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The City of Orinda - an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive - is seeking a motivated and civic-minded Communications Intern to support our public outreach and digital engagement efforts.  This temporary, part-time internship offers hands-on experience in municipal communications, ideal for college students or recent graduates interested in public service, media, or community engagement.

Start your public service journey with the City of Orinda -- where communication builds community.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Senior Management Analyst, the Communications Intern will contribute to a wide range of public information and outreach activities.  The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, responsible, detail oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.  You will help craft digital content, support public engagement campaigns, and represent the City in a professional and tactful manner.

The position offers flexible part-time hours of up to 15-20 hours per week, with occasional evening or weekend hours required for community events.  Compensation is on an hourly basis for actual hours worked.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Create and edit content for the City's website, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor), newsletters, flyers, and press materials.
• Capture and document City events and programs through photography, video, and interviews.
• Assist with the scheduling and management of social media content.
• Support updates to the City's website and weekly e-newsletters.
• Participate in community outreach events, help at public meetings, and collect community feedback.
• Research and design basic visual materials for presentations and public campaigns.
• Track engagement analytics across digital platforms and compile reports to guide communication strategies.
• Conducts basic office functions such as data entry and file management.

Required Qualifications:

• Enrollment in or recent completion of a degree in communications, journalism, public relations, graphic design, public administration or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in Canva, Microsoft Office, and social media platforms.

• Ability to work in a standard office environment including ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, and lift 20 lbs.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and a pre-employment drug screen.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to learn quickly while maintaining high quality work.
• Experience working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of basic public communications, social media, and/or media relations.
• Strong communication (written and oral), research, and organizational skills.
• Competency in basic computer programs/applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite

How to Apply

To be considered for this internship, applicants must submit a completed application, resume, and a supplemental questionnaire online at CalOpps.org before the deadline.  Deadline to apply is June 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

A limited number of applicants with the most desirable qualifications, as determined by initial screening of applications and resume, will be invited to participate in an interview. Applicants will be notified by email if they are invited to participate further in the selection process. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (925) 253-4214 or at humanresources@cityoforinda.org.

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Orinda is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin or disability.  In accordance with Federal law, the City of Orinda will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States.  Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should submit a request for accommodation with the application.  Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
 

Join our team!

Looking for a fast-paced, rewarding career in public safety? Join our Police Department as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher Trainee and become an essential part of the emergency response team.

Make a difference every day in this role, you'll provide life-saving services, connect those in need with critical assistance, and help ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

See it for yourself! Click on the link below for a behind-the-scenes look at the high-energy world of emergency dispatching

Paid Training Provided!

We equip you with the skills to handle emergency & non-emergency calls, dispatch police officers, and operate advanced communication systems.

Starting Pay: $53,545/year ($25.74/hour) 

Promotion to Police Dispatcher: $60,507/year ($29.09/hour) 

Growth Potential: Up to $77,209/year ($37.12/hour)

Work-Life Balance

• 10-hour shifts (4 days a week)

• Rotations every four months

• Night, weekend, & holiday shifts may apply

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in communications or a related field is desirable. 

Experience: Some emergency or non-emergency dispatch experience is desirable. 

License/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Terminal Operator Certificate within one year of employment. 

Special Requirements: 

• Must be 18 years of age as of the date of hire
• United States citizen or meet citizenship requirements
• High School Diploma or GED
• Good moral character with no felony convictions

Recruitment Process:

1. Computerized test - Pass or Fail*
2. Oral Interview
3. Background Investigation includes a medical exam, psychological evaluation, polygraph, and drug/alcohol screening. 

*Computerized Testing Process: Testing is administered by the National Testing Network (NTN), which will share your test results with the City to progress your application to the next steps. 

To register and schedule your test:

1. Visit www.nationaltestingnetwork.com
2. Select "Find Jobs," then "Emergency Communication Jobs."
3. Sign up for the Simi Valley Police Department.

During your visit to the NTN website, complete the registration process, schedule your test, and review detailed information, including the testing process and FAQ's. Testing is available virtually or in person at designated facilities.

Testing Fee Waiver: A fee is required for the written exam. Candidates facing financial hardship may request a fee waiver before registering for the test. For more details, see Candidate FAQ #26 at NTN FAQ's.

Per Diem Dispatchers will provide public safety dispatching at Levi's Stadium and/or Santa Clara Police/Fire Communications.

 

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants. 

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES 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. 

 

 

 

Typical Duties

 

Duties may include, but are not limited, to the following:

• 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
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements: 

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED

 

Minimum Experience Requirements: 

• 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.

 

License/Certifications: 

Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate is required.

 

Other Requirements:  

• Incumbents must have the ability to work, as assigned, on schedules that may include Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and non-traditional work hours.
• 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/or psychological testing.

 

 

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 1) Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch 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. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis 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 Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov. 

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of a Senior Public Safety Dispatcher or Watch Commander and the overall direction of the Communications Operations Manager.

 

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.