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The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for the position of dispatcher (entry & experienced). Being a police dispatcher is an exciting career opportunity for those who thrive in fast-paced and dynamic environments. As the critical link between the public and law enforcement, dispatchers play a vital role in ensuring community safety by coordinating emergency responses and providing essential support to officers in the field. This position offers the chance to make a real difference in people's lives every day while developing valuable skills in communication, multitasking, and problem-solving. If you are looking for a rewarding career that challenges you to stay calm under pressure and be a part of a dedicated team, consider becoming a police dispatcher.

This is a continuous recruitment. Applicants are added to the employment list if they meet the minimum qualifications. 

Public Safety Lateral Communications Dispatcher

WHY JOIN THE REDWOOD CITY TEAM?

We offer a wide range of meaningful career opportunities with potential for growth, training and development, competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, paid time off, and robust benefits. The Redwood City team is guided by the core values of excellence, integrity, service and creativity.  Inherent in these values is a great organizational culture based on trust, strong and supportive leadership, respect, risk-taking, empowerment, and effective communication.

The community is known for its inclusivity, strong engaged neighborhoods, and civic pride. The City works diligently to maintain positive and productive relationships with community partners, together providing outstanding services, programs and opportunities for residents and businesses. This mix of tradition and progress, community, and diversity, makes Redwood City an extraordinary place to work and call home. If you’re looking to grow your career as a part of a professional and progressive Police Department team that fosters innovation, creativity and collaboration, we hope you’ll apply.  

THE REDWOOD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

We are a progressive Police-Department, which recognizes that by working in a partnership with our community, we can best meet our goals of protecting life and property, improving the quality of life, and reducing crime and the fear of crime. Our motto is: 

Interested in joining the Redwood City team?  

• Please click on the job announcement pdf file below to review the recruitment information.
• A complete application is required, including supplemental questionnaire.
• Please see special instructions for more information on supplemental questionnaire and completely filling in the application.
• Submit your application online via CalOpps by February 28, 2025.
• Applications will be reviewed continuously as they are received.

The City of Redwood City is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer!

San Bruno Police Department

Join a department that cares about its Dispatchers and is LOVED by its community 

Elevate your public safety career as a Lateral Dispatcher

Our mission at the San Bruno Police Department is to Ensure Peace, Provide Safety, and Build Community.  We aim to realize this mission by taking good care of the people who work in our organization so that they can take good care of everyone else.  We believe that the key to providing exceptional police services is consistently deploying strong, healthy, well-trained, emotionally intelligent human beings as San Bruno Police Dispatchers.  As such, we have created a healthy, happy, fun working environment, focused on enabling each member of our team to use their employment to pursue the best possible versions of themselves.     

The Position

The San Bruno Police Department is recruiting for Public Safety Dispatchers (Lateral.)  Public Safety Dispatchers are responsible for public safety dispatch and related records management activities. This position operates on a 24-hour, 365 days per year basis, and may be assigned to either a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a regular, rotational basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays.  Public Safety Dispatchers perform a wide range of duties involving radio, telephone, and computers, applying various procedures and codes. Dispatchers receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio traffic as well as process communication reports, records, and radio logs, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.  Dispatchers may also support the Police Department by performing clerical tasks, training, assisting with fingerprinting, and being accountable for financial transactions.  This position is integral in supporting the goals and objectives of the City and Police Department.  

Essential Duties

• Receives and transmits emergency telephone and radio traffic. 
• Maintains and processes a variety of communications reports, records and radio logs.
• Operates a dispatch console, uses Computer Aided Dispatch (C.A.D.) System and other computer programs to process information and records.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality.
• Performs collateral duties including a variety of related clerical tasks: assisting in preparation of work schedules; training and evaluating performance of new employees; conducting training sessions; assisting in fingerprinting and jail operations, which may include searching prisoners; and is accountable for handling cash, bond, and check transactions.
• Plans, organizes, and directs dispatching and related activities on an assigned shift. This may include preparing schedules and prioritizing work; observing work performed by Dispatcher I employees to ensure compliance with standards; approving time off; conducting employee evaluations; and providing effective recommendations on personnel matters.
• Prepares and maintains training and procedure manuals.  As required, prepares special reports, and undertakes projects for Management Staff.
• May act as Records/Dispatcher Supervisor in their absence.
• Maintains liaison with other Department Divisions, City Departments, and other law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
• Maintains various C.A.D and Record Management Files.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to record and transmit information with speed and accuracy, "multi-task," make quick and sensible decisions, learn from constructive criticism, possess a high commitment to quality service, and participate in a team approach to law enforcement.  In addition, candidates will have a successful track record of the following: 

