Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatcher

The Public Safety Dispatcher performs non-sworn police work and support duties involved in public safety dispatch and communications; receives emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches assignments according to established procedures; performs other related work as required. This is a specialized non-sworn class that provides technical communications support and computer information processing in support of emergency service provision including police, animal control, parking enforcement, limited public works functions, and other City services.

Posted Salary Includes : Base Salary : $39.09 - $47.48 per hour Holiday In-Lieu Pay : $3.33 - $4.04 per hour Total Hourly Pay : $42.42 - $51.52 Total Annual Pay : $88,233.60 - $107,161 4-day work schedule (10 hours per day) Work schedules are determined by seniority and include nights, holidays, and weekends. CritiCall or ECOMM Exam Requirement : Please note, in order to move forward in the selection process, applicants who are not laterally transferring from a different agency are required to have a passing CritiCall Exam or ECOMM Exam score dated within one year of your application date. Please read the "Selection Process" section below for more information on how to register for the exam. Lateral Transfers We welcome applications from currently employed Dispatchers interested in laterally transferring from another agency. Lateral transfers do not need to submit a CritiCall or ECOMM Exam score.

Examples of Duties :

The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification or is similar or closely related to another duty statement. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Essential Duties :

• Dispatches emergency and non-emergency police personnel in response to calls for service; receives information, questions and requests for service; determines nature and priority of calls for service, routes calls as needed and dispatches appropriate units for response.
• Handles inquiries involving public emergencies; recognizes sensitive information and handles; accordingly, provides information to field units, other agencies and the public.
• Alerts other agencies and coordinates mutual response radio traffic and information distribution.
• Operates computer aided dispatch system and other telecommunications devices; performs routine equipment testing, upkeep and maintenance.
• Operates computer equipment using designated systems and programs such as word processing, desktop publishing, databases and spreadsheets; makes inquiries and entries through local, State and Federal computer information systems.
• Sends, receives and routes a variety of law enforcement reports, warrants and other materials.
• Reviews and records case information; maintains logs and records including automated record files; prepares reports and other related forms and records.
• May assist in training new dispatchers and participate in various Police Department activities and operations as assigned.

Working Conditions :

Physical Demands :

Employment Standards :

Possession of the employment standards does not assure advancement to the Examination or placement on the Eligible List. This is a competitive examination where a candidate's performance in the Examination will be judged in comparison with the core competencies required of the job. To be considered, applications should possess the combination of education and experience necessary to provide the required knowledge and abilities for the position. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be : Education / Experience Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Education : Graduation from high school.

Experience : Two years of full-time work experience involving public contact, computer usage, and / or heavy telephone traffic. Experience in public safety, or dealing with stressful, multi-task-oriented situations is highly desirable.

Other Requirements :

Knowledge :

Knowledge of organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency; modern office practices and procedures; application of modern computer technology including designated operating programs and software.

Ability :

Ability to effectively coordinate the work of safety enforcement personnel in the field; assess and prioritize emergency situations; make rapid and sound independent judgements in stressful emergency situations; perform clerical work and basic mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy; operate computer equipment, a variety of office equipment and specialized police department equipment including computerized telecommunications and dispatch equipment; read, interpret, apply and explain various codes, regulations, manuals, maps, etc.; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare reports; communicate effectively; act with resourcefulness, courtesy and initiative; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public. Typing Skill Ability to type from clear printed copy at a speed of 35 net words per minute.

How to Apply :

Selection Process :

Structured Oral Board Interview : Qualified applicants will be invited to an oral board interview. The Panel will conduct a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position.

Background Investigation : The Police Department conducts a comprehensive background investigation of personal history on all potential candidates, which may include but is not limited to : A polygraph, A criminal history check consisting of a fingerprint check with the California Department of Justice and FBI, A drug history check (certain drug usage may result in an automatic disqualification), A credit history check, Interviews with previous and past employers and co-workers, Present and past neighborhood checks, Education verification, Driving record check, Checks with Law Enforcement agencies in the area you live,