Search Jobs

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.

Public Safety Dispatcher I is the entry level class in the Public Safety Dispatch series.  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; and performs a wide variety of specialized clerical duties involved in the preparation, maintenance, and release of materials related to law enforcement activities.

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 I

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by successful completion of the basic dispatcher course within specified time period.

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible clerical experience that includes customer service in an environment with frequent interruptions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein 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 job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in an office and emergency services dispatch center setting with extensive public contact; incumbents are required to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts; incumbents may be called back or held over to maintain staffing levels. 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.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and emergency dispatch center setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

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.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application Evaluation:  The qualifications of each applicant, as set forth in the application, will be continuously reviewed by the Police Department and Human Resources. Applicants who pass the initial Application Evaluation Test will advance to the next testing phase, the Interview.   Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection process.  

Those candidates who successfully pass the Interview phase of testing will be certified to a Hiring Eligibility List and the top three (3) scorers will be referred to the Police Department for a selection interview with the Chief of Police.  A select number of candidates will be authorized by the Chief to advance to the Background Investigation, including Fingerprinting. 

Conditional Offer of Employment:  Candidates who pass the Background Investigation will receive a Conditional Employment Offer and will advance to the pre-employment medical examinations, which will include medical psychiatric and physical examinations, including drug testing.

NOTE: Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and is subject to change without notice.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT     

If you are a qualified individual with a disability as defined by the ADA and you need reasonable accommodations 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

The City of Lincoln is creating an applicant pool for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher I/II within the Police Department.  Interested applicants may submit their application to be part of the applicant pool.  As new vacancies occur, the recruitment team will review applications for consideration.

The Lincoln Police Department is authorized for 23 sworn officers, six dispatchers, and various other civilian and volunteer positions.  The dispatch center provides public safety dispatch services for the Lincoln Police Department and three Lincoln Fire stations. The communications center is staffed 24/7 and dispatchers work in pairs or solo. Public safety dispatchers answer emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire and other city services.  Dispatchers prioritize calls and dispatch public safety units as needed.  Heavy phone and radio use is a primary duty of the position.  Other duties include clerical and specialized record keeping functions.

Under immediate supervision, this position performs a wide variety of technical and clerical law enforcement support duties related to taking police, fire and medical emergency requests for service from the public and tracks and dispatches field units as appropriate; gathers, records, maintains, retrieves and distributes law enforcement data and information; enters reports and data into a variety of automated law enforcement records systems; ensures that records and information are accurate, clear and comprehensive for law enforcement personnel and the general public; learns applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Public Safety Dispatcher I is the entry level class in which incumbents learn to perform and perform Police Dispatcher duties under immediate supervision. This classification is alternatively staffed with Public Safety Officer II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher class.

The Public Safety Dispatcher II is the working level class in which incumbents are expected to perform the full range of Police Dispatcher duties with minimum supervision and apply sound judgment regarding their scope of authority in dispatching personnel. This classification is distinguished from the Community Service Officer series in that the latter performs duties involving work in taking reports in the field and performing face-to-face public service activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
The Public Safety Dispatcher I receives immediate supervision from the Police Office Supervisor or a Watch Commander. Incumbents of this class do not routinely exercise supervision. The Public Safety Dispatcher II receives supervision from the Police Office Supervisor or a Watch Commander. Incumbents of this class do not routinely exercise supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Include but are not limited to the following:

• Receives and enters calls for police, fire and medical service in CAD; dispatches and tracks field units; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
• Enters and maintains accurate data and information into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) including stolen vehicles, and missing and unidentified persons; enters and retrieves information from a variety of state and local automated systems; validates selected records from the Department of Justice files including vehicles, boats and missing persons; releases impounded vehicles; processes reports and citations; collects and maintains statistical information.
• Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Photocopies and distributes crime, incident, arrest and accident reports to the general public and various agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), California Highway Patrol, District Attorney, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and insurance companies; prepares reports for court; applies federal, state and local laws when releasing information.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS
This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing reports and retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading work related documents and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone, dispatch and face to face service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS
The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position. The level and scope of the knowledge and abilities listed below vary between the I and II levels.

Knowledge of: Civil, criminal, and municipal provisions relating to the various activities of the Police Department; law enforcement, fire, and other operating procedures and functions of the Department as they relate to the dispatch function; geography of the City and the surrounding environment; legal and procedural techniques and regulations regarding transmission and reception of public safety radio traffic; basic radio and related equipment maintenance.

Ability to: Perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; remain calm under emergency situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement automated information and communication systems; work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and split shifts; learn basic Spanish speaking skills that allow for communication regarding addresses, locations, time descriptions, etc.; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; effectively operate specialized law enforcement automated information and communication systems; type accurately from clear copy at a rate of 35 words per minute.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered, candidates must possess one of the following at the time of application:

• POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Exam with a T-score of 48 or higher
• A valid POST-certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate

The process may include an in-basket exercise, individual interviews, panel interviews and/or other related components.  Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to the process. The candidate selected for the position will be required to complete a background check including reference checks, fingerprint check, medical/drug-test evaluation and/or other related components.

Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities.  Please advise HR of any special needs a minimum of five days in advance of the selection process exam by calling (916) 434-3229. The City of Lincoln is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

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