Search Jobs

Deputy City Attorney I/II | Assistant City Attorney | Chief Assistant City Attorney

$11,504 to $13,983 monthly | $138,048 to $167,796 annually – Deputy City Attorney I

$12,683 to $15,417 monthly | $152,196 - $185,004 annually – Deputy City Attorney II

$14,908 to $18,121 monthly | $178,896 - $217,452 annually – Assistant City Attorney

$17,145 to $20,893 monthly | $205,740 - $250,716 annually – Chief Assistant City Attorney

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Apply by Wednesday, October 16, 2024, for first consideration

SUMMARY
The City is seeking to fill one key position at either the Deputy City Attorney I/II, Chief Assistant City Attorney, or an Assistant City Attorney classification/level. The successful candidate in the position will be joining the City’s passionate and skilled mid-management or executive team that inspires creative thinking and engagement, proactively pursues actions to ensure that San Rafael continues to be an amazing place to be, provides effective and easy access to City services, and supports work-life balance. If you are looking for a career where you can work in a fast-paced and positive environment, initiate and manage exciting projects, and be part of a dynamic leadership team, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

THE COMMUNITY

Marin County’s first incorporated City, San Rafael lies midway between San Francisco and California’s famous Sonoma and Napa wine countries. With a population of approximately 60,000, San Rafael serves as the county seat and is the premier economic, financial, cultural, and service center. The City offers both a small-town feel and a lively urban atmosphere. Famous for its favorable climate, San Rafael makes a central base for taking day trips to scenic locations such as the Sonoma/Napa wine country, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods. Surrounded by open space and the bay, San Rafael is a vibrant city in an incomparably beautiful natural setting.

San Rafael has a varied and rich economy fueled by high tech, entertainment, financial, service-oriented businesses, and industrial businesses. The City is home to major employers such as BioMarin and Kaiser Permanente and offers residents and visitors alike an array of regional retailers in addition to unique local shops. San Rafael is also one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in Marin County. The City’s residential neighborhoods are distinctive, each with its own history, character, and identity. There is a wide diversity of housing, and the City is committed to creating and maintaining housing that is affordable to low/moderate income residents, the general workforce, families, and older adults. 

THE ORGANIZATION

Welcome to the City of San Rafael, the “City with a Mission!” The City of San Rafael has an outstanding team of public servants who pride themselves on delivering quality and customer focused services to the community. In 2022, the City was voted one of the top three Best Places to Work in local government by ELGL, a nationally recognized organization in the United States. The City was recognized for its cross-departmental work that is key to advancing community programs and projects. A strong emphasis on innovation, equity, and a commitment to providing ongoing learning opportunities to staff are just some of the perks that make San Rafael the Best Place to Work!

The City Council is highly engaged and seeks to: strengthen and promote the urban and commercial areas; facilitate measures to develop new, needed housing; be in the forefront on sustainability and planning for climate change; and protect the beautiful, natural environment that is part of the community setting. The City of San Rafael is a full-service charter city and functions under a City Council/City Manager form of government and has an annual budget for fiscal year 2023-24 of $172 million, with over 400 employees. City departments include the City Manager’s Office, City Attorney, City Clerk, Finance, Human Resources, Community Development, Fire, Library and Recreation, Police, Economic Development, and Public Works.

THE JOB

At the helm of the City’s legal leadership is a part-time elected City Attorney, Rob Epstein, who has served for seventeen years as San Rafael’s City Attorney with dedication and expertise. An elected City Attorney is fairly rare (a total of 10 statewide) and the part-time position is even more unique. For many years, this distinctive structure has delivered an effective combination of elected political leadership with professional legal support for the City. In this model, the elected City Attorney sits as a trusted counterpart to the elected City Council, providing both legal advice and political leadership.

In addition to the elected part-time City Attorney, the City’s legal office is comprised of two full-time attorneys and one legal assistant. The legal team has been known for its collegial, respectful, and inclusive environment. The City Attorney’s Office also oversees and collaborates with various outside legal counsel, focusing on areas such as land development, human resources, tort litigation, and labor negotiations. 

