dispatcher Public Safety

Lake Forest College seeks a customer-focused and detail-oriented Public Safety Dispatcher for the night shift. The Dispatcher serves as the central communications hub for Lake Forest College’s Department of Public Safety. This position is responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching calls for service, monitoring alarms, and initiating emergency notifications. Dispatchers ensure timely, accurate, and professional communication between officers, campus partners, and external emergency responders to maintain a safe and secure campus environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Call Handling & Dispatching: Receive emergency and non-emergency calls; prioritize and dispatch Public Safety Officers and other responders.
• Alarm Monitoring: Monitor intrusion, fire, panic, CCTV, and other safety systems; initiate appropriate response protocols.
• Emergency Coordination: Maintain communication with officers in the field; coordinate with local police, fire, and EMS when required.
• Information Management: Accurately document calls, incidents, and actions in the department’s records of management and dispatch systems.
• Campus Support: Provide directions, information, and assistance to students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
• Radio Operations: Operate two-way radios and communication systems with clear, professional etiquette.

• Confidentiality: Handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Perform other administrative duties such as preparing reports as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Must be available for day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts to support 24/7 operations.
• Work is primarily indoors at a communications center; requires prolonged sitting, computer use, and focused attention. 

Key Skills & Competencies

• Communication: Clear, calm, and professional verbal and written communication.
• Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple calls, radio traffic, and computer systems simultaneously.
• Decision-Making: Assess situations quickly and prioritize responses under pressure.
• Attention to Detail: Accurate data entry and documentation.
• Customer Service: Courteous and supportive interaction with the campus community.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent work experience; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Prior dispatch, communications, or coordination experience preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with computer systems, records management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and multi-line phone systems.
• Availability: Ability to work rotating shifts and provide coverage as needed.
• Other key qualities: reliability, strong team orientation, ability to work under pressure, and commitment to campus safety and service.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and phone/radio operation.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor screens, alarms, and radio traffic.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate: $18.50 - $20.00/hour (40 hour/week schedule)
• Benefits: www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits

If you are interested in learning more about employment at Lake Forest College, please visit Working at Lake Forest | Lake Forest College.