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San Mateo County Public Safety Communications is seeking an outstanding professional to join the Department’s System Management Unit as a Public Safety Communications Systems Specialist.

San Mateo County Public Safety Communications (PSC) is San Mateo County’s largest dispatch center and the only Tri-Community (Police, Fire, Medical) Center in the County. Our state-of-the-art dispatch facility, located in Redwood City, provides all the tools and infrastructure for the organization to be successful.

The Position:

• Lead the design, implementation, and support of departmental information systems and applications within the Public Safety Communications environment, including NG9-1-1 systems and CAD.
• Analyze end-user needs and develop specifications for software enhancements or new applications with emphasis on AI-driven analytics and automation.
• Oversee deployment and support of server infrastructure (Windows Server, Linux), virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V), and hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure).
• Administer and troubleshoot enterprise network environments involving IP/MPLS, BGP routing, microwave, LawNet, wireless networks, and WAN/LAN connectivity.
• Implement and support cybersecurity tools and processes, including Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Tenable Nessus, and VM agents to safeguard critical PSC systems.
• Lead the integration of AI and machine learning technologies for enhanced situational awareness, predictive dispatch, and operational efficiency in the PSC environment.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and departmental stakeholders to ensure timely delivery, system reliability, and user satisfaction.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to Information Technology Analysts and Technicians as assigned.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot, recommend upgrades, and assist in design and capacity planning for departmental systems.
• Document system configurations, operational procedures, and prepare reports for management.
• Participate in County-wide IT planning and public safety technology initiatives to align systems with strategic goals.

The Ideal Candidate will have knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of computer science, information systems, and telecommunications as they apply to PSC environments.
• Operating systems, including Windows Server, Linux, virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V), and hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure).
• AI/ML platforms, tools, and their application in public safety communications, including NLP, video/audio analytics, and predictive modeling.
• Network infrastructure, including IP/MPLS, BGP routing, microwave links, WAN/LAN, wireless technologies, and LawNet.
• Public safety systems such as CAD, RMS, Message Switching Systems, MDTs, and NextGen IP Telephony.
• Security frameworks, vulnerability assessment scanning tools (Tenable), endpoint detection (XDR), and compliance with CJIS/NIST standards.
• Programming and scripting languages (PowerShell, Python, Bash) for automation and application support.

The Ideal Candidate will have experience with:

• Project management, leadership, and end-user training.
• Leading and coordinating IT projects from planning through implementation and support phases.
• Working independently and exercising sound judgment within policy guidelines.
• Training and mentoring less experienced IT staff.
• Experience with cloud computing (AWS, Azure), virtualization, AI/ML technologies, and PSC systems is highly desirable.
• Performing physical tasks related to hardware installation, maintenance, and cabling.
• Using visual and auditory acuity for effective communication and system monitoring.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in computer science, engineering or Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, or a closely related field, or equivalent technical education.
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible full-time experience performing advanced technical and analytical duties supporting mission-critical IT systems in public safety or related environments.

Examples Of Duties

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

• Serve as lead over some or all aspects of assigned information systems implementation and/or applications development or enhancement projects.
• Assign, oversee, and guide the work of other information technology and analytical support staff in a lead capacity.
• Perform a variety of complex analytical duties in the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of department information systems and applications.
• Analyze end-user technical requirements and recommend specific hardware, operating system, and/or software application solutions to meet identified needs.
• Organize and staff application user groups to provide training on application use, identify future needs, and provide information to software vendors on application requirements.
• Prepare specifications for software enhancement or a new application.
• Develop applications, including interactive WEB pages to meet identified specifications.
• Provide technical oversight in the design and maintenance of departmental websites and lead the design and implementation of web-based applications.
• Determine short and long-range departmental system application needs for County services; plan software enhancements and changes to meet the needs of system users.
• Participate in departmental and County-wide systems planning activities; serve as liaison with Information Services to ensure departmental needs are adequately addressed.
• Develop GIS applications, integrate data, and maintain related databases.
• Perform geo-spatial database modeling and development, GIS data automation and validation, topological modeling, and quality control activities to assure the accuracy and integrity of geo-spatial data.
• Administer County policies and procedures to ensure security and integrity of all departmental databases; develop and recommend departmental GIS policies and procedures in accordance with industry standards and best practices.
• Review and evaluate the design of programs and databases to ensure the storage, security, selection, and retrieval of information is logical, orderly, and user-friendly; create, update, and modify production and other reports utilizing specific combinations of database information.
• Evaluate specialized database software systems, tools, and vendor packages to determine the most effective product for departmental needs and priorities; consult with and oversee software and hardware vendors to solve product problems and/or customize packages.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Technology Support Duties:

Due to variances in departmental size and staffing structures, incumbents in this classification may also perform technical support activities that include, but are not limited to, the following:

• May monitor database system performance and resource consumption for capacity and budget planning purposes; provide technical information, advisory assistance, and troubleshooting resources.
• May design and deploy system utilities and monitoring software to configure hosts/servers and develop and/or modify native operating system scripts to ensure robust system and application performance.
• May evaluate and test system upgrades, install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade department software applications and troubleshoot hardware and software-related problems.
• May evaluate new hardware and software products for use by department staff, and provide expert advice to users on software applications.
• May install and replace internal computer components such as memory, hard drives, sound devices, optical drives, disk or CD-ROM drives, and communications cards.
• May engineer and/or install new equipment or guide vendors doing the same; act as liaison between department users and vendors to ensure that appropriate planning, scheduling, and acceptance testing activities are performed; coordinate maintenance of departmental equipment with external vendors.
• May install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade mid-range computers and related equipment; and replace internal servers and mid-range computer components.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Friday, November 14, 2025, 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: December 1 - 5, 2025

Civil Service Panel Interview: December 18 and/or 19, 2025

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 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.