Due to the part-time nature of the position, the elected City Attorney does not manage or oversee the daily operations of the City’s legal affairs. Instead, this responsibility falls to a strong Chief Assistant/Assistant City Attorney, who provides operational leadership and management. While the elected City Attorney offers high-level legal oversight and representation, the Chief Assistant/Assistant City Attorney and support staff handle the bulk of the legal work, ensuring the City’s legal needs are met efficiently and effectively. The Deputy City Attorney will also work with departments to draft and review contracts, agreements, and other legal documents for daily operations, provide legal support and guidance on PRAs, and conducts legal research and prepares reports or memoranda, and make recommendations to the elected City Attorney. This structure balances the benefits of elected accountability and experience with the necessity of onsite professional legal expertise in managing the City’s legal affairs.

Deputy City Attorney I/II

This classification is part of the Mid-Management employee group, a team of highly qualified and dedicated individuals who work under general direction and supervision of their department Directors. Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Consults with and provides legal advice to staff in various departments of the Cit. It is anticipated that that a key role of the new attorney will be to consult and support Human Resources with Labor Relations, Discipline, Investigations, ADA, and EEO issues, while also representing and consulting with other client departments.
• Reviews staff reports and advises staff on complex and controversial legal matters.
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments.
• Represents the City at various City Council, commission and community meetings.
• Performs legal research and prepares opinions on various legal issues for City departments.
• Represents the City in civil and some criminal matters in both state and federal court and in administrative proceedings.
• Represents the City in arbitration hearings.

Assistant City Attorney and Chief Assistant City Attorney
Both classifications are executive management positions under the general direction and supervision of the part-time elected City Attorney. There is a high level of direct communication, coordination, and collaboration with the City Manager and two Assistant City Managers. Both classifications would be part of the City’s executive leadership team and support the City Manager’s Office directly.

Assistant City Attorney

Executive & Operational Management

The Assistant City Attorney focuses on delivering and overseeing the City’s legal services and providing direct legal support to City departments and City staff. 

Both the Chief Assistant City Attorney and City Attorney perform all of the traditional legal duties found in municipal legal operations such as, but not limited to:

• Ability to act as Acting City Attorney when part-time elected City Attorney is not available.
• Perform legal research; review and apply laws, rules, cases and ordinances; and prepare opinions on various legal issues.
• Proactively identify legal risks and develop strategies to reduce and manage those risks.
• Coordinate and supervise the work of outside counsel engaged by the City for special legal issues and litigation matters.
• Negotiate and draft and/or approve contract forms, complex contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments.
• Prepare complex and routine opinions; advise City Council and staff regarding proposed courses of action and City policy.
• Represent the City at various City Council, board, and commissions meetings and in court as assigned, and render legal advice on agenda items.
• Represent the City in civil and some criminal matters in both state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff attorneys and support staff.

Chief Assistant City Attorney

Executive, Operational and Strategic Partnership

The Chief Assistant City Attorney also manages the responsibilities outlined in the Assistant City Attorney and additionally handles the most complex legal issues in partnership with the City Manager and in support of the part-time elected City Attorney. The Chief Assistant City Attorney acts as a key advisor and strategic partner to the City Manager, and at times the City Council. The Chief Assistant City Attorney functions with a high level of executive level autonomy and independence.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidates will bring legal municipal expertise, a passion for public service, and a commitment to advancing the best interests of our community. This individual will play a pivotal role in providing sound legal counsel to City officials, ensuring compliance with municipal laws, and contributing to the overall success of our City’s operations.  Top contenders will also be skillful at analyzing and preparing a wide variety of complex legal documents. 

• Legal Expertise - Strategic and forward-thinking legal advisor who can operate at a high-level to provide advice and counsel on municipal operations. Strong understanding of public sector legal issues. Excellent at legal research, analysis, and writing.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Resourceful at building collaborative solutions and negotiating with diverse stakeholders to find positive solutions.

• Ethical & Strong Work Ethic - High ethical standards and a commitment to integrity.  Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines and to move matters to resolution. A proactive and results-oriented approach to legal issues.

• Collaborative, Communicator and Politically Astute - Cooperative and collaborative relationship builder. Creative problem solver. Excellent communication skills with the ability to concisely and effectively explain complex legal issues in lay terms. Astute political sense, without being politically aligned.

