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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)

The City of Burlingame is accepting applications for the position of  Per Diem Communications Dispatcher

This application is for Part-Time employment only.

Our diverse family of employees welcomes you to apply. We are a small city that gets a lot done, and each member of our team is vital to our success as an organization.

We recently asked our employees what they enjoyed most about working for the City of Burlingame, and their responses fell into five general categories:

• Colleagues
• Community
• Location
• The Work
• The Benefits

Browse the Burlingame Welcome Brochure for more information about why employees love  working here or view our City of Burlingame is a Great Place to Work Video: 

Welcome Brochure 

City of Burlingame is a Great Place to Work Video

For more detailed information regarding the minimum qualifications and essential functions of the position, please review the Communications Dispatcher job description.

The City of Redwood City invites applications for Contract Permit System Analyst in the Community Development and Transportation Department 

THE POSITION

The City of Redwood City is seeking a value-driven team player to fill the position of Permit System Analyst in the Community Development Department. This 2-year contract management analyst I/II position will work full-time (40 hours per week) and will report to the Community Development Director or designee.

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

• Managing the City’s “Community Development” permit system by CentralSquare, including its integration with other systems and applications, such as the City’s financial system (Oracle Fusion Cloud), and plan check software (Bluebeam).
• Providing end-user and content management of the permit system, implementing permit fee changes, workflow changes, and other system modifications.
• Leading the development of new or revised permit system processes and procedures, developing action plans, and leading staff on the testing and implementation of system improvements and modifications.
• Recommending process/customer service improvements, innovative solutions, policy changes and/or major variations from established policy that must be approved by appropriate leadership prior to implementation.
• Providing technical support to permit system end-users and coordinating with the system vendor (CentralSquare) to report and resolve system bugs, and scheduling and implementing system upgrades in coordination with Information Technology staff.
• Creating and maintaining reports utilizing the permit system’s built-in report writer and running queries to analyze permit data and monitor the system’s data integrity.
• Providing staff with permit system training, creating detailed training manuals/guides, and documenting user procedures and workflow processes.

Are you an experienced police dispatcher looking to expand your horizons and take on more hours? 

Our ideal candidate is an individual who:

• Is currently or recently employed by a recognized law enforcement agency
• Has a minimum of one year successful experience working as a police dispatcher
• Possesses a California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Completion Certificate
• Meets or exceeds the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Selection Requirements

This role offers flexible hours, allowing you to contribute on an as-needed basis, making it ideal for those seeking supplemental income or a flexible schedule.

If this opportunity has piqued your interest, don't wait – apply today!

The City of San Mateo Police Department is looking for highly qualified, experienced Dispatchers to join our team!

The Foster City Police Department is seeking a dedicated and highly skilled individual to join our team as an Entry Level or Lateral Police Fire Dispatcher. 

Under general supervision, receives police and emergency calls and dispatches police units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required. 

This journey-level non-sworn classification is responsible for independently performing the full range of receiving and dispatching emergency call duties in support of the Police Department. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Police Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is the serves as the first level supervisor within the Dispatch Bureau. 

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:  

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of experience working with radio and computer equipment in the field of law enforcement, fire, or medical dispatching. 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License
• Possess a POST Dispatcher test certificate with a passing score of 55 and higher and meet updated training requirements as per POST guidelines.

Lateral dispatchers do not need to send a copy of the POST certificate but must have experience as a public safety dispatcher.

The City of Menlo Park currently has an excellent opportunity for experienced Communications Dispatchers. Shift work including weekends and holidays is required.

Communications Dispatchers are responsible for receiving and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for the Police Department and City.  Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information and assistance.  All activities are performed within specified legal guidelines.  Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative.

A job description, including examples of typical job functions and qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities, is available by clicking on the Job Description PDF.

The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for the position of Dispatcher I. 

This is a continuous recruitment.  Applicants are added to the employment list as they meet the minimum qualifications. 

Experience and Education Guidelines:

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

Experience:

Some telephone or dispatch experience is highly desirable.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate:

Verification of successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Examination with a minimum passing "T-Score" of 48 or higher or verification of successful completion of a CritiCall Examination with a minimum passing score of 50 or higher. 

Possession of, or ability to attain, a POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) Written Examination Certificate

Currently Dispatcher’s hours are scheduled under the 4-10 work schedule.  Employees work ten hours per day, four days per week and shift work is required.  Work schedules will vary and overtime may be required.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

The City of San Bruno is currently accepting applications for Public Safety Dispatcher, Per Diem candidates. 

