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The City of Sunnyvale invites applications for Public Safety Dispatcher in Training.  Under supervision and in a trainee capacity, processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatches police, fire-fighting, medical, rescue, animal control or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD); and, performs other related duties as assigned.

Public Safety Dispatcher-In-Training is the entry and trainee level in the public safety dispatcher series. Under close supervision, incumbents are trained in dispatching techniques, equipment and protocols. Work assignments change frequently in order to facilitate training. Employees are subject to daily and weekly observation reports until they demonstrate the ability to perform independently. This classification is distinguished from the higher level Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter is the fully trained, journey level classification in the series.

This is an alternately staffed classification. Public Safety Dispatcher-In-Training incumbents are required to achieve the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to advance to the Public Safety Dispatcher level within the twelve-month probationary period.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefit package. A complete application packet will consist of a City of Sunnyvale employment application, responses to the required supplemental questions, a current (dated within one year of application) T-Score of 55 or higher on the POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery, and a typing certificate verifying 35 or more net words per minute (online and in-person typing certificates will be accepted for this specific recruitment).

The position opens July 29, 2020 and is open continuous with the first application review on August 18, 2020.For complete information regarding this opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov, Search: City Jobs.

Please click on the Job PDF for the full Job Announcement.

Definition:

Under general supervision, the Communications Officer, as a member of the Police Department, transmits and receives information over the police and public works radio system; dispatches routine and emergency calls for service; types, records, and files information; handles emergency and non-emergency telephone calls utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD), and performs related work as assigned.

Examples of Essential Duties:

The following statements are intended as general illustrations of the work in this job class and are not all inclusive for specific positions.

1. Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public for police, fire, or other emergency services; determines the nature of the call and the resources necessary to respond.
2. Monitors police radio communications; maintains contact with police units to track officer status and respond to need for additional resources; monitors various radio channels to keep abreast of county-wide police activities affecting the City and assist other county agencies with mutual aid.
3. Prioritizes requests for police and other public safety services; determines availability and location of patrol units; transmits information and dispatches police personnel and equipment in response to calls; routes calls for fire and emergency medical assistance to the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
4. Assists police personnel in the field by quickly and accurately researching and relaying criminal history information and other requested data.
5. Communicates with callers to determine the nature of the call and provide appropriate assistance; maintains composure to ensure that complete and accurate information is transmitted to public safety and medical personnel.
6. Screens non-emergency calls for service; provides requested information or directs callers to the proper person, department or agency.
7. Updates and maintains electronic records and logs of data pertaining to calls and activities.
8. Receives and coordinates requests for emergency Public Works assistance outside of the City’s normal business hours (pertaining to full municipal services in Los Altos, and sewer maintenance requests in Los Altos Hills and the surrounding unincorporated areas).
9. Act in the place of records staff for after-hours walk-in visitors to the Police Department.
10. May assist with the training of new communications personnel.

Minimum Qualifications:

KNOWLEDGE OF: Standard office methods, procedures, software and equipment; Geography of the local area; General public safety communications practices; Principles of customer service.

SKILL AND ABILITY TO: Multi-task and prioritize; Efficiently use radio and other communications equipment; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Analyze situations quickly and accurately; Maintain composure and work effectively under pressure; Understand and follow oral and written direction; Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties; Establish, maintain, and promote positive working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; Work various shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and intermittent shifts as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS: This position will require the ability to work rotating shifts on an on-going basis, including irregular hours on short notice. This position will also be assigned a uniform to wearing during work hours.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Any combination of the listed experience and education requirements may lead to a qualifying application. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Possession of a High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.
• Completion of college-level coursework is highly desirable .
• A minimum of one year of public safety dispatching and/or basic clerical experience is required.
• Possession of Basic P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate is highly desirable and may be substituted for work experience.

IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS: Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills; ability to multi-task in stressful situations. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.

Salary and Benefits:

$93,138.24 – $113,210.11 annually DOE

This is a non-exempt position represented by the Police Officers Association.

• Retirement: CalPERS retirement plan for Classic members is 2% @ 60 with employee paying a contribution of 7%. PEPRA employees participate on a 2.0% @ 62 plan, with employee paying 6.75% of the retirement contribution. Benefits based on highest three years of compensation. The City does not participate in Social Security.
• Health Plans: Choice of HMO or PPO plans through CalPERS Health with most family plans covered at 100%. Employees who waive coverage may receive stipend of $350 per month.
• Dental/Vision: City also offers a dental and vision reimbursement plan.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Dependent care and health care reimbursement plan available
• Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in either Nationwide or ICMA-RC
• Holidays: 10 annual holidays, plus two floating holidays OR Holiday Compensation
• Vacation: 10 days annually
• Sick Leave: Allowance of 12 days annually

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A complete City application, cover letter, resume, and testing documents must be submitted online at the City's websiteOpens a New Window..