• Commitment to Public Service - A deep commitment to serving the public and enhancing the quality of life in our community.  Ability to balance legal responsibilities with the strategic goals of the city.  Dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment.

We invite qualified candidates who are passionate about public service and eager to make a meaningful impact on our community to apply for this rewarding opportunity. The ideal candidate will be energetic, self-motivated, dependable, results-oriented, and highly ethical leader with a proven track record for providing excellent and practical legal advice on a range of municipal law topics in both advisory and litigation roles. 

In addition, the ideal candidate will meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• Active Membership in the State Bar of California.
• Valid California driver’s license, AND
• Experience:
  • Deputy City Attorney I: No minimum municipal legal experience necessary
  • Deputy City Attorney II: 2 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law.
  • Assistant City Attorney: 6 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law.
  • Chief Assistant City Attorney: 8 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law plus 2 years of responsible management and administrative experience.

SEARCH SCHEDULE

This position is open until filled with a first resume review date of Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Preliminary interviews – in person preferred: Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Finalist interview with City Manager’s Office – in person: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

These dates have been confirmed, it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Assistant to the City Attorney! In this role, you will provide highly responsible and specialized administrative and analytical and support within the City Attorney’s Office. You'll perform sensitive, complex, and difficult analytical work as a member of the City Attorney’s staff, including providing analytical support on issues that have significant city or community implications.

Duties may include budget preparation and administration, contract negotiation and administration, and policy research and analysis. You may also provide more routine administrative support to the City Attorney as needed.

The Assistant to the City Attorney has considerable latitude to exercise independent judgment, particularly when representing the City Attorney’s Office in meetings with other agencies, boards, commissions, and community groups.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this classification is:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, or related field and four (4) years of increasingly responsible analytical experience that included the development and administration of programs. Government experience desirable.

Must be willing and able to attend evening meetings. Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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.

EXAM PROCESS

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications
• Oral Board Interview (week of October 28, 2024)

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 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 tentatively scheduled for mid-November 2024.

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 you to apply for the position of Deputy City Attorney I! In this entry-level role, you will gain experience in all areas of civil law covered by the City Attorney's Office, including environmental, labor and employment, land use, public safety, and contracts among others. The City Attorney's Office is routinely involved in exciting litigation over issues of national interest, such as climate change, surveillance technology, and homelessness.

As a Deputy City Attorney I, your duties will include performing routine civil legal work, providing advice and counsel to City staff and Boards/Commissions, and representing the City in litigation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:
Equivalent to graduation from a college or university with an appropriate law degree.

Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association. Must be willing and able to attend evening meetings. Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications must be received by September 23, 2024, at 5:00 PM Pacific and must include a completed application and responses to the supplemental questions. 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 Department: The Suisun City Police Department is a progressive and proactive law enforcement agency. As a result of its proximity to neighboring jurisdictions, the employees of the Suisun City Police Department remain extremely busy as they address the needs of the community. Candidates interested in testing for this position must be prepared to take on the challenges of a fast-paced work environment serving both the Police and Fire Departments.

The Position: Under the direction of the Police Support Services Manager, acts as working first-line supervisor overseeing and participating in the preparation, processing, storing, retention, and disposition of police records and property and evidence, and the police and fire dispatching functions; supervises, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of staff responsible for providing assigned Police Department support services and activities; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

DUTIES:

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, reviews and participates in the work of assigned staff in Police Department support services functions including dispatch, records, and property/evidence; assists in the development and implementation of new and revised policies and procedures; reviews and approves work schedules including time off and authorizing timecards.

• Receives, classifies, and prioritizes incoming calls to the dispatch center including 911 calls and business line calls received from citizens requesting service or information; operates a variety of public safety communications equipment including 911 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch systems, and multi-channel radio systems; dispatches police and fire units and personnel.

• Evaluates response necessary as dictated by a given request for service; determines nature, location, and priority of calls; operates computer aided dispatch system to create calls for service within response criteria guidelines; assigns and dispatches appropriate police, fire, or other emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel in accordance with policies and procedures; transfers calls to other appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures; obtains and dispatches other support services as necessary.

