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Help shape the future of San Mateo County!

The County of San Mateo Planning & Building Department is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Building Official / Building Inspections Manager.

Please view the online brochure or a detailed description of this position and instructions on how to apply! https://shorturl.at/qACRU

The Position

The County is a diverse and dynamic community spanning a wide range of urban, suburban, rural, and coastal settings throughout the unincorporated community.

The Assistant Building Official leads building inspection activities to provide excellent customer service and to ensure development meets life safety, fire, structural, and energy efficiency standards.

Under the direction of the Building Official, the Assistant Building Official will assist in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating the direction of the Building Inspection unit in the Planning and Building Department; exercise direct and indirect supervision over professional and technical staff; act as the Building Official in their absence; and perform a variety of technical tasks related to assigned areas of responsibility.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the Building Official in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the administration and technical direction of the Building Inspection unit.
• Select, assign, supervise, and evaluate the work of building counter and field inspection personnel; plan and coordinate in-house and field staff training and development programs; and recommend or initiate personnel actions such as promotions, transfers, dismissals, and disciplinary measures.
• Assign work activities and projects; conduct periodic field inspections to monitor workflow and ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications, ordinances, laws and materials; and conduct more difficult building and housing inspections.
• Investigate and resolve complaints or difficult interactions in the field regarding requirements or customer service; and assist in analyzing and solving administrative, office, and technical problems.
• Evaluate and review new or specialized construction practices and provide recommendations to the Chief Building Official.
• Assist staff with technical questions at the building counter.
• Serve as Acting Building Official in their absence.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in construction, civil engineering, architecture, public administration, management, or a related field. Occupational experience and related certificates of achievement may be accepted as evidence of required training. Additional training in management is highly desirable.

Experience:

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in building code inspection and enforcement, engineering and surveying, or code compliance, including one year of supervisory experience.

Licensure/Certification:

• ICC (International Code Council) Certification as a Combination Inspector or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire. (Per California Health and Safety Code Section 18949.28(a).)
• Registered as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) by the State of California or ability to become registered within one (1) year of hire.
• ICC certified as a Plans Examiner is highly desirable.

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.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: Week of May 6-9, 2024

Panel Interviews: May 20 and/or 21, 2024

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Under the general direction of the Planning Manager and the Economic and Community Development Director, performs planning work including research, data gathering, analysis, design, and report writing per the policies and provisions of the General Plan and zoning ordinance, preparation of environmental documents, and other planning and development projects.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Under the general direction of the Planning Manager and the Economic and Community Development Director, performs planning work of substantial professional difficulty, including research, data gathering, analysis, design, and report writing per the policies and provisions of the General Plan and zoning ordinance, preparation and administration of area and specific plans, preparation of environmental documents, and other complex planning and development projects. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

ASSISTANT PLANNER

The Assistant Planner is the entry-level flexibly staffed classification within the professional planning series. Work is reviewed upon completion of assignments, assessing draft reports for adequacy, factual content, presentation, and the soundness of interpretations and conclusions. The Assistant Planner classification is distinguished from the Associate Planner as the former is expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment as the Associate Planner and would receive direction and assistance as they progress in the position.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

The Associate Planner is the journey level flexibly staffed classification within the professional planning series. Positions in this class require substantial professional planning experience. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Planner by assignment of the full range of professional planning duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the workplace. This role involves undertaking planning work of substantial professional difficulty, requiring a high level of expertise in research, data gathering, analysis, design, and report writing. The Associate Planner is responsible for overseeing the preparation and administration of area and specific plans and managing other complex planning and development projects. Assignments are usually broad in scope and require the use of judgment base on experience in making complex technical decisions. Assignments may require technical or functional supervision of technical and/or clerical positions. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

ASSISTANT PLANNER ($7,332 - $8,910)

