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THE DEPARTMENT

The Public Works department consists of approximately 72 full time employees and is responsible for maintaining and improving the city’s streets, parks, water and stormwater systems, traffic signals, trees, fleet and public buildings.  The Transportation Division promotes the safe movement of people and goods throughout the city by maintaining and enhancing a functional and efficient transportation network.  The division promotes the use of public transit, ride sharing, bicycles, and walking and manages the City’s 40 traffic signals, 2200 streetlights, and overall roadway network. They also coordinate the free shuttles, safety education, and neighborhood traffic calming programs. 

Public Works is responsible for building and maintaining the City’s infrastructure and facilities, and for providing many of the basic services affecting the daily lives of everyone living, working, visiting, and commuting within the City, including: 

• 26 City-owned buildings/facilities and their grounds
• A fleet of over 250 vehicles and pieces of equipment
• 97 miles of streets
• Drinking water delivery for 16,000 customers
• Flood protection and stormwater management programs particularly along the San Francisco Bay, San Francisquito Creek and Atherton Channel
• 14 parks, 2 open spaces, 14 playgrounds, 2 dog parks, 9 sports fields, and 14 tennis/pickleball courts
• Efforts to preserve and expand the urban canopy, including 20,000 public trees
• Multimodal transportation services including 42 traffic signals, safe routes to schools and citywide shuttle programs. 

The department has 72 full-time equivalent staff members and a nearly $40 million operating budget supported by over 25 different special/dedicated funding sources for the varied programs and services provided to the community. In addition, the City has an approximately $100 million capital program, in part due to a successful track record in pursuing grants from a variety of local, state and federal sources. Some of the exciting efforts on the horizon include efforts to protect the San Francisco Bay shoreline and adjacent community from sea level rise; efforts to eliminate the City’s reliance on fossil fuels through building and fleet electrification; making investments in transportation safety through strategic quick-build projects and large infrastructure changes like a pedestrian/bicycle undercrossing at Caltrain; and ensuring the equitable delivery of services throughout the entire city in alignment with the goals and programs developed as part of the city’s first environmental justice element underway.

THE POSITION

The Assistant Public Works Director – Transportation is one of three Assistant Director classifications in the Public Works Department and reports directly to the Public Works Director.  This position has oversight of the Transportation Division, which includes overseeing the division’s staff and operations. This role will direct and participate in major activities and programs of the Division’s functions including but not limited to transportation planning and engineering, and/or utilities sections.

In managing and coordinating division service for large and complex transportation projects, the incumbent will provide oversight and input into conceptual design while meeting with stakeholders to interpret and explain procedures, permitting, and transportation impact analyses. The person in this role will review plans and documents, providing comments for development projects associated with permits and environmental review requirements.  They will also prepare transportation impact analysis reports and transportation sections of environmental impact reports in accordance with local, CEQA and NEPA requirements. 

About This Role

The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team in this newly created classification.  You will maintain fire apparatus and department vehicles for the communities of Belmont, Foster City, and San Mateo. This is a unique opportunity for an independent, organized individual to work with a destination Fire Department that thrives on protecting and serving our communities.

Who We Are

The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department is a full-service agency that serves the cities of Belmont, Foster City, and San Mateo. The Department serves nearly 164,000 residents daily, with a daytime population of around 230,000. The Department is responsible for nine fire stations, deploys ten front line type 1 fire engines, and two aerial tiller trucks. The Department is partnered with the State of California for mutual aid deployment. Additionally, the Department participates in the San Mateo County mutual aid program including hazardous materials and water rescue response, helping to secure a million people daily. The Department has a healthy collaborative atmosphere and encourages participation at all levels. For more information visit: www.smcfire.org.

