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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 one year of dispatch work; two years 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. 

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

This is a one-year, limited-term assignment, with the possibility of extension based on budget, departmental needs and approval. The position will require a minimum of 24.5 hours and up to a maximum of 39.5 hours per week. The work schedule may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift schedules are reviewed every four months and are subject to change.

APPLICATION

Apply online HERE. 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.  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. Currently employed lateral applicants from a POST certified agency are not required to submit a typing certificate.

SELECTION PROCESS

This recruitment is open until filled. 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.  Priority will be given to qualified lateral applicants. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to take an online Dispatcher test and will be notified by email of their scheduled testing date.  The most qualified applicants based on background and experience as evidenced by their application, and those with a passing score on the online test, may 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.

Questions about this recruitment? Contact Sgt. Ron Priebe, (925) 288-4644, rpriebe@pleasanthillpd.org or Colleen Duran, HR Analyst, (925) 671-5294, cduran@phillca.gov 

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process. It is recommended to apply immediately. The review of applications received will occur at the end of each month.  

**To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must meet the below minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; 

AND

 

• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or

OR

• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; 

OR

• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION: Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience. Please upload a copy of your certificate. 

The City
The City of Santa Clara is a "full service" city – one of only a few communities in the Bay Area that has its own police, fire, library, recreation, and electric, water, and sewer utilities, as well as all of the other departments and civic amenities expected in a thriving community. Santa Clara is a family-oriented and business-friendly city, led by a city government that has developed an award-winning ethics program and a commitment to fostering public trust. Located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, about 45 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Clara is a strategic regional hub, convenient to freeways, airports, railroads, expressways, light rail, and other public transportation.

The Department
The men and women of the Santa Clara Police Department take tremendous pride in providing the community with outstanding service through the "Santa Clara Way" of service.  In partnership with the citizens, the team provides law enforcement services with professional and dedicated staff. The team will always identify and resolve problems utilizing all available resources and perform services professionally and with a high level of integrity. To learn more visit our website.   

The Position 
As a Public Safety Dispatcher II, this non-sworn classification dispatches public safety, fire, and emergency medical services out into the community. The successful incumbent will be responsible for receiving incoming calls for police, fire, or medical assistance and dispatch necessary units. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I by a broader range of responsibility due to a higher level of experience and training.  

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment. 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESDIES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. 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. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey-level classification in the non-sworn flexibility staffed Public Safety Dispatcher I/II series. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions 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 of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the class of Public Safety Dispatcher I in that the latter is the entry level class where incumbents are trained on full range of dispatch functions under immediate supervision. This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter has full responsibility for supervising a shift of Public Safety Dispatchers I/II.

 

 

Typical Duties

 

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed.

• Operates base radio console equipment, transmitting and receiving routine and emergency messages
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines
• Dispatches appropriate emergency vehicles, equipment and personnel in response to those requests, in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Coordinates emergency operations between various departmental personnel and equipment
• Operates data terminals for information pertaining to daily public safety operations, and general emergency services
• Maintains written logs, files, and computer information in the prescribed manner
• Updates computer files and performs other clerical functions and tasks as directed
• Performs other related duties as assigned

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS

• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Classroom education involving fire science or law enforcement related studies.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate and a valid Medical Priorities Dispatching System (MPDS) Certificate are required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment. All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and may include polygraph and/or psychological testing.

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS
Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to his/her final score. 

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. 
 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Knowledge of:

• General public safety radio and telephone communications systems
• Police and fire emergency procedures
• Primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's boundaries

Skill in:

• Reading and interpreting maps; and maintaining accurate records

Ability to:

• Read, write, spell, and speak in clear, concise English
• Learn correct telephone answering techniques, policies and procedures
• Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy to document field activity and create calls for service within response criteria guidelines
• Analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safety
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment
• Maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including the general public
• Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area
• Accurately enter information into the CAD system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
• Retrieve data from CAD terminal or other keyboard device, maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details, and conversations
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record
• Handle multiple priorities and organize workload
• Extract information or data from other computer systems
• View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals
• Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources
• Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility
• Use emergency medical questioning techniques and provide medical instructions via telephone when required
• Type at a net rate of 35 wpm on a computer keyboard

Additional Information: 
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a complete City Application and meet the below minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION: Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience. Please upload a copy of your certificate. 

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov.  This position is continuous: Applications will be reviewed at the end of each month for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

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.

SRFECC is preparing for a Dispatcher Academy, beginning February 2026! As a Dispatcher I, you will be a key player in the public safety network, managing both emergency and non-emergency calls. Your role involves receiving critical information, dispatching appropriate Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) resources, providing live-saving instructions, relaying facts, and ensuring effective communication throughout the incident. This is an entry-level position ideal for individuals with no prior public safety dispatching experience. Advancement to Dispatcher II is expected within two years, and offers greater responsibility and higher pay.