• Under direction, reviews building, site and architectural plans, use permits, code amendments, variances, development proposals, and other related documents for conformance to City standards and other applicable state and federal rules and regulations; may serve as primary point of contact to developers and property owners in meeting these standards.
• Assists in preparing environmental documents per the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act for both public and private projects, including negative/mitigated negative declarations and/or environmental impact reports, notices, and mitigation measures.
• Prepares and updates maps, visual exhibits and other graphics for use in reports and public presentations.
• Under direction, may present to the City Council and Planning Commission, and other committees and advisory groups regarding land use applications, general plan amendments, code amendments, area and specific plans, and related studies.
• Assists in reviewing plans submitted for building permits for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and conditions of approval.
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
• Coordinates planning related programs or projects involving multi-department and multi-jurisdictional review, participates in project review as member of the Development Review Committee; provides professional planning guidance in responding to questions or inquiries.
• Assists with researching, analyzing, and interpreting social, economic, population, and land use data and trends.
• Performs related work as required.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER ($8,532 - $10,365)

• Reviews building, site and architectural plans, use permits, code amendments, variances, development proposals, applications and other related documents for conformance to City standards and other applicable state and federal rules and regulations; serves as primary point of contact to developers and property owners in meeting these standards.
• Prepares environmental documents per the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act for both public and private projects, including negative/mitigated negative declarations and/or environmental impact reports; works with consultants in facilitating preparation of environmental documents and related findings and mitigation measures.
• Prepares amendments and updates to the General Plan and Municipal Code in conformance with State law.
• Prepares and updates maps, visual exhibits and other graphics for use in reports and public presentations.
• Conducts office and field studies, researches and prepares recommendations for all types of development applications based on local and state planning laws.
• Reviews and analyzes development proposals and works with developers, the public and other agencies regarding various land use permits, general plan amendments, and zone changes.
• Makes presentations to the City Council and Planning Commission, and other committees and advisory groups regarding land use applications, general plan amendments, code amendments, area and specific plans, and related studies.
• Lead and facilitate planning initiatives or projects that require multi-departmental and multi-jurisdictional evaluation, actively participates in project reviews as a member of the Development Review Committee and offers professional planning advice when addressing questions or inquiries.
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
• Researches, drafts, and prepares updates to the Zoning Ordinance and amendments to the General Plan.
• Reviews plans submitted for building permits for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and conditions of approval.
• Reviews and finalizes research, analysis, and interpretation of the social, economic, population, and land use data and trends.
• Serves as liaison to appointed hearing bodies.

The City of Sunnyvale is accepting applications for a Human Resources Analyst to work within the Risk Management Division of the Human Resources Department. This position is responsible assisting with the development, coordination and administration of the City's Workers' Compensation Program including facilitating claims investigations and serving as the liaison between the City, injured worker and third-party administrator in workers' compensation related issues.

The ideal candidate will be well organized, have attention to detail, manage multiple demands and changing priorities while maintaining the City’s core values of public service of integrity, leadership, and respect.  The candidate will be able to analyze complex administrative and technical issues and make appropriate recommendations for action; exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in solving problems and developing effective solutions, and work effectively with a customer service focus with department and City staff, and the public.

The minimum qualifications are: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in personnel administration, business, public administration, or a related field, AND two years of technical or professional level human resources experience.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package, including 4% City-paid Employee PERS contribution and the 2% at 60 retirement plan for Classic employees.  The City has flexible work scheduling options including a 9/80 schedule and part time telework availability for employees after three months of employment. 

A complete application packet consists of a City employment application and responses to the required supplemental questions. The recruitment closes on May 9, 2024 at 5:00 pm.  For complete information regarding this opportunity and to apply, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov, click on City Jobs. 

Salary: $105,645.00 - $134,833.00 Annually; a 3.5% confidential premium is reflected in the advertised rates

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in personnel administration, business, public administration, or a related field, AND

Two years of technical or professional level human resources experience.

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 Berkeley invites applications for the position of Housing Inspector II (Certified)! In this role, you will perform skilled inspection work with City residential housing inspection programs. You will independently perform the full scope of work in the investigation, reporting and follow-up of housing deficiencies to gain compliance with housing, building, zoning, fire, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related codes and regulations.

