Dispatcher II

Dispatcher II Position

This is not an entry-level dispatcher position. Applicants are encouraged to apply to other dispatcher recruitments, as vacancies may be filled utilizing any current dispatcher eligible list (Dispatcher I and Fire Dispatcher). You will be required to pass a computer-based performance test to be considered for Dispatcher II positions. Multi-tasking skills and the ability to make quick decisions are essential to be a successful dispatcher.

For positions in the Police Department, selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive character and background investigation, including a polygraph examination and fingerprint check prior to hire. Felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or use of any illegal drugs may be disqualifying. For additional information, refer to the following link: https://www.sandiego.gov/police/recruiting/opportunities/dispatcher.

Dispatcher II positions in the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments work on a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary answering point for all 911 and non-emergency phone calls from within the City of San Diego (Fire-Rescue Department has dispatch contracts with Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and Poway); elicit essential incident information from callers; determine the nature and extent of the request, the priority of the problem and the need for dispatching police, fire or medical field units; enter appropriate information by typing on a computer keyboard into a dispatch format; answer routine inquiries and refer calls not requiring dispatch to the appropriate department or agency; and perform other duties as assigned.

Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).

Police and Fire-Rescue Departments Dispatcher II employees may answer 50-170 calls a day and are required to sit for long periods of time. Please refer to the Supplemental Information section of the job bulletin for a more detailed description of typical Dispatcher II duties and working conditions. Police and Fire-Rescue Departments Dispatcher II employees may be required to work during all City holidays. Police and Fire-Rescue Departments Dispatcher II employees may be required to work extended periods of night or unusual shift work for which they may receive 5% additional pay. The communication center in the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with day, evening, and night shifts. Dispatcher II employees will be rotated to different shifts on a periodic basis.

Police Department Dispatcher II employees typical starting hourly rate is $31.30. Police Department Dispatcher II employees must obtain a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate within one year from date of hire. Police Department Dispatcher II employees who possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate are eligible for 20% additional pay. Police Department Dispatcher II employees assigned as operators in the 911 Police Department Phone Room are eligible for 5% additional special assignment pay. Police Department Dispatcher II employees work 10 hours per shift, four days per week, with three consecutive days off. Police Department Dispatcher II employees may be required to work overtime.

Fire-Rescue Department Dispatcher II employees work 12-hour shifts (44/36 rotation schedule). Fire-Rescue Department Dispatcher II employees may be required to work overtime during training, if needed, on cleared positions. Fire-Rescue Department Dispatcher II employees are eligible for 17.5% additional pay after successfully completing the paid mandatory Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification course. All dispatcher classifications in the Fire-Rescue Department are subject to mandated overtime beyond their scheduled shift with short notice to maintain staffing levels.