911 dispatcher h1.location_city

Dispatcher Position

Nestled along the rolling foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located only 13 miles east from downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro Gold Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the Best City in California in which to Raise Kids and the 2017 Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County. With the conveniences and amenities of a full-service, mid-size city, Arcadia's "Community of Homes" provides a quality of life that will go Above & Beyond your expectations.

At the Arcadia Police Department, making a positive difference is the guiding principle that shapes our decisions. The belief that every member of our team has the ability to positively impact the community is entrenched at the core of our organization. We are forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. Our diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and camaraderie. If you are interested in embarking on the journey of serving the public as a member of our Dispatch Unit, we welcome and encourage your application. Come join and experience what it is like to serve a community that supports and appreciates its Police Department.

This recruitment is primarily focused on hiring on-call Dispatchers on an as-needed basis. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications of the position, attach the required documents, and successfully pass all components of the examination process in order to move forward in the selection process.

Required documents include:

• Dispatcher I: In addition to the City's application, candidates must submit a certified typing certificate, obtained within the last 12 months to demonstrate they meet the minimum typing requirement of 35 words per minute (wpm) net. Self-administered and Internet typing tests will not be accepted. Failure to submit the required typing certificate with the application will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Re-certification of typing speed may be required as a condition of hire with the City.
• Dispatcher II: In addition to the City's application, candidates must submit a certified typing certificate, obtained within the last 12 months to demonstrate they meet the minimum typing requirement of 35 words per minute (wpm) net. Self-administered and Internet typing tests will not be accepted. Failure to submit the required typing certificate with the application will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Re-certification of typing speed may be required as a condition of hire with the City. A valid P.O.S.T Dispatcher/Telecommunications Certification.

Hourly wage information:

• Dispatcher I: $27.89 - $34.79
• Dispatcher II: $32.31 - $40.34

* Listed hourly wage amounts indicate the first and last steps of the range for each position. Dispatchers hired on in an on-call/as-needed capacity start at the first step of the range for their position.

This is a continuous recruitment and periodic testing will be conducted. Application filing period may close at any time without prior notice.

The recruitment process includes:

• Apply Online Submit a detailed, thorough application. Ensure all required documents (i.e. Typing Certificate) are attached to your application.
• Written Exam (Pass/Fail) Candidates must pass the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (PELDSTB) with a score of 50 or above. Applicants who have obtained a qualifying PELDSTB score within the last 12 months are encouraged to attach their test results to their application for consideration.
• Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%) Candidates who successfully pass the prior component of the examination process are invited to participate in the oral interview panel and are required to pass it with a score of 70% or above in order to successfully be assigned to an eligibility list.

The selection process includes:

• Chief's Interview The Chief of Police and Arcadia Command Staff will meet and interview candidates to determine their readiness to join the Arcadia Police Department.
• Background Check An extensive background check will be conducted to ensure that candidates meet the high standards set forth to join the Arcadia Police Department.
• Psychological Examination Candidates who successfully pass the background process are required to go through a psychological exam to be evaluated on their ability to handle stresses that accompany a career in law enforcement.
• Medical Examination Candidates who successfully pass the psychological examination undergo a medical evaluation to assess their ability to perform the essential duties of the job.

Under supervision (Dispatcher I) or general supervision (Dispatcher II), to perform a variety of duties involved in the operation of the emergency services systems and various communication devices to receive, route, relay, and dispatch calls for emergency and non-emergency law enforcement, ambulance, fire, and other services.

Examples of important and essential duties include:

• Receive calls for service from the public requesting ambulance, fire, law enforcement or other emergency and non-emergency services; obtain appropriate information; input and update information into CAD system; determine nature and location of emergency; determine priority and dispatch emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures for operating a dispatch system; maintain contact with calling party; relay pertinent information to responding party.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of field units; maintain daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.
• Maintain awareness of activities on prior shifts and continuing problems or situations.
• Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; maintain a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files relating to emergency services activities; enter into computer.
• Operate various equipment including multi-line telephones, multi-channel two-way radio, computer, teletype, typewriter, 911 emergency and alarm monitoring equipment, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) terminal, fax machines, dictaphones, copiers, and other communications equipment.
• Coordinate with Emergency Management Agency and Civil Defense in cases of disasters or severe weather; monitor weather wire; obtain and distribute pertinent information to the public and other agencies.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Attend training and information sessions to keep aware of local government capabilities and resources to assist the public and elected officials in the protection of life and property.
• Perform minor maintenance or adjustments on communications equipment; maintain general cleanliness in the workplace; change tapes and clocks as necessary; request maintenance as necessary.
• Prepare alarm response logs; tabulate responses; prepare authorizations to bill for services.
• Enter police records/information into data bases as necessary to support Records Bureau operations.
• Operate NCIC/computer system to enter, modify, update and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, driver license and vehicles registration information, and warrants on wanted persons.
• Obtain and process a variety of documents and information including criminal histories, NCIC and warrant entries, work-ups, and validations for deputies and detectives.

Other job-related duties include:

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Job-related and essential qualifications for Dispatcher I include:

• Knowledge of English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
• Principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
• Skill to learn to operate and perform minor maintenance on a variety of emergency communications equipment.
• Operate a computer terminal, teletype, radio, telephone, fax machine, copier, dictaphone, and other office equipment.
• Type at a speed of 35 words per minute and enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Ability to learn operational characteristics of communications equipment and tools used in the area of emergency dispatch.
• Learn streets, businesses, boundaries, districts, and zones which represent geographical areas of responsibility within the City.
• Read and interpret street maps.
• Learn principles and resources for dealing with hazardous materials.
• Learn policies and procedures of receiving, processing, and dispatching emergency calls.
• Learn basic communications rules and regulations governing the operation of radio transmitting and receiving systems.