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Applications are being accepted for the position of Communications Dispatcher – Lateral Transfer with the South San Francisco Police Department. 

Please note: This job posting is for lateral-transfer applicants and NOT entry-level applicants.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPPLICATIONS. IF INTERESTED, PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY, AS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. FIRST APPLICATION REVIEW WILL OCCUR ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL SECURITY PARTICIPATION.  

THE DEPARTMENT:

The City of South San Francisco has 83 sworn and 35 civilian positions. The Department’s philosophy is one of participative management, with a high degree of emphasis on training and education. It employs team and community-oriented policing and problem-solving concepts and recognizes the importance of staying contemporary with technological advances. The Department acknowledges that the responsibility for public safety and the quality of life in our neighborhood is a responsibility share with the whole community. 

A new state-of-the-art Police Department building and 9-1-1 Communications Center has opened at 1 Chestnut Avenue.  The new Police Building includes a large training room for defensive tactics, a dedicated indoor firearms range, and progressive construction incorporating the latest in Police Station design concepts.  The 9-1-1 Communications center will have the latest communications and dispatching technologies to provide improved service and response to South San Francisco residents. 

SSFPD Recruitment Video

THE POSITION:

Under general supervision, receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic; dispatches and coordinates police, fire, public works, and other municipal staff and equipment via multifrequency two-way radio; maintains and processes a variety of communications reports, records, and radio logs; and does related work as required.

Applications are being accepted for the position of Communications Dispatcher – Academy Graduate & Academy Attendee with the South San Francisco Police Department. 

Please note: This job posting is for academy graduate & academy attendees and NOT entry-level or lateral transfer applicants.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPPLICATIONS. IF INTERESTED, PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY, AS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. FIRST APPLICATION REVIEW WILL OCCUR ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL SECURITY PARTICIPATION.  

THE DEPARTMENT:

The City of South San Francisco has 83 sworn and 35 civilian positions. The Department’s philosophy is one of participative management, with a high degree of emphasis on training and education. It employs team and community-oriented policing and problem-solving concepts and recognizes the importance of staying contemporary with technological advances. The Department acknowledges that the responsibility for public safety and the quality of life in our neighborhood is a responsibility share with the whole community. 

A new state-of-the-art Police Department building and 9-1-1 Communications Center has opened at 1 Chestnut Avenue.  The new Police Building includes a large training room for defensive tactics, a dedicated indoor firearms range, and progressive construction incorporating the latest in Police Station design concepts.  The 9-1-1 Communications center will have the latest communications and dispatching technologies to provide improved service and response to South San Francisco residents. 

SSFPD Recruitment Video

THE POSITION:

Under general supervision, receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic; dispatches and coordinates police, fire, public works, and other municipal staff and equipment via multifrequency two-way radio; maintains and processes a variety of communications reports, records, and radio logs; and does related work as required.

A Dispatcher I is a civilian employee of the Police Department who performs a variety of tasks in the Department’s Support Services Division. The Dispatcher I receives incoming calls for police assistance and response; acts as a primary Dispatcher when appropriate; performs a variety of general support duties related to police communications; completes a wide variety of general clerical duties.

The Dispatcher I duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Answer emergency and non-emergency police related phone calls, help 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.  A Dispatcher I may be assigned to work various hours, shifts, holidays, weekends and overtime.

QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education and work experience including 2-3 years of general office work involving typing of varied materials, public contact, general filing and basic record keeping; type at least 40 wpm net.  Knowledge of business English, spelling; modern office practices and procedures; record keeping. Ability to 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; type and learn the operation of other standard office equipment; a willingness to work varying shifts; and to learn radio dispatching skills. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

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

• Salary:  $6,455 to $8,321 per month. Effective 7/1/2025, 3.5% COLA ($6,681 to $8,612/month).
• 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 & SELECTION PROCESS

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) is required.  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. Lateral applicants from a POST certified agency are not required to submit a typing certificate.

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. 

Experienced & Lateral Applicants: Priority will be given to qualified lateral and experienced applicants. 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.

Entry-level 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, including a 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.

Applications are being accepted for the position of Communications Dispatcher – Entry-Level with the South San Francisco Police Department. 

Please note: This job posting is for entry-level applicants and NOT for lateral-transfer applicants.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPPLICATIONS. IF INTERESTED, PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY, AS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. FIRST APPLICATION REVIEW WILL OCCUR ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL SECURITY PARTICIPATION.

THE DEPARTMENT:

The City of South San Francisco has 83 sworn and 35 civilian positions. The Department’s philosophy is one of participative management, with a high degree of emphasis on training and education. It employs team and community-oriented policing and problem-solving concepts and recognizes the importance of staying contemporary with technological advances. The Department acknowledges that the responsibility for public safety and the quality of life in our neighborhood is a responsibility share with the whole community. 

A new state-of-the-art Police Department building and 9-1-1 Communications Center has opened at 1 Chestnut Avenue.  The new Police Building includes a large training room for defensive tactics, a dedicated indoor firearms range, and progressive construction incorporating the latest in Police Station design concepts.  The 9-1-1 Communications center will have the latest communications and dispatching technologies to provide improved service and response to South San Francisco residents. 

SSFPD Recruitment Video

THE POSITION:

Under general supervision, receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic; dispatches and coordinates police, fire, public works, and other municipal staff and equipment via multifrequency two-way radio; maintains and processes a variety of communications reports, records, and radio logs; and does related work as required.

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

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.