Assignments are varied and generally require close interaction with the public, providing information and interpretation of applicable ordinances, codes and regulations. We'll expect you to exercise considerable independence and discretion in conducting inspections, resolving complaints and enforcing inspection results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

Equivalent to graduation from high school and at least two years of full-time experience equivalent to Housing Inspector or Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Inspector for a public agency. 

Must possess:

• An International Code Council (ICC) OR California (CA) certification in Residential Building or Housing Inspection or in Code Enforcement; and
• ICC or CA Residential or Commercial Electrical Inspector certification and ICC or CA Residential or Commercial Plumbing Inspector certification, or equivalent ICC or CA Legacy Certification for either Combination Inspector or Combination Dwelling Inspector.

Other requirements: Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.

In addition to the qualifications above, the ideal candidate will have effective and courteous communication skills in order to discuss housing violations, violation remedy and necessary inspections and fees and participate in depositions and court hearings as requested. The ideal candidate can support a work environment that highlights efficiency and team collaboration in a professional and friendly atmosphere for the inspectors and administrative staff.

APPLICATION PROCESS

For first consideration, please apply by May 13, 2024.

Applicants must submit a completed 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.

The Office of Retirement Services (ORS) oversees the investment of assets and administers the benefits of the two Defined Benefit Retirement Plans for the City of San Jose Employees. One plan is for the sworn police and fire employees called the Police and Fire Department Retirement Plan. The other plan is for all other eligible City employees called Federated City Employees' Retirement System. The assets of the two plans total over $8.0 billion. As of June 30, 2023, there were close to 7,200 retirees and beneficiaries, and close to 5,750 active employees in the two retirement plans. Each of the retirement plans has a Board of Administration that has fiduciary responsibility over their respective retirement plan. The ORS staff has accountability to them as well as City Administration. ORS has a total of about 43 positions spread among five different work groups within the department: Investments, Benefits, Accounting, Information Technology, and Administration. ORS utilizes the City's Financial Management System for all general ledger activities. In addition, ORS has its own pension administration system called Pension Gold that holds all pension/contribution information for active members and retirees and is used in almost all of the functions for the Benefits Group staff.

The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate's qualifications and experience. The annual salary range for this position is: $108,959.76- $132,765.36

This pay range includes the five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.

Retirement Services is seeking qualified candidates for a Senior Analyst position in the Benefits Division. The position will be responsible for the administration of retirement benefits for active and retired members of two retirement plans and ten retirement tiers.

Successful candidates will have strong interpersonal and analytical skills and a keen interest in providing quality services for our members. Reporting to the Benefits Division Manager, the position is responsible for the following key duties:

• Lead and supervise a team of up to five staff.
• Review and approve Analyst calculations, adjustments & entries of various retirement benefits in the Pension Administration System.
• Oversee staff activities including eligibility and amounts of pension benefits, death processing, service credit calculations, divorce and other legal issues, reciprocity, and disability retirement administration.
• Provide individual retirement counseling for executive staff.
• Address escalated issues from customers including retirees, employees, Human Resources, Payroll, Office of Employee Relations, and reciprocal agencies.
• Lead staff in researching and gathering data to resolve routine and complex issues such as eligibility and amounts of pension benefits, health enrollment issues, service credit calculations, and how to address regular occurrences of unique circumstances and issues.
• Provide lead analytical support to the Division Manager for projects requiring complex analysis and communications.
• Present at informational sessions with employees, retirees, retiree associations and other stakeholder groups.
• Process retirement applications and other pension duties as needed during peak workload periods or due to vacancies.
• Other related duties as assigned.

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.

Join us in shaping the future of San Mateo County! The Planning and Building Department is dedicated to achieving a better future for the County and its communities. The Department prepares and enforces land use plans and regulations, addresses housing and transportation needs, and permits and inspects new development. Together, these functions contribute to protecting public health and safety, preserving natural resources, advancing equity for all residents, and enhancing the overall quality of life in San Mateo County.

The County of San Mateo Planning & Building Department is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Associate Drainage Engineer.  

Under general supervision, perform a variety of professional civil engineering services in such areas as planning and design of private and public planning and building projects, including residential and commercial buildings, parks, and landscaping projects.

