The Public Safety Dispatcher receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public; dispatches calls for emergency police, fire & EMS services; operates various communications equipment; prioritizes calls; dispatches units and/or refer calls appropriate to the jurisdiction; and performs other related work as required or assigned. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public, in person and over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations. The work involves coordinating interdepartmental activities within the city as well as with other agencies throughout the county. The Public Safety Dispatcher initially receives on-the-job training with the goal to possess full proficiency to work a solo-shift without assistance. Within the established guidelines, the Communications Dispatcher exercises independent judgment under emergency conditions on matters involving the potential loss of life or property. Incumbents are required to work various shifts associated with 24-hour, 365-day operations including weekends and holidays.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
Part I: Complete the Employment Application. A thorough and complete review of all applications received will be conducted. Those applicants who are assessed as meeting the minimum qualifications and desired background experience for successful performance in the position of Public Safety Dispatcher will be invited to continue in the selection process.
Part II: Qualifying Written Examination (Pass/Fail): Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to test with Criticall. In addition, a typing certificate must be obtained from an employment agency or business school with a minimum of 35wpm net. The City will accept a typing certificate dated within the last six (6) months. Internet typing tests will not be considered.
THE CRITICALL EXAM IS WAIVED FOR CANDIDATES THAT CURRENTLY POSSESS EITHER:
(1) POST CERTIFIED PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER BASIC CERTIFICATE;
(2) POST DISPATCHER T-SCORE WITH A SCORE OF 55 OR ABOVE dated within the last three (3) months; AND a valid typing certificate within the past six (6) months from an employment agency or business school with a minimum of 35wpm net. Internet typing tests are not valid and will not be considered.
Part III: Appraisal Examination - Oral Interview: Designed to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position. This examination will be a panel interview and will be conducted by subject matter experts.
Candidate(s) who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be considered by the City hiring authority. Prior to a conditional offer of employment, a candidate will undergo a comprehensive background check that includes a full background check, fingerprinting with the California Department of Justice, a credit review, and a polygraph. A psychological examination and a job-related pre-placement medical examination will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment reference/background check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. All positions require a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.