Applicants must also submit proof of successful completion of either the Criticall Dispatcher test with a passing score or the P.O.S.T. Entry-level Dispatcher Test with a T-score of 50 or above. Please make arrangements to sign up for one of these tests in advance. Lateral applicants that are currently employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher (non-probationary) do not need to submit proof of test scores, however a California POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate is required.

Additionally, A typing certificate certifying a minimum of 40 wpm dated within one year of the application date must be submitted along with the City application. Online typing certificates will not be accepted. If you do not have a typing certificate, please schedule an appointment at a vocational school, or a staffing agency.

SELECTION PROCESS
The recruitment will remain open until filled with a first review date of August 17, 2020. Applicants most closely matching the City’s desired qualifications and organizational needs will be invited to participate in the interview process. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a physical, reference checks and a complete background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; However, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER 
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

The San Jose Police Department is accepting applications for BOTH the Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee position AND the Public Safety Communication Specialist position.

Public Safety Communication Specialist - salary range is: $67,995.20 - $82,617.60 annually.

Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee's earn $72,966.40 annually.  After training is completed, the salary range is: $81,036.80 - $98,488.00 annually. 

NOTE: In addition to the starting salary, employees in the Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee and Public Safety Communication Specialist classifications shall also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay.

NEW AT THE CITY OF SAN JOSE

Hiring Incentive Pilot Program for Public Safety Communications Specialist:

-- Upon hire of candidate as a Public Safety Communications Specialist (FT) on or after February 9, 2020, he or she shall be eligible to receive a non-pensionable lump sum payment of $1,500.

-- Once the employee completes their one (1) year probation as a Public Safety Communications Specialist (FT) he or she is eligible to receive a final non-pensionable lump sum payment of $1,500.

Please note:The candidate receiving the incentive would be required to refund the ENTIRE non-pensionable lump sum (up to $3,000) if the employee separates from City employment or accepts another position within the City prior to their one (1) year anniversary of passing probation as a Public Safety Communications Specialist (FT). 

Further details regarding this can be found in the Municipal Employees’ Federation AFSCME, Local No. 101 union tentative agreement

Hiring Incentive Pilot Program for Public Safety Radio Dispatcher:

-- Candidates hired as a Public Safety Radio Dispatcher-TRAINEE on or after February 9, 2020, shall be eligible to receive a non-pensionable lump sum payment of $2,000.

-- Once the Public Safety Radio Dispatcher-TRAINEE is eligible for promotion and enters into the Public Safety Radio Dispatcher classification, the employee is then eligible to receive an additional non-pensionable lump sum payment of $2,000.

-- Once the employee completes their one (1) year probation as Public Safety Radio Dispatcher, he or she will be eligible to receive a final non-pensionable lump sum payment of $2,000. 

Please note: The candidate receiving the incentive would be required to refund the ENTIRE non-pensionable lump sum (up to $6,000) if the employee separates from City employment or accepts another position within the City prior to their one (1) year anniversary of passing probation as a Public Safety Radio Dispatcher.

Further details regarding this can be found in the Municipal Employees’ Federation AFSCME, Local No. 101 union tentative agreement:

*Please Note -- MEF Referral Bonus: Applicants may disclose a maximum of one (1) referral.  The applicant must provide the referrer's name on his or her application prior to submitting the application for consideration and certify that the referrer referred and/or assisted in recruiting them, and that the applicant will not receive any portion of the MEF Referral bonus provided to them.

Position & Duties - Public Safety Communication Specialist

The Public Safety Communication Specialist position is an entry level training position in the Communications Unit for the Police Department.  Public Safety Communication Specialists are required to handle the full range of telephone answering and dispatch functions.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments.  If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Mandatory overtime will be required during critical incidents or to maintain staffing levels.  Wearing a uniform is required; however, uniform expenses are partially reimbursed.  The wearing of a headset is also required and is purchased by the employer.  Incumbents receive paid training beginning on their first day attending the Basic Dispatch Academy.

These positions may require assignments to a Swing, Graveyard, or other non-standard shift; most work four 10-hour shifts followed by three days off.  There is a shift differential payment of $1.50/hour for Swing Shift and $1.75/hour for Graveyard Shift.

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Position & Duties - Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee

The Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee position is an entry level training position in the Communications Unit of the Police Department.  The key responsibilities for Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee include:

Learning to dispatch police personnel and equipment on both routine and emergency calls utilizing the computer aided dispatch system, video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, and related equipment; Answering the telephone and receiving emergency, non-emergency, and 9-1-1 requests for assistance; Inquiring, interpreting, verifying, receiving, and disseminating information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, etc; Participating in field training exercises as needed to fully develop dispatching skills; Performing all related learning and testing activities.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments.  If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment. 

For more information about the Police Departments, Communications Unit click HERE.