What You’ll Do

• Perform skilled tasks in the mechanical repair and maintenance of diesel and gas-powered apparatus, vehicles, hydraulic systems for aerial ladders, and other like equipment.
• Accept assignments received in the form or oral or written communications.
• Determine the nature and extent of needed repairs, prioritize them, and perform necessary repairs.
• Inspect all department vehicles to ensure they meet proper safety protocols and are in standard working order.
• Maintain all vehicles to ensure safe working order for all employees.
• Perform regular servicing and preventative maintenance on all vehicles and apparatus including performing tune-ups, lube, oil, filter, Inspection, and chassis lubrication.
• Diagnose, service, maintain such things as: fire pumps, relief valves, and other control of plumbing equipment (proper certification required).
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair engines, power train components, transmissions, transfer cases, differentials, hydraulic and pneumatic brake systems, steering and suspension systems, and electrical systems.
• Perform welding and fabricating work when applicable.
• Operate all equipment and tools safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine shop maintenance and clean-up and dispose of hazardous materials according to established procedures.
• Keep records of work assignments for bookkeeping and tracking purposes.
• Potentially respond to unanticipated emergencies to make temporary and/or permanent repairs in the field.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at www.smcfire.org/administration 

To view job announcement, click on Job PDF link below:

The City of Pacifica

Invites you to apply for:

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

This is a Full Time, non-sworn, recruitment. 

Under direction of a Division Commander and supervision of a Sergeant, relieves sworn police personnel from a variety of non-hazardous tasks and responds to service calls of a non-felonious and non-violent nature, and performs other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Responds to a wide variety of non-hazardous service calls and thoroughly investigates all details of incidents;
• Observe, report and may follow-up on conditions which pose potential threats to public safety, health and welfare and the quality of life;
• Read and write at the levels necessary to perform the job of a community service officer
• Write non-moving parking violations;
• Act as department liaison between homeless persons and local homeless, mental health, and social services providers;
• Investigate, report on, and arrange for towing of abandoned vehicles on public and private property;
• Provide traffic control at emergency situations, special events and at other times as assigned;
• Respond to, or assist sworn officers at accident or crime scenes by taking reports and photographs, fingerprints, prepare diagrams and other activities as assigned;
• Transport officers, equipment, witnesses, citizens as assigned;
• Provide special duties such as Court and District Attorney liaison, Crime Prevention and others as assigned.
• Operate records management systems and law enforcement databases;
• Keep confidential information obtained from law enforcement systems.

Must be available to work any shift, including weekends.

The award-winning San José Public Library (SJPL) consists of more than 600 employees, a 23% bilingual workforce, and has 24 branch libraries across San José, in addition to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, which is the city's main library jointly operated through a unique partnership with San José State University. SJPL serves a diverse community of roughly one-million residents and currently has nearly 700,000 library members. It annually attracts over 6 million visitors (pre-pandemic) and circulates more than 8 million items per year.

Over the past few years, SJPL has cultivated a 21st century library experience dedicated to public service and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion at the core. In addition to providing library services to the community, SJPL proudly leads two citywide initiatives - the Education and Digital Literacy Strategy and the SJ Access digital equity initiative, which has become the number one provider of free public access to Wi-Fi connectivity, tech device lending, and multi-lingual digital literacy programs and support. SJPL is led by Jill Bourne, City Librarian, who was nationally recognized in 2017 as Library Journal's "Librarian of the Year."

SJPL enriches lives by fostering lifelong learning and ensuring that every member of the community has access to a vast array of ideas and information. The library department is a place where people do great work and make a difference in our community. To see examples of SJPL's work and learn more about its impact, visit www.sjpl.org. Join us to make a difference! SJPL is recruiting a Volunteer Coordinator to administer the library's volunteer programs, organize volunteer activities, and provide support and resources to staff who work directly with volunteers on-site and virtually. The role focuses on drawing upon volunteers' knowledge and motivations to strengthen library events and services. The position will coordinate volunteer assignments and use various tools to develop, evaluate, and promote Library volunteer opportunities.

The Volunteer Coordinator is also responsible for coordinating and leading the library's volunteer recruitment and recognition efforts throughout the year, as well as overseeing the volunteer screening process, including scheduling, and conducting LiveScan background checks.

In addition, the Volunteer Coordinator will serve as a liaison for the San Jose Public Library Foundation , who frequently works with corporate donors to develop group volunteering opportunities at SJPL.