The Department: The Suisun City Police Department is a progressive and proactive law enforcement agency. As a result of its proximity to neighboring jurisdictions, the employees of the Suisun City Police Department remain extremely busy as they address the needs of the community. Candidates interested in testing for this position must be prepared to take on the challenges of a fast-paced work environment serving both the Police and Fire Departments.

The Position: Under supervision (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general supervision (Public Safety Dispatcher II) performs a variety of duties involved in receiving, evaluating, prioritizing, and relaying calls for emergency and non-emergency public safety assistance; dispatches appropriate units and coordinates response of emergency personnel; maintains, processes, and distributes police records; operates a variety of telecommunications equipment including radio, telephone, and CAD systems; and performs a wide variety of specialized clerical duties involved in the preparation, maintenance, and release of materials related to law enforcement activities.

A Dispatcher II is a civilian employee of the Police Department who performs a variety of tasks in the Department’s Support Services Division. The Dispatcher II acts as the Department’s primary dispatcher, receiving and relaying incoming calls for emergency and non-emergency assistance; dispatching police units; operating a variety of telecommunications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer-aided dispatch systems; status monitoring, records and file maintenance in a computer-aided environment; and entry level dispatch training. A Dispatcher II may be assigned to work various hours, shifts, holidays, weekends and overtime.

Additional duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: prioritize requests for service based upon available resources, receive radio requests and handle accordingly, type, process and file a wide variety of reports and materials including memos, letters, complaints, declarations, warrants, citations, crime and traffic reports.  Assists Department personnel and the public in person and by phone performing record checks, collecting fees and mailing requested reports to outside agencies in accordance with established regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Have a combination of education and work experience, including a minimum of 1 year of dispatch work; general office work involving typing of varied materials, public contact, general filing and basic record keeping; type at least 40 wpm (net).  Have knowledge of business English, spelling; modern office practices and procedures; record keeping. Ability to dispatch police units quickly and effectively; work under pressure; exercise independent judgment; work with minimal supervision; make sound decisions in emergency situations; learn assigned clerical tasks readily and to adhere to prescribed routine; write English legibly; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; operate computer-aided dispatch system, 911 emergency telephone, and other multi-line telephone systems, various law enforcement telecommunications systems, radio console with headsets and handsets, computer keyboards, cameras, intercoms, security. Willingness to work varying shifts and radio dispatching skills.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The City of Pleasant Hill offers a competitive compensation and benefits program.

• Salary:  $6,751 to $8,744 per month. Placement within the range depends on experience and qualifications.  
• Medical Benefits: Choice of coverage with Kaiser or Blue Shield. The City pays 80% of monthly premiums at each coverage level. In lieu of medical coverage, the City will contribute $400 (employee only coverage) or $500 (employee + 1 coverage) or $600 (family coverage) into a MissionSquare 457 deferred compensation plan
• Retirement: CalPERS enrollment (PEPRA New Member 2% @ 62; Classic Member 2% @ 60)
• Dental & Vision Coverage: City-paid dental and vision coverage for employee and eligible dependents
• MissionSquare Deferred Compensation & Roth IRA Plans: Voluntary plans available to all employees
• Life Insurance: City-paid life insurance coverage ($50,000)
• Long Term Disability: City-paid long-term disability coverage
• Medicare: Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare with employer match
• Retiree Health Savings (RHS) Plan:  City contributes $100.45 per month to the RHS Plan
• Section 125 Plan: Dependent care and out-of-pocket medical costs may be paid on a pre-tax basis
• Sick Leave:  Earned at the rate of one day per month, with no maximum accrual
• Vacation: Earned at the rate of one day per month in the first year, increasing with service years; Lateral accrual rate may include years of service at former agency
• Holidays: City recognizes 14 paid holidays per year
• Uniform Allowance: $1,121 per year, adjusted annually per cost of living
• Shift Differential Pay: 5% of the employee’s base hourly wage
• Educational Degree Incentive: 1.25% AA Degree or 60 semester/90 quarter units; 5% Bachelor’s Degree or 120 semester/180 quarter units; 7.5% MA/MS Degree
• Educational Expense Reimbursement: City will reimburse for tuition, books and technology upgrades up to $500 per semester or quarter
• On Duty Exercise Program: 1 hour per shift
• Probationary Period: One year (12 months)

APPLICATION

To apply, please complete an application and supplemental questionnaire online at www.calopps.org. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City employment application.  Typing certification of 40 wpm net (5 minute test taken within the last 12 months) must be submitted with application.  Currently employed lateral applicants from a POST certified agency are not required to submit a typing certificate. Certificates will only be accepted from a recognized business, adult school, or employment agency. Online typing test results will not be accepted. Applications received without a valid typing certificate, or not meeting the minimum words per minute (40 wpm net) will not be considered and applicants will not be contacted to correct the deficiency.