Formal training in the classroom and in the field will be provided in order to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the public safety dispatching functions.  Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainees must complete the training program and be appointed to the class of Public Safety Radio Dispatcher in order to retain employment.  Successful candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills, strong customer service skills, and the ability to retain composure and work accurately under pressure in emergency situations. 

Candidates that are appointed will be required to attend the Basic Dispatch Academy for eight (8) weeks.  Candidates are paid when they begin academy training.  After the academy, candidates will continue on-the-job training, rotating through a number of assignments and shifts.  After successfully completing this portion of the training program, Candidates will begin a five (5) week Radio Academy and training program as a Public Safety Radio Dispatcher.  

Mandatory overtime will be required during critical incidents or to maintain staffing levels.  Wearing a uniform is required; however, uniform expenses are partially reimbursed.  The wearing of a headset is also required which is purchased by the employer.  Incumbents receive paid training beginning with their first day attending the Basic Dispatch Academy.

These positions may require assignment to a Swing, Graveyard, or other non-standard shift; most work four 10-hour shifts followed by three days off.  There is a shift differential payment of $1.50/hour for Swing Shift and $1.75/hour for Graveyard shifts.

Location

70 N First Street Campbell, 95008

Description

The City of Campbell announces an employment opportunity for: Public Safety Dispatch

Open Date: Monday, August 12, 2019

Close Date: Continuous Recruitment

Salary: $7,826.00 – 9,512.53 per month DOE

Public Safety Dispatcher: Under general supervision, to receive and transmit routine and emergency telephone, radio and computer messages; to keep a variety of police records; and to do related work as required.

Typical Duties: On an assigned shift, receives and transmits information by telephone; receives and transmits voice radio calls from Police, Mutual Aid Frequencies, and Public Works units; obtains and records information; dispatches appropriate equipment to emergency scenes; keeps radio contact with units on patrol and on assignment; maintains a variety of records including, but not limited to, logs of calls for service and case log of criminal incidents; operates telecommunications and information systems including computer aided dispatch (CAD) and the 9-1-1 telephone system and computer equipment; monitors a variety of radio frequencies which may result in the transmission of assignments or requests to other agencies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Experience: Equivalent to graduation from high school. Two years clerical experience with public contact responsibilities or closely related experience.

Knowledge of: Modern office methods and procedures; correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Ability to: React quickly and calmly to emergency situations; meet the public with courtesy and tact; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; understand and interpret map information; understand and carry out  verbal and written directions; learn police procedures and assume responsibility for performing assigned duties with a minimum of supervision; learn the operation of radio communications  and computer equipment; hear accurately and distinctly; speak clearly and precisely; write legibly; work any assigned shift (day, swing, midnight, or a variation including weekends and holidays); accurately input a variety of material on a computer keyboard at a rate that satisfies the needs of the department.

Hours of Work: Public Safety Dispatchers typically work 40 hours per week (4/10 Plan) on a six-month rotating shift basis – days, evenings, midnights – or a variation including weekends and holidays.

Application Process:  Required documents for application:

Applicants must also submit proof of successful completion of either the Criticall Dispatcher test with a passing score or the P.O.S.T. Entry-level Dispatcher Test with a T-score of 50 or above.  The P.O.S.T Entry-level Dispatcher Test and the Criticall Dispatcher will be held at the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Coyote  and you will need to call to check dates, and make an apppointment.  Please make arrangements to sign up for one of these tests in advance.   

Lateral applicants that are currently employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher (non-probationary) do not need to submit proof of test scores, however a California POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate is required.

A typing certificate certifying a minimum of 40 wpm dated within one year of the application date must be submitted along with the City application.  Online typing certificates will be accepted.  If you do not have a typing certificate and would like to take the test in person, please schedule an appointment at a vocational school, or a staffing agency. Express Employment in San Jose offers typing certification tests.  To schedule, please call (408)378-2700.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This recruitment may close once a sufficient number of qualifying applications have been received. A completed employment application, supplemental questionnaire, and typing certificate must be received by the Human Resources Division. City employment applications may obtained by visiting the City’s website at https://www.ci.campbell.ca.us or www.calopps.org. Supporting documents can also be emailed to salinaf@cityofcampbell.com or delivered to Campbell City Hall, HR Division, 70 N First Street Campbell, CA 95008 or faxed to 408-374-6889.  Postmarks, emails and faxes of the application will not be accepted. Please do not substitute “see résumé” on the employment history section of the application.  PLEASE NOTE: Your application will be rejected if any of the required documents are not included in your application packet.

Testing Process:

Applicants meeting the employment standards as stated may be invited to continue in the selection process. Prior to hiring, applicants must pass a background investigation, a polygraph examination, a psychological exam, and a medical examination.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please call City of Campbell Human Resources at 408-866-2122 or email hr@cityofcampbell.com.