This position will:

• Identify, create, and update training materials and procedural guides for both volunteers and staff.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead volunteer events and community outreach opportunities.
• Develop promotional recruitment and storytelling campaigns to increase the number of volunteers.
• Develop recognition activities for the volunteer program.
• Interview, screen, place, and onboard volunteers.
• Utilize Better Impact, the City's online volunteer management software, to collect and analyze statistics on volunteers, and train and support staff in using these tools.
• Collect and analyze statistics on volunteer programs and trainings
• Assist with developing system-wide volunteer programs.
• Collaborate with partner organizations and stakeholders, such as the San José Public Library Foundation, to facilitate volunteer requests and placements.

Please note: The Library continues to allow hybrid or virtual work as appropriate

The Town of Los Gatos invites applications for the position of Emergency Services Coordinator.

View the Job Announcement for this exciting opportunity and follow the instructions below to apply by May 12, 2024 (11:59 p.m.).

Application and Selection Process
To be considered for this career opportunity, click here and complete the online application form by May 12, 2024 (11:59 p.m. PST). Resumes may be attached but not accepted in place of a complete online application. Only complete applications will be accepted. For technical questions, visit GovernmentJobs Support.

Candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee continuation in the process.

The information in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute an express or implied contract.

The Town of Los Gatos is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The Town of Los Gatos is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at (408) 399-5743 or at HR@losgatosca.gov. 

Come join our Orinda Facilities Team!

The City of Orinda is looking for responsible, courteous individuals who enjoy working in a hands-on environment, can work independently of supervision and have experience dealing tactfully and effectively with members of the public.  The successful applicant will work on a part time basis with a schedule which will include evening and weekend hours, depending upon programs, rentals and events.   

The Facility Attendant performs custodial duties related to the care and cleaning of assigned facilities, performs a wide variety of duties for events, classes and programs, including setting up and tearing down of tables, chairs, equipment and supplies and will perform minor maintenance and repairs as needed.   

The City of Orinda's mission is to provide excellent service in a fiscally responsible manner and to promote a safe, healthy and vibrant community.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Provide friendly and professional customer service by greeting Community Center visitors, serving as a main point of contact during activities and events primarily in evenings, weekends and special events.

Performs custodial duties at assigned facilities which include, but are not limited to cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, waxing, stripping and polishing floors; cleaning furniture, woodwork, fixtures, equipment, supplies, doors, windows, walls, walkways, driveways, and facility grounds; disposing of trash.

Set up all necessary equipment and furniture such as tables, chairs, podiums, and A/V equipment for indoor and/or outdoor events.

Inspects facilities and equipment, reports issues in a timely manner to appropriate higher-level staff; performs minor facility maintenance.

Explain and follow City and department policies and procedures.

Provide information and feedback to Facility and Parks Supervisor.

Opens, closes, secures and alarms facilities in compliance with standard procedures.

Supervise and interact with rental guests, responding by assisting with any facility needs.

Assists in monitoring and maintaining equipment and supplies.

May perform clean up duties as needed, including but not limited to:  move and arrange furniture and equipment, restroom cleaning, sweeping and mopping, and garbage pick-up and removal.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Act with resourcefulness, courtesy and initiative with a minimum of direct supervision.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Pay attention to detail and use good judgement.

Learn, retain and use safety rules and regulations.

Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with good English grammar skills.

Principles of record keeping and reporting.

Operate a motor vehicle safely and in full compliance with Vehicle Code and other legal requirements.

Principles and practices used in dealing with the public in an effective and courteous manner.

Prepare, maintain, update, and proofread records, logs, and reports.

Set up and use necessary equipment and cleaning supplies.

Deal tactfully and effectively with the members of the community.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Equivalent to a High School Diploma.

Experience:  Experience in custodial and facility operations is desirable.

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a demonstrated history of safe driving.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Must be willing to work a scheduled variety of hours, which may include evenings, and/or weekends, as needed.

Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to enable the employee to safely lift, move, climb, walk safely on even or uneven grounds, or maneuver in whatever way may be necessary to successfully perform the duties of their position; ability to travel to different sites and locations.

Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and pre-employment medical exam.  Additionally, individuals working in Parks & Recreation are required to be tested for TB.