SELECTION PROCESS

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.  You must ensure complete submission of employment application and typing certificate as recruitment may close at any time.  The most qualified applicants based on background and experience as evidenced by their application, will be invited for an oral board interview, which is weighted 100%.  To be placed on an eligibility list, an applicant must receive a passing score of 70 or more from each panel member.

A thorough background check, as well as a physical, drug screen, psychological evaluation, and polygraph exam will be conducted on the top candidates prior to appointment consideration.  Failure to achieve a qualifying score on any portion of the examination process will eliminate a candidate from further consideration.

IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT

To comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all new employees are required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States on their first day of employment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Pleasant Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), requests for special accommodations during any stage of the examination process should be made in advance to the Human Resources Department.

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher II in the Police Department! In this role, you will perform professional public safety dispatching work including receiving 911 system calls, dispatching assignments, and maintaining records. 

You will use a variety of public safety telephone and radio communications to obtain essential information from reporting parties, respond to inquiries, and determine and dispatch appropriate police and/or fire resources.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:
Equivalent to graduation from high school AND training or experience as specified below:

• Successful completion of the City's Public Safety Dispatcher Training Program, OR
• The equivalent of two (2) years full-time experience working independently in emergency services or communications with computer use and/or two-way radio operations with a consolidated public safety agency (dispatching police and fire), OR
• The equivalent of three (3) years full-time experience working independently in emergency services or communications with computer use and/or two-way radio operations with a non-consolidated public safety agency and possession of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Dispatch certificate. 

Other requirements include:

• Possession of a typing certificate verifying the ability to accurately type a minimum of 35 net words per minute. Certification may be from an online typing test, a recognized business school, or an employment/temporary agency, and must be dated no more than twelve months prior to the date of application. Candidates may be required to take an on-site typing test as part of the selection process. 
• Must be able to pass a medical and psychiatric evaluation.
• Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application (Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.)
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
• Typing Certificate: Minimum of 35 words per minute. Certificate must be from an online typing test, a recognized business school, or an employment/temporary agency, and must be dated no more than twelve months prior to the date of application.

You may secure a typing certificate from the agency listed below or another agency that meet the requirements mentioned above. Please note that these agencies are independent organizations and are not affiliated with the City of Berkeley.

Chartwell Staffing Solutions
Oliver Road, Suite 280
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 425-7200
By appointment only 

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 City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher I in the Police Department! In this trainee role, you will have the opportunity to learn to receive 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch assignments according to police and fire procedures, operate various dispatch center equipment, and maintain accurate records.

You will use a variety of public safety telephone and radio communications to obtain essential information from reporting parties, respond to inquiries, and determine and dispatch appropriate police and/or fire resources. You will also learn how to use various government agency databases and the Computer Aided Dispatch system.

Public Safety Dispatcher Flyer

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is: Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Other requirements include:

• Possession of a typing certificate verifying the ability to accurately type a minimum of 35 net words per minute. Certification may be from an online typing test, a recognized business school, or an employment/temporary agency, and must be dated no more than twelve months prior to the date of application. Candidates may be required to take an on-site typing test as part of the selection process.
• Must be able to pass a medical and psychiatric evaluation.
• Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit:

1. Completed application (Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application)
2. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
3. Typing Certificate: Minimum of 35 words per minute. The certificate must be from one of the following:

A. Online typing test
B. Recognized business school
C. Employment/temporary agency*

The typing certificate must be dated no more than twelve months prior to the date of application.

*You may secure a typing certificate from the agency listed below or another agency that meets the requirements mentioned above. Please note that this agency is an independent organization and is not affiliated with the City of Berkeley.