• Professional skill or knowledge using computer keyboard; skill or knowledge using radio, telephone, and computers.  
• Active listening; conveying information and ideas clearly and concisely to individuals or groups in an engaging manner that helps them understand and retain the message.  
• Placing a high priority on the internal and external customer’s perspective when making decisions and taking action; implements customer-focused practices. 
• Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing changes in work responsibilities or environment (e.g., people, processes, structure, or culture); adjusting effectively to change by exploring the benefits, trying new approaches, and collaborating with others to make the change successful. 
• Ability to analyze and understand information gathered and follow the best course of action. Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions. 
• Establishing and sustaining trusting relationships by accurately perceiving and interpreting own and others’ emotions and behavior. 
• Taking prompt action to accomplish work goals; taking action to achieve results beyond what is required; being proactive. 
• Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how detailed; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks. 
• Maintaining stable performance while handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization. 

Minimum Qualifications

 Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation.

Education

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Additional related college course work or degree preferred.

Experience

• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience performing duties similar to that of a Public Safety Dispatcher I.

Certificates and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, Class C with a good driving record.
• Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Intermediate Dispatch Certificate; an Advanced California POST Certificate is preferred.

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted online at governmentjobs.com/sanbruno. The City of San Bruno utilizes a merit-based selection system. Such a system is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position.

What happens next?

• We will review your application and all supplemental materials to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the process. Screening will include a review of minimum qualifications, application appraisal rating of education, training and experience and relevance of background qualifications related to the target job as well as supplemental questions if applicable.
• Applicants selected to move forward in the process may be asked to participate in any combination of the following (at any phase of the selection process): a written examination, job related exercise, physical test or job simulation, phone interview, in-person or video interview(s), and/or web-based testing.
• The final phase of the selection process is the probationary period, which in most cases is one year, depending on your classification.

Reasonable Accommodations: 

The City of San Bruno is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices. 

The City of San Bruno Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the selection process to accommodate disabled applicants. Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the process must inform the Human Resources Department by the final filing date by emailing hr@sanbruno.ca.gov.

Recruitment Contact

Contact phone: 

(650) 616-7055

Contact email: 

hr@sanbruno.ca.gov

The Foster City Police Department is seeking a dedicated and highly skilled individual to join our team as an Police Dispatcher. This position receives police and emergency calls and dispatches police units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:  

Education: Possess a high school diploma or a G.E.D. 

Experience: One (1) year of work experience involving public contact which involved using good judgment, tact, and effective written and/or verbal communication skills.

It is desirable, but not a requirement, that the applicant for this position have the ability to type no less than 40 net words per minute. The typing certificate must but be certified and dated within the last 12 months of application.

License or Certificate: 

• Verification of successful completion of the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Examination with a minimum passing “T-score” of 50 or higher within the last 12 months. 
• Possess a POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate prior to the completion of the probationary period. This certificate must be obtained and maintained throughout employment within this classification.

To review the full job announcement click on the "Foster City Police Dispatcher Flyer" below. 

Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for relevant education, experience, training and other job related qualifications. Based upon a review of employment applications received, a limited number of the qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process. 

The process will consist of an Oral Panel Interview. An eligibility list will be established from those who pass the examination process with a score of 70% or higher. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. The list will remain in effect for at least one year unless exhausted sooner. 

The department will invite the most qualified candidates from the eligibility list to a final department interview. The Police department will make the hiring decision. 

Expected Dates for Examinations (subject to change): 
Oral Panel Interview: TBD
Department Interview: TBD 

Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to participate in the selection process. The City of Foster City reserves the right, at its discretion, to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to the selection process. 

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

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

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

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

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

The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for experienced lateral dispatchers, and we are offering an exclusive hiring bonus for those who qualify. Join the City of San Mateo as a lateral police dispatcher and take your career to the next level in a community that values and supports its emergency services professionals. San Mateo offers a vibrant and supportive environment where your experience and skills will be highly valued and rewarded. As a dispatcher here, you'll work with a dedicated team in a state-of-the-art facility, playing a vital role in coordinating emergency responses and ensuring the safety of our community. Enjoy the opportunity to make a significant impact while benefiting from excellent training, career advancement opportunities, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you're ready for a fulfilling career move, consider bringing your talents to San Mateo.

This is a continuous recruitment. Applicants are added to the employment list if they meet the minimum qualifications. 

Hiring Bonus

Applicants hired meeting the criteria for an experienced lateral dispatcher could be eligible for:

1. A $15,000 hiring bonus over a 3-year timeline upon 1) completion of training, 2) completion of probation, and 3) 36-months of employment with the City of San Mateo Police Department.
    
2. 40 hours of vacation time upon completion of training with proof of leave balances from prior agency.

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.

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

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

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