**THIS IS A LATERAL RECRUITMENT - OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT or RECENT POLICE DISPATCHERS**
Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral) is the full journey level class within the Public Safety Dispatcher series performing the full range of dispatcher duties. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I level by independent performance of the range of duties, applying well developed program area knowledge, training new employees, and implementing new procedures. Positions at this level are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are generally filled by advancement from the “I” level or when filled from the outside, require prior experience.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.
Operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.
Law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents.
Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Functions of the Public Safety Department and other City departments.
Geographic features and locations within the area served.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Methods and techniques of telephone etiquette.
Methods and techniques of conflict resolution.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Ability to:
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
Speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.
Hear and distinguish radio voice traffic within normal levels and over background noise.
Make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property such as those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take.
Dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
Think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations.
Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including radio transmitting communication equipment, teletype equipment, and computer equipment.
Operate specialized public safety computer systems and applications.
Read and interpret maps and other navigational resources and give directions.
Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations including police records retention and dissemination policies and procedures.
Maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working for extended periods of time.
Compile, maintain, process, and prepare a variety of records and reports.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public reporting emergencies and seeking information or filing a report.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Dispatcher II
Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by successful completion of the basic dispatcher course.
Experience: Two years of experience comparable to that of a Dispatcher I with the City of Ceres.
License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
Those applicants who meet the employment qualifications will be contacted via email regarding the next step in the recruitment process, an initial interview. Those candidates who achieve a passing score on the initial interview will be invited for a Chief's interview. Successful candidates from the interview will be placed on an eligibility hiring list for hiring consideration.
SELECTION PROCESS
Offers of employment will be subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check, fingerprint clearance, physical examination, psychological evaluation, including a drug test. An additional condition of employment includes employment verification and authorization to work in the United States, by completing the I-9 verification form designated by the USCIS.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Communications switchboard, including computer-aided systems, desktop and laptop computers including word processing software, copy machine, fax machine and two-way radio system.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods, talk and hear radio and telephone conversation without aid. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The office is a low-light environment. The type and nature of calls can create periods of extended stress.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
If you are a qualified individual with a disability as defined by the ADA and you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the examinations administered by the City of Ceres, you must notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date or review date for the specific job. Official documentation of your functional limitations to support your request may be required.
THE CITY OF CERES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY
