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City of Los Altos
Invites you to apply for the position of:

Communications Officer

$107,060.49 - $130,132.69 Annually

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! The Police Communications Center is a fast-paced environment serving first responders and the community during emergency and non-emergency events. Communications Officers interact daily with the public and law enforcement personnel through phone calls, 9-1-1 events, in person and over the police radio system. We are looking for highly skilled professionals who can multi-task and react calmly during emergency situations, while making quick decisions and determining the nature and severity of service calls. If you are looking to make a difference in the City of Los Altos while working in the Communications Center, this position is for you!

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, the Communications Officer, as a member of the Police Department, transmits and receives information over the police and public works radio system; dispatches routine and emergency calls for service; types, records, and files information; handles emergency and non-emergency telephone calls utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD), and performs related work as assigned.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public for police, fire, or other emergency services; determines the nature of the call and the resources necessary to respond.
• Monitors police radio communications; maintains contact with police units to track officer status and respond to need for additional resources; monitors various radio channels to keep abreast of county-wide police activities affecting the City and assist other county agencies with mutual aid.
• Prioritizes requests for police and other public safety services; determines availability and location of patrol units; transmits information and dispatches police personnel and equipment in response to calls; routes calls for fire and emergency medical assistance to the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
• Assists police personnel in the field by quickly and accurately researching and relaying criminal history information and other requested data.
• Receives and coordinates requests for emergency Public Works assistance outside of the City’s normal business hours (pertaining to full municipal services in Los Altos, and sewer maintenance requests in Los Altos Hills and the surrounding unincorporated areas).

Click here to view the full job description and duties.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills; ability to multi-task in stressful situations. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small-town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE OF: Standard office methods, procedures, software and equipment; Geography of the local area; General public safety communications practices; Principles of customer service.

SKILL AND ABILITY TO: Multi-task and prioritize; Efficiently use radio and other communications equipment; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Analyze situations quickly and accurately; Maintain composure and work effectively under pressure; Understand and follow oral and written direction; Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties; Establish, maintain, and promote positive working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, & CERTIFICATES:

Any combination of the listed experience and education requirements may lead to a qualifying application. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

• A minimum of one year of public safety radio dispatching and/or basic clerical experience is required

Education:

• Possession of a High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.
• Proof of successful completion of either the Criticall Dispatcher test with a passing score or the P.O.S.T. Entry-level Dispatcher Test with a T-score of 50 or above. (Lateral applicants that are currently employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher (non-probationary) do not need to submit proof of test scores, however a California POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate is required.)
• Completion of college-level coursework is highly desirable

Certificates:

• Possession of a typing certificate with a minimum of 50 wpm dated within one year of the application date must be included as an attachment.
• Possession of Basic P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate is highly desirable and may be substituted for work experience.

This position will require the ability to work rotating shifts on an on-going basis, including irregular hours on short notice. This position will also be assigned a uniform to wear during work hours.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Position and Duties:

The Senior Executive Analyst (SEA) position will work out of the City Manager’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) located at 855 N. San Pedro Street, San Jose.   

This SEA position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

·     Prepares and monitors the OEM budget; prepares revenue estimates and forecasts; establishes fees and charges; prepares and monitors operating budgets, grants, contracts, and other financial transactions.

·     Develops fiscal reporting systems that are reflective of complex operational costs and provides accurate and timely management information for use in the management and administration of the annual OEM budget.

·     Produces and presents cost reports and key performance metrics on a monthly or more frequent basis as needed.

·     Negotiates and develop contracts, grants and special funds to meet specific City or department needs; prepares bids and specifications; monitors timely fulfillment of deliverables by contractor/consultant, reviews compliance of contractor/consultant work progress and accuracy of consultant/contractor billing submitted for work completed.

·     Recommends and writes procedures, oversees the implementation of program policies and procedures, provides training on program requirements and best practices and conducts continuous process evaluation and improvements

·     Supervises professional and support staff, prioritizes and assigns work, conducts performance appraisals, ensures staff meets performance targets, and participates in training and development opportunities.

·     Supports the planning, leadership, and development of a focused effort within the OEM, that could include interdepartmental contact, engagement of contract services, drafting a plan and procedures, training City staff on how to carry out the plan, or other actions necessary to complete the policy, tasks, training and exercises, and efforts to execute the plan.

·     Will be assigned Duty Officer role and responsibilities in support of OEM protocols. 

·     Will be assigned a role in the emergency operations center (EOC) in support of responses to emergencies and disasters.

·     Will be expected to engage in emergency management activities and pursue emergency management training and certifications.

·     Other projects/activities, as assigned.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this classification. 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.

Core Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.  Desirable competencies for this position include:

·     Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

·     Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

·     Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

·     Analytical Thinking - Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.

·     Fiscal Management - Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.

·     Leadership - Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.

·     Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

·     Supervision - Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers.

The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience.  In addition to the starting salary, employees in the Senior Accountant classification shall also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.

Salary Range:
$90,729.60 - $110,552.00 Annually
 

The Community Energy Department is seeking to fill one (1) Senior Accountant position in the Budget and Financial Management Division. This position reports to the Division Manager and will work closely with the City’s Finance Department and the City Manager’s Budget Office. Under general supervision, the Senior Accountant will be responsible for developing and maintaining fiscal operations for the department, as well as day-to-day management of the fiscal team. Other responsibilities include monitoring the needs of the accounting function in the department and providing recommendations to ensure the department’s accounting expertise remains in line with financial reporting demands and regulatory requirements. Typical duties of this position may include, but are not limited to: 

• Managing the accounting and financial reporting requirements of San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE);
• Assuring compliance with a variety of regulations and fiscal procedures related to the flow of SJCE funds;
• Preparing periodic financial statements, including SJCE’s annual financial statements, notes to the financial statements and auditor lead sheets;
• In coordination with the City’s internal and external auditors, developing Agreed Upon Procedures for the SJCE program and respond to annual audits of those procedures;
• Working closely with the City’s Finance Department, maintain compliance with the requirements of the City’s General Ledger and ensuring that financial statements/reports are compliant with professional accounting standards and applicable rules and regulations; 
• Implementing any new Generally Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements related to Clean Energy;
• Overseeing bank reconciliations and ensuring program transactions are properly documented and accounted for;
• Supporting year-end financial audits on behalf of SJCE, including demonstrating compliance with financial policies, procedures and other relevant information to internal and external auditors; 
• Assisting in the preparation of a variety of departmental and City financial reports, including the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report as well as other applicable regulatory reports. 

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. 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

 
Competencies:

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.  Desirable competencies for this position include:

• Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures, policies, and federal and state rules and regulations. 

• Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts. 

• Computer Skills – Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel. 

• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills – Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills. 

• Analytical Thinking – Approaches a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach. 

• Fiscal Management – Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements. 

• Planning – Acts to align own unit’s goals with the strategic direction of the organization; defines tasks and milestones to achieve objectives, while ensuring the optimal use of resources to meet those objectives. 

• Problem Solving – Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome. 

• Leadership – Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational support and direction.

The City of San José hosts approximately 80 student interns annually, from majors that include finance, graphic design, information technology, accounting, urban planning, political science, public administration, and many others. Applicants must be a current student enrolled in a college or university to apply and must continue to be enrolled during their employment/service with the City of San José.

Interns at the City have flexible hours to work around their school schedules. Undergraduate interns generally work between 20-30 hours per week and graduate interns work between 25-40 hours per week.
 

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers.   

Departments that most frequently offer internship opportunities are listed below.  For more information on all City departments, click here.    
 
San Jose International Airport (SJC) is now accepting applications for Summer Internship Program. Student Interns at the Airport will learn and gain practical experience in multiple areas of airport operations and management. Interns will also be exposed to various airport industry careers while enriching their personal and educational goals.   

 
The Public Works Department’s  mission is to provide excellent service in building a smart and sustainable community, maintaining and managing the City’s assets, and serving the animal care needs of the community.  Interns can expect to perform substantive work, develop professional relationships, and help make a positive impact in the City of San Jose.  With 9 divisions providing a diverse array of services, the Department offers a unique variety of opportunities across a number of fields of study for students to enhance their academic learning with real world knowledge, receive valuable training while providing public service to the community, and experience a professional work environment where they can develop both work and life skills. Internship opportunities include: Administrative Services, Animal Care & Services, City Facilities Architectural Services, Development Services, Engineering Services, Equality Assurance, Facilities Management, Fleet Management, and Transportation and Hydraulics Services. 
 
The Environmental Services Department (ESD) has established a national reputation for environmental leadership and innovation with award-winning recycling, water conservation, water quality protection, and wastewater treatment programs. Its major initiatives are: healthy streams, rivers, marshlands and bay waters; reliable water, garbage, and recycling services; clean and green air, land and energy policy development; and community education aimed at environmental sustainability. Interns in ESD can work on fun projects, make presentations, create and prepare training materials, do valuable research, use tech savvy skills to help market materials and provide overall team support.
 