Chartwell Staffing Solutions
Oliver Road, Suite 280
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 425-7200
By appointment only

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 may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents
• Written Exam: POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Test (See job announcement for upcoming City of Berkeley exam dates)

Applicants who have previously taken the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Test may waive the written exam only by submitting a T-score of 48 points or higher provided the test was taken no more than one year prior to the date of application. Applicants must submit their results, including the total T-score and date of the test, on the testing agency's letterhead. If you have previously taken the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Test and would like to retest with the City of Berkeley, you must wait 30 calendar days before being eligible to take the test again.

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.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Next review scheduled for April 9, 2021; Open Until Filled

THE POSITION: 
The City of Hayward is excited to announce its recruitment for the position of Communications Operator (Dispatcher).

Note: The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill Call Taker vacancies.
Monthy Salary: $5,541 - $6,732

DEFINITION

To operate a computer aided dispatch system receiving calls and dispatching police, fire or other City services.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey technical level position in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full range of duties assigned. This class is distinguished from the Communications Supervisor in that the latter provides technical and functional supervision over assigned communication personnel.

The Communications Center in the Support Services Division of the Hayward Police Department is responsible for dispatching both Police and Fire Services throughout the City of Hayward. The Hayward Police Department is one of 18 CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement) accredited police departments in California and is committed to maintaining CALEA's high standards and broadly recognized excellence.
The Communications Center is frequently the first point of contact that a member of the public will have when requesting assistance from the City of Hayward. The information gathered by the communications operator during this contact is critical to a positive outcome. The Communications Center consists of six (6) stations with each communications operator assigned to a specific job.
 


 

Essential Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following: 

Receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, private companies and other jurisdictions.

Dispatches police and fire personnel or other City services in response to such calls.

Relays emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field.

Relays information to other agencies as required.

Monitors multiple frequencies.

Maintains accurate record of location and status of public safety units.

Operates a manual dispatch system when necessary.

Assists in relaying information during response to natural disasters.

Performs related work as necessary.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• English usage, including comprehension and grammar.

Ability to:

• Read and comprehend information and instructions.
• Learn to operate manual and computer aided radio and telephone equipment in dispatching public safety equipment and personnel.
• Perform several job tasks effectively under pressure for sustained periods of time.
• Memorize and retain information from a variety of sources.
• Interpret information from distraught, incoherent or angry callers and relay critical facts to appropriate emergency or nonemergency personnel.
• Assign priorities both to incoming calls and to the dispatch of calls for service.
• Speak clearly and concisely via radio, telephone and in person.
• Respond to requests for emergency and nonemergency services in a professional and courteous manner.
• Type accurately at a speed of 35 words per minute.
• Work various shifts, including day, swing and graveyard as well as weekends and holidays.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

A complete job description and list of duties can be found at www.hayward-ca.gov.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

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

Experience: Two (2) years of heavy public contact experience while performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Public Safety dispatch experience is desirable.

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Licenses and Certificates: Completion of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher course is highly desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Typing Certificate: A typing certificate with 35net words per minute must accompany your application.

Supplemental Information

 
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Two (2) years

Candidates must submit a completed City of Hayward job application and typing certificate, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.  Be sure to scan and attach a copy of your typing certificate to your on-line application; however certificates may also be emailed to employment@hayward-ca.gov, no later than the date of the oral exam should you be invited to participate. Please be sure to indicate your first name and last name in the email and the position the typing certificate should be applied to.   Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.

Based on the information provided, those best qualified maybe invited to the next phase of the process, which may include an oral, practical, and/or written examination.

Next Review - April 9,  2021
Pre-Background Questionnaire Survey - Week of April 12, 2021
*Written Examination (Post Dispatcher Test) - Week of May 17, 2021
Typing Certificate Deadline - Date of Oral Panel 
Oral Panel Interviews - Week of June 28, 2021

Please note; these future dates are tentative and subject to change at the City's discretion.
*Candidates must submit a completed job application and valid typing certificate as described in this bulletin to be reviewed.  Candidates may also provide a POST Dispatcher T-Score of 48 or above from within the last 12 months of the application date by no later than 15 days in advance of the written examination  or participate in the City's administration of the POST Dispatcher Test.

The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department.  Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.

Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com.  Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA  94541.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.