The City of Orinda is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin or disability.  In accordance with Federal law, the City of Orinda will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States.  Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should submit a request for accommodation with the application.  Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

DEFINITION

Provide analytical, coordination and operational support within the Development Services Department; primarily responsible for transportation planning functions. Provides secondary support to economic development and special events programs. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Transportation Manager.  May exercise supervision over technical and/or support staff as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Implement and administer the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
• Assist in the implementation of other programs and projects within the functional areas of the team (e.g., Street Smarts, Traffix, SWAT, etc.).
• Serve as project manager on assigned transportation programs and related projects, which includes background research, environmental review, preparation of public notices and staff reports, coordination of meetings and hearings, and oversight of implementation.
• Represent Danville on assigned regional transportation forums, including committees and subcommittees of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and Tri-valley Transportation Council.
• Attend regional transportation meetings and ensure the Town’s positions are represented; advocate when directed and appropriate; participate on various local interagency and interdepartmental boards and committees; facilitate committee meetings as assigned.
• Perform funding/grant development and administration, including conducting research, identifying regional, state, and federal funding sources, writing proposals, preparing grant applications, and programming and administering awarded grant funds.
• Provide support to other departments, boards and commissions, and the general public.
• Conduct special research projects, including gathering, compiling and analyzing information; provide alternatives and make recommendations on courses of action; give presentations on findings.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of program budgets, monitor expenditures and revenues to ensure availability of funds, initiate invoices, and facilitate collection of funds.
• Administer Danville’s public electric vehicle charging program.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices of transportation and urban planning.
• Project management skills; experience with development of transportation program development and coordinating the planning and design of transportation projects.
• Federal, state, and local transportation grant applications and administration.
• Methods and techniques of effective report preparation and presentation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the Town with the public, community groups, business community, and other professional and regulatory agencies.

Ability to:

• Interpret and explain transportation programs; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the general public, Town Council, and other boards and commissions.
• Provide exceptional customer service and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, management, elected officials, and the general public.
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications and conduct an analysis of transportation and planning related documents.
• Conduct research, evaluate alternatives, and make recommendations.
• Prepare and present clear and logical reports and studies.
• Prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment with general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
• Work a varied schedule of hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time or four (4) years of part-time related professional experience, with a background in transportation, planning, traffic engineering, or public administration.  Public sector experience desirable. 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, civil engineering, architecture, public administration, or closely related field. 

LICENSE(S) AND CERTIFICATION(S)

Possession of a valid California State Driver's License, or license in another state with the ability to obtain a California license within 30 days of hire.

The City of Berkeley's Police Department is recognized as one of the most progressive and innovative law enforcement agencies in the country, and continually strives to develop programs which focus upon increased service to the community in conjunction with enhanced effectiveness in combating crime. 

The City of Berkeley is seeking qualified candidates who are interested in becoming Police Officers. As a Police Officer Recruit, you will attend a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy to receive education and training in all aspects of law enforcement such as laws of arrest, search and seizure, crime prevention, community relations, first-aid, physical conditioning, self-defense, handling of weapons and other related duties. Upon graduation from the academy, the Police Recruit is sworn in as a Police Officer and assumes the duties of that position.

Click the following links for more information about this exciting career opportunity:
Police Officer Flyer
Join Berkeley PD | Police Officer Jobs
Video of us in action

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is completion of 60 college semester units. Previous volunteer or paid experience in a law enforcement support area is desirable.
 
Other requirements include:

• Must be free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Must be 21 years of age or older at time of appointment.
• Must be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose a criminal record.
• Must be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation.
• Must be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test or other high school equivalency test approved by the State Department of Education that indicates high school graduation level, pass the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. 
• Must be able to meet physical, psychological and background standards. 
• Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts. 
• Must be able to obtain required POST certification and maintain firearms qualification.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit a complete application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application. 

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format. 

 

EXAM PROCESS

The exam process will include, but is not limited to: 

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents
• Written Exam: POST PELLETB
• Performance Exam: Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

The written exam and performance exam will be administered on the same day. See the job announcement for upcoming City of Berkeley exam dates. 

If you are unable to attend the City of Berkeley exam dates, you may register and take your exams with The Academy. The Academy charges a non-refundable materials fee of $10 for the written exam, $25 for the practice PAT, and $100 for the official PAT. After taking the exams and receiving passing scores, please attach your scores to your application.

POST will not authorize you to take the exam within 30 calendar days of having taken your last POST written exam. Please refer to the POST website for additional information.