The Department of Transportation (DOT) maintains and operates the City of San José's transportation network of roadways, traffic signals, street lights, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, street trees and landscaping in addition to the public sewer system and storm drains. DOT's goal is to provide a transportation system that is safe, efficient, and convenient for all users, and that supports the City's livability and economic vitality. San José has adopted bold policy goals to be a leading city in the areas of environmental sustainability, innovation and fiscal efficiency. San José's DOT is organized into the following four divisions:

• Infrastructure Maintenance
• Transportation and Parking Operations
• Transportation Planning and Project Delivery
• Director's Office / Administration Services

San Jose Public Library is the largest public library system between San Francisco and Los Angeles. A proud recipient of the Gale/Library Journal Library of the Year Award, the library is an acknowledged leader in providing innovative services to meet changing customer needs. The San Jose Public Library enriches lives by fostering lifelong learning and by ensuring that every member of the community has access to a vast array of ideas and information.
 
Housed within the Office of the City Manager, the Office of Economic Development (OED) leads the implementation of the City of San Jose Economic Strategy by working with other City departments, private businesses, and community partners. OED has four integrated divisions: Business Development, focused on job creation, business attraction, expansion and retention; Business Operations and Real Estate, focused on revenue generation, management of city owned property, and Department administrative support; Cultural Affairs, responsible for arts and cultural development; and work2future, the federally funded workforce development program serving Silicon Valley.
 
The Information Technology Department's (ITD) mission is to enable the service delivery of its customers through the integration of City-wide technology resources.  ITD consists of four core service areas:  

• Enterprise Technology Systems and Solutions- Business Systems, Database Administration, Financial Management Systems, HR/Payroll, Integrated Billing 
• Information Technology Infrastructure- Core Network Infrastructure, Information Security, Telecommunications, Servers, Desktop Support, Email
• Customer Contact Center- Utility Billing, Internet Self-Service, General Information Requests
• Strategic Support- Budget/Fiscal Management, Procurement, Contract Administration, Human Resources Analytical Support.

The mission of the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) is to cultivate healthy communities through quality programs and dynamic public spaces.  Through proactive, strategic work plans, the Communications team develops, creates and implements outreach that is creative, articulate and engaging while telling a story of “Building Community Through FUN”. 

Interns' skills and talents will contribute to the creation and activation of community-building places, programs and people. Interns will gain experience and build their portfolio as interns provide general support, assist in event production and work on specific programs and projects important to PRNS and the City. 

The Planning Division in the Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) is responsible for both long range planning--which involves guiding the City’s future by stewarding Envision San Jose 2040 (the City’s General Plan) and preparing  Urban Village plans and other area plans--as well as current planning through the review of development proposals.  The Planning Division implements policies and plans that determine where and how the City will grow  and how that growth will be balanced with the availability of infrastructure and services.

The PBCE internship program is designed to offer professional learning opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in the urban planning field. Interns may be assigned to specific projects in the sub-disciplines of urban village planning, development review, zoning, urban design, transportation, economic development, housing, sustainability, historic preservation, Geographic Information Systems, and data analytics.   Interns will gain exposure to the operations of a planning department and have the opportunity to work on “real life” projects.

Finance Department – The Finance Department has over 100 employees who are dedicated to serve the needs of our customers throughout the City of San Jose. Our mission is to manage, protect, and report on the City of San Jose’s financial resources to enhance the City’s financial condition for our residents, businesses, and investors. Our services are provided to the organization and community through four separate divisions which include Treasury, Revenue Management, Accounting, and Purchasing. The range of services includes debt management, investments/cash management, payment processing, billing, accounts receivable, delinquent tax/revenue collections, payroll, accounts payable, financial reporting, risk management, and procurement services.

The Housing Department's mission is to strengthen and revitalize our community through housing and neighborhood investment. Since the Housing Department was established in 1987, the City has been a leader in affordable housing, creating more than 21,000 new housing opportunities for San José residents.

A major function of the Housing Department is its work as a funder. The Department utilizes numerous financing vehicles to bring new affordable housing to fruition and rehabilitate older affordable housing. The Department also funds grants for nonprofits to develop and provide social services, homeless response programs, and community infrastructure. Additional grants support Fair Housing policies, place-based neighborhood efforts, and meal programs for low-income seniors.

The Department oversees a range of other critical programs and initiatives, including rent control and stabilization programs for apartments and mobilehomes, and the City's Ellis Act Ordinance that protects the City's supply of affordable rental housing. And, working in partnership with other City departments and agencies, the Housing Department works to ensure the City has a variety of housing options in every neighborhood.

Salary Information

Student Intern Salary Range - $12.17- $17.38/hr (unbenefitted)
Graduate Student Intern Salary Range - $15.75 - $23.26/hr (unbenefitted)