Associate Engineer is the journey level class of this series responsible for routine office or field projects. Employees are expected to be fully competent to independently perform a full range of duties requiring a high level of technical expertise, and some periodic supervisory responsibilities. Employees may also serve as a resident engineer on construction projects. 

The ideal candidate will possess and have knowledge of:

• Stormwater management and treatment practices, including green infrastructure and low impact development measures to reduce runoff and prevent stormwater pollution.
• C.3 and C.6 requirements of the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit. 
• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is desirable 

Examples Of Duties

Duties will include, but are not limited to: 

• Gather, compile and compute data using engineering, drafting and calculating instruments and techniques to prepare designs, plans, estimates, technical reports and specifications for the construction, alterations, maintenance and operations of a variety of engineering projects. 
• Conduct drainage plan review on planning and building permit applications.  
• Serve as resident engineer on routine construction projects. 
• Perform duties as chief of party engaged in making surveys. 
• Prepare designs, plans and specifications for routine projects. 
• Assist in drafting and preparing instructions for bidders, proposals, affidavits, bonds, specifications, change orders and other documents and reports involved in the construction of engineering projects. 
• Ensure County compliance with the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. 
• Update ordinances, regulations, and policy manuals as needed to comply with changing State, regional, and local requirements. 
• Inspect construction projects for conformance with specifications, safety standards and federal, state and local regulations. 
• Conduct economic cost and quantity estimates for assigned projects. 
• Supervise subordinate personnel in a variety of capacities. 
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Application/Examination

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions (weight: pass/fail). Candidates who pass the application screening may be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

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. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
 
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: Week of May 6 - May 9, 2024
Civil Service Panel Interview: May 15 and/or 16, 2024

Woodside Fire Protection District offers an exceptional Cadet Program for individuals interested in a career in the Fire Service. Cadets gain hands-on experience participating in training and public service events. Cadets work 24-hour shifts and ride-along on emergency calls.

Woodside Cadets will work and be involved in:

Emergency calls, firefighter training, public education events, fire prevention, station duties, CERPP, CPR/first aid training. They must also meet monthly hour requirements and attend monthly training drills.

The Cadet term begins in July 1st 2024 through June 30th 2025.

Cadets must have a valid EMT certification, proof of medical insurance and a valid California driver license in order to apply.

Interviews will be held June 14th and 15th.

Highlights: 

1. Play a key role in facilitating the digital transformation of the Community Development department. 
2. Embrace a flexible work-life balance with our 9/80 schedule
3. Highly competitive salary and benefits package

We are seeking an innovative and proactive Building Official with a positive, forward-thinking perspective. The Building Official will manage all building division functions (building permit issuance, plan check, and building inspections). The position reports to the Community Development Director. The Building Official will assist in integrating the City’s vision, goals, and people strategy with the business strategy of the Community Development Department; managing, planning, and organizing Community Development services, programs, and operations; developing and implementing policy; crafting and accomplishing department and City objectives, goals, and performance metrics within guidelines established by the City Council and City Manager. The Building Official must exercise a high degree of judgment and discretion along with political acumen and an understanding of the needs of the community.

The City is experiencing a high volume of development applications, including residential, commercial, assisted living, and industrial projects. There is also significant interest in downtown revitalization. Some key initiatives on the horizon for the Building Official include:

• Implementation of the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Specific Plan, which is a top-priority downtown revitalization project that includes mixed-use development and focuses on an attractive, dynamic, and pedestrian-oriented environment
• Participate in developing and implementing a comprehensive land management system
• Leading staff to be innovative, collaborative, develop expertise, excel in community outreach, promote continuous improvement, and continue moving forward in an enthusiastic and professional manner
• Shaping and positively influencing the Community Development Department environment by supporting a culture of collaboration and accountability
• Identification, development, and promotion of innovative strategies and technological solutions to maximize efficient service delivery
• Working across department lines to promote public service efficiencies
• Development and implementation of key performance metrics to measure operational effectiveness, identify areas of success and areas for improvement
• Planning and executing staffing and operational strategies to provide high-quality, cost-effective services to external and internal customers

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)