Applicants may waive the written exam only by submitting a California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) T-score of 48 points or higher. We will accept California POST T-scores from other agencies provided the test was taken no more than one year prior to the date of application. Applicants must submit, on agency letterhead, a letter that states that the individual has taken the California PELLETB written exam. The letter must contain the total T-score and the date of the test. For information on where the PELLETB test is offered, please visit www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests.

Applicants may waive the performance exam only by submitting a California POST physical agility certificate, known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB), with a score of 325 or higher.  The 1.5-mile run is not a requirement.  The test should not be dated no more than one year prior to the date of application.

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application. 

The City of Redwood City invites you to apply for the position of Library Activity Leader - Makerspace (Casual) #24C-8.

• Please click on the job announcement file below to review the recruitment flyer.
• A complete application is required.
• Submit your application online via CalOpps.  
• Applications will be reviewed continuously as they are received. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Ideal Candidate

Is an energetic person who enjoys interacting with children (ages 0-12) and teens (ages 12-18). Is dependable, arrives to work on time with a positive attitude, has the ability to complete multiple tasks in an efficient and timely manner, can interact well with library staff and members of the community and is open to learning new skills. Above all, the person in this position should present a positive image – making all people feel welcome and accepted at the Library.

Are you seeking a challenging, rewarding, and gratifying career that's more than just a job? The County of San Mateo would like to invite you to begin a career where you will make a real difference and add significant value to public safety.
 
San Mateo County Public Safety Communications is accepting applications for the position of 911 Communications Dispatcher I.
 
In the life of a 911 Dispatcher, no day is ever routine - one call may be a minor traffic accident, while the next is a frantic voice screaming for help. Using state-of-the-art equipment and extensive training, you will provide emergency dispatch services for the people of San Mateo County. You can be the difference in someone’s life.
 
San Mateo County’s Regional Operations Center, located in Redwood City, is home to Public Safety Communications (PSC). The Center boasts state-of-the-art equipment and communication systems, including a brand-new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The facility provides all the tools for dispatchers to be successful both personally and professionally. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the Center allow plenty of natural light and employees can enjoy the use of an onsite gym, Quiet Room, and large, fully equipped employee kitchen.
 
PSC’s leadership philosophy centers around a commitment to customer service, dispatcher wellbeing, and overall excellence.  PSC is committed to providing on-going training and strives for a team environment with open lines of communication. We stress career development and provide a variety of opportunities for employees including Training Officers, Training Instructors, Tactical Dispatch, Fire Incident Dispatch, QA/QC, and opportunities to lead various projects.
 
The County of San Mateo offers competitive salary and benefits. The benefits package includes a choice of medical plans, dental coverage, vision coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and a pension plan. Click here to learn more! 

Examples of Duties

Employees in this classification are trained in, and perform the following duties:

• Receive business or emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, and other public service agencies.
• Screen information to determine nature of call, perform call classification, determine priority and jurisdiction, and document activity.
• Screen and prioritize telephone workload. 
• Remain cognizant of workloads and specific systems status.
• Provide support and assistance in a team concept during day-to-day operations, and critical or large-scale incidents.
• Assist in the coordination of mutual aid incidents.
• Develop and foster a positive working rapport with direct and in-direct customers, the public, and co-workers.
• Testify in court regarding legal proceeding related to dispatch call(s) received.
• Prepare and submit various reports such as incident reports.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of highways, streets, buildings, and major points of interest in the County and adjacent areas.
• Remain current on procedures for manual dispatch operations and Communications Center evacuation.
• Provide off hours services as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. 

• A typical way to qualify is a minimum of one year of experience receiving and processing calls while performing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Knowledge of:

• English language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Customer service and interpersonal communications principles.
• Computer operation and use in office and Communications Center environments.
• Basic principles in communicating by means of face-to-face contact, telephone, and/or data terminals.
• Various resources within the County to provide referrals to the public and public safety agencies.