The Position 

The San Bruno Police Department is recruiting for Public Safety Dispatchers. The San Bruno Police Department has a long-standing tradition of small-town service with big-city dedication to public safety.  Public Safety Dispatchers are responsible for public safety dispatch and related records management activities. This position operates on a 24-hour, 365 days per year basis, and may be assigned to either a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a regular, rotational basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays.  Public Safety Dispatchers perform a wide range of duties involving radio, telephone, and computers, applying various procedures and codes. Dispatchers receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio traffic as well as process communication reports, records, and radio logs, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.  Dispatchers may also support the Police Department by performing clerical tasks, training, assisting with fingerprinting, and being accountable for financial transactions.  This position is integral in supporting the goals and objectives of the City and Police Department.   

Essential Duties 

• Receives and transmits emergency telephone and radio traffic.   

• Maintains and processes a variety of communications reports, records and radio logs. 

• Operates a dispatch console, uses Computer Aided Dispatch (C.A.D.) System and other computer programs to process information and records. 

• Maintains a high level of confidentiality. 

• Performs collateral duties including a variety of related clerical tasks: assisting in preparation of work schedules; training and evaluating performance of new employees; conducting training sessions; assisting in fingerprinting and jail operations, which may include searching prisoners; and is accountable for handling cash, bond, and check transactions.  

• Plans, organizes, and directs dispatching and related activities on an assigned shift. This may include preparing schedules and prioritizing work; observing work performed by Dispatcher I employees to ensure compliance with standards; approving time off; conducting employee evaluations; and providing effective recommendations on personnel matters. 

• Prepares and maintains training and procedure manuals.  As required, prepares special reports, and undertakes projects for Management Staff.  

• May act as Records/Dispatcher Supervisor in their absence. 

• Maintains liaison with other Department Divisions, City Departments, and other law enforcement and emergency response agencies. 

• Maintains various C.A.D and Record Management Files. 

• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.  

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to record and transmit information with speed and accuracy, "multi-task," make quick and sensible decisions, learn from constructive criticism, possess a high commitment to quality service, and participate in a team approach to law enforcement.  In addition, candidates will have a successful track record of the following:  

• Professional skill or knowledge using computer keyboard; skill or knowledge using radio, telephone, and computers.   

• Active listening; conveying information and ideas clearly and concisely to individuals or groups in an engaging manner that helps them understand and retain the message.   

• Placing a high priority on the internal and external customer’s perspective when making decisions and taking action; implements customer-focused practices.  

• Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing changes in work responsibilities or environment (e.g., people, processes, structure, or culture); adjusting effectively to change by exploring the benefits, trying new approaches, and collaborating with others to make the change successful.  

• Ability to analyze and understand information gathered and follow the best course of action. Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions.  

• Establishing and sustaining trusting relationships by accurately perceiving and interpreting own and others’ emotions and behavior.  

• Taking prompt action to accomplish work goals; taking action to achieve results beyond what is required; being proactive.  

• Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how detailed; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks.  

• Maintaining stable performance while handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.  

Minimum Qualifications 

 Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation. 

Education 

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Additional related college course work or degree preferred. 

Experience 

• Completion of a probationary period in a public safety agency. 

Certificates and Licenses 

• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, Class C with a good driving record. 

• Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Dispatch Certificate is required.  

Special Requirements 

• Possess excellent vision and hearing skills, with ability to sit, talk, type, hear, and walk for extended periods of time as well as lift or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. 

How to Apply 

Applications may be submitted online at governmentjobs.com/sanbruno. Applications will be reviewed weekly. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The City of San Bruno utilizes a merit-based selection system. Such a system is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position. 

What happens next? 

• We will review your application and all supplemental materials to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the process. Screening will include a review of minimum qualifications, application appraisal rating of education, training and experience and relevance of background qualifications related to the target job as well as supplemental questions if applicable. 

• Applicants selected to move forward in the process may be asked to participate in any combination of the following (at any phase of the selection process): a written examination, job related exercise, physical test or job simulation, phone interview, in-person or video interview(s), and/or web-based testing. 

• The final phase of the selection process is the probationary period, which in most cases is one year, depending on your classification. 

Reasonable Accommodations:  

The City of San Bruno is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices.  

The City of San Bruno Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the selection process to accommodate disabled applicants. Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the process must inform the Human Resources Department by the final filing date by emailing hr@sanbruno.ca.gov. 

Recruitment Contact 

Contact phone:  

(650) 616-7055 

Contact email:  

hr@sanbruno.ca.gov