This position requires the ability to work well under pressure, demonstrate exceptional communication skills, and think quickly during emergency situations. Shift work is required, and you must be available for nights, weekends, and holidays.

Key Responsibilities:
Dispatch Operations:

• Operate a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) console with a multi-line telephone system, radio console, and office computer terminal.
• Answer incoming calls and gather necessary information to evaluate the nature and urgency of the situation, and triage the call appropriately.
• Following applicable policies, procedures, and guidelines, dispatch appropriate Fire and EMS units, ensuring a prompt and accurate response.
• Keep track of the location and status of fire apparatus, units, and investigators, updating as needed.

Communication and Coordination:

• Transmit critical messages to Fire/EMS units responding to emergencies.
• Provide emergency medical self-help instructions to citizens while EMS units are en route.
• Coordinate with external agencies, such as utility companies, water services, and law enforcement agencies, as needed.

Support and Documentation:

• Answer general inquiries or refer calls to the appropriate department for non-emergency concerns.
• Complete department forms, maintain accurate logs, and ensure compliance with procedures.
• Participate in regular training, drills, and public education programs.

Customer Service and Continuous Improvement:

• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve the application of operations and work processes, ensuring high-quality customer service.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, responders, and other departments to provide seamless service.
   

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

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

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 link.

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking to fill the position of Public Safety Dispatcher with an energetic and highly motivated individual who possesses excellent customer service, technical and interpersonal skills.

 
Under general supervision of the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher, processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatches police, fire, medical, rescue, animal control or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD); and performs related work as required.

The minimum qualifications required for this position are - Graduation from high school or tested equivalent; and Two years of experience dispatching police and/or fire services for a public safety agency utilizing contemporary dispatching technical tools, including computer aided dispatching systems; or successful completion of probation as a Public Safety Dispatcher-in-Training with the City of Sunnyvale.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package. A complete application packet will consist of a City of Sunnyvale employment application, responses to the required supplemental questions and a current (dated within one year of application) typing certificate verifying 35 or more net words per minute (online typing certificates will not be accepted).

For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

THE POSITION

Under close and general supervision, the Public Safety Dispatcher 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; operates a variety of telecommunications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer aided dispatch systems; performs a wide variety of specialized duties involved in emergency communications; and performs related duties as assigned.

The position receives close or general supervision from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor. Exercises no supervision over staff

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION, CLICK THE JOB URL OR JOB PDF BELOW.

What you will do:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, or other related services; determine nature and location of emergency; determine priority and dispatch emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures; coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.

Use a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to enter calls for service/radio traffic and monitor real-time status of situations; use an automated records management system (RMS) related to public safety activities to enter and retrieve information.

Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of field units and monitor radio frequencies of outside public safety agencies.

Receive incoming telephone and voice radio calls for non-emergency assistance; dispatch animal control, utilities and street maintenance staff as needed.

Enter, retrieve, and update information from teletype networks, including the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.

Maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, areas, and industrial and public facilities within City boundaries.

May complete recovered stolen vehicle reports in accordance with established procedures.

Relay emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel and other agencies in the field.

Monitor multiple frequencies.

Determine and report the need for equipment repairs.

Receive structured classroom and on-the-job training.

Assist in relaying information during response to natural disasters.

Perform the duties of a Public Safety Call Taker, as assigned. 

Perform related work as necessary.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Emergency telephone answering techniques, policies, and procedures.
• General policies and procedures used in the operation of the City's dispatch center.
• Primary roads, streets, highways, areas, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's  boundaries.
• Standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules associated with operation of an emergency services communication network; learn to monitor multiple frequencies.
• Radio and other codes used in the creation of computer aided calls for dispatch.
• Correct telephone answering techniques, policies, and procedures.
• Use of various police report forms.
• Correct English usage, including comprehension and grammar.
• Modern office equipment and methods including use of computer applications in word processing.
• Principles and practices of customer service. 

• Read, write, spell, and speak in concise English.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Deal tactfully with the public and others.
• Work in a confined area and wear a headset.
• Remain calm during emergencies and obtain relevant information from callers who are in stressful situations.
• Answer and prioritize calls for emergency and non-emergency police, fire, and other City services and to dispatch appropriate units in response in a courteous manner.
• Accurately enter information in the computer system while receiving information by telephone. 
• Operate a computer aided dispatch system, video display terminal, teletype and other computer programs and equipment related to public safety communications and records.
• Interpret maps.
• Effectively perform emergency telephone answering and processing duties.
• Read and comprehend information and instructions.
• 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.
• Speak clearly and concisely via radio, telephone and in person.
• 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.

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Alternative Work Schedule and/or Telecommuting 
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

7. Background -  Penal Code §13510(c) authorizes POST to establish minimum standards for recruiting and training public safety dispatchers working in agencies that participate in the POST program.   In addition, public safety dispatches are required to go through a thorough background investigation in the State of California.  View Document - California Code of Regulations (westlaw.com)

EXAM INFORMATION