Skill/Ability to:

• Speak, read, and write English clearly.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, in English, both orally and in writing.
• Comprehend, interpret, relay, and document information via telephone, computer software/ data terminals, or other related technology.
• Screen and interpret general data and filter relevant information.
• Learn and operate Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems and other related technology.
• Read and interpret various mapping devices and relay pertinent information.
• Work under pressure, exercising good judgment and common sense while making sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Listen, understand, and relay information via telephone and in person.
• Remain calm and controlled under stressful periods while projecting a professional demeanor.
• Establish and maintain positive and courteous working relationships with customers, the community, and co-workers.
• Work with the Communications Center team while maintaining assigned job responsibilities and duties.
• Anticipate and adapt to fluctuating workloads in the Communications Center.
• Communicate and receive constructive feedback and opinions to affect change.
• Access and refer to information using available resources.
• Read, interpret, understand, and follow written and oral instructions and/or information.
• Remain seated for long periods of time.
• Read and interpret text/data on electronic screens, computer printouts, and a variety of maps.
• Remain focused and be able to hear in a noisy environment while communicating via telephone or face to face.

Other requirements of the position:

• Successfully complete a pre-employment medical examination and be subject to polygraph testing.
• Follow strict drug use standards and guidelines.
• Possess good moral character and psychological suitability as determined by a thorough background investigation, including fingerprinting and psychological evaluation.
• Be willing to work the day, swing, graveyard, rotating, holiday, and weekend shifts.
• Be willing to work 12 to 16 hours per day.
• Be willing to accept overtime assignments, including last minute spontaneous mandatory assignments.

Application/Examination

This is an Open and Promotional recruitment.  Anyone may apply.  Current County of San Mateo employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, Confidential or Management extra-help/limited term, or SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. 
 
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
   
The examination process will consist of an application review and the administration of the computer based CritiCall Examination (weight: 100%).  Applicants whose application passes the application review will be invited to take the CritiCall exam. Candidates who achieve a passing on the CritiCall exam will be placed on the Eligible, or Hiring List based on the order of their score on the exam.  The top seven candidates on the Eligible List will be considered to fill one vacancy.  For each additional vacancy, one additional candidate will be added to those who can be considered for the positions.  

Once the recruitment closes and the applications have been reviewed, applicants will be sent a link to the CritiCall exam.  Applicants will have a 14-day window in which to complete the examination.  Because the exam is computer based, applicants can take the exam at their convenience during the ten-day time frame.

The CritiCall exam is a computer based Public Safety Dispatcher Pre-Employment Skills test. The wide array of tests within the CritiCall exam provides a comprehensive inventory of a candidate's skills and abilities.  Achieving a passing score on the exam is a requirement for employment.  

The examination simulates some of the duties and situations a 911 Communications Dispatcher might encounter on the job.  No specialized knowledge or skills are required to take the exam. 

The CritiCall exam tests for skills and abilities in areas such as decision-making, data entry, call summarization, multi-tasking, cross-referencing, vocalization, character comparison, memory recall, prioritization, mathematics, probability, map reading, reading comprehension, spelling, and sentence clarity.
 
Once the recruitment closes and all applications have been screened, applicants whose applications pass the screening will be sent a link to take the CritiCall exam.  Applicants will have up to ten days to complete the exam.  Complete instructions will be sent in the correspondence regarding registering for and taking the exam.  The exam can be taken at the convenience of the test taker, during the ten specified days.  

Candidates who receive a passing score on the CritiCall exam will be placed on the Hiring List (Eligible List) in the order of the scores from the exam.  The top seven candidates from the Hiring List will be considered for one vacancy.  One additional candidate will be included for each additional vacancy.  

Candidates who successfully pass the CritiCall examination and the panel interview and are being offered a position will be required to complete a pre-employment, POST mandated, background investigation that includes a medical examination and polygraph testing. 

To learn more about the CritiCall examination and its contents please click here: CritiCall Exam. (Download PDF reader)

Specific information about a career as a Dispatcher can be found here:  Career Overview - Dispatch - The Academy.

For more information about the County of San Mateo Office of Public Safety Communications, visit our website at https://911dispatch.smcgov.org/.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

• Final Filing Date for Applications:  May 8, 2024, by 11:59 PM
• Application Screening:  May 13-14, 2024
• CritiCall Exam (window to complete the exam):  May 16, 2024 - May 29, 2024
• Departmental Interviews: To begin the second week of June 2024.

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

HR Contact: Chet Overstreet (04182024) (911 Communications Dispatcher I - V050)