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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: 

This is a management position in the unclassified service.  An incumbent in this position has the responsibility to plan, organize, lead, and control the operations of the Dispatch Division of the Police Department.  The incumbent, using good management and supervisory skills, manages, motivates, corrects, and evaluates assigned subordinate personnel.  Additionally, the incumbent will transmit messages or documents of a confidential nature.

As a member of the City's Unclassified Service, this is an "at-will" position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification: demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City's Code of Ethics and values.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

The annual salary range for this position is $156,770.64 - $202,878.00.  This position will be filled at or near the bottom of the salary range. 

Typical Duties:

Under general direction, duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Screens and recommends the selection of operations personnel; 
• Deals effectively with a wide range of personnel matters;
• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget for Communications Operations;
• Supervises operations personnel;
• Prepares statistical data;
• Conducts and oversees training programs for operations personnel;
• Performs liaison duties with other City departments;
• Coordinates emergency operations between various departmental personnel and equipment;
• Operates computer equipment for information essential to the operation of the department;
• Acts as the custodian of record for retention of recorded data;
• Maintains statistical information and other necessary data;
• Investigates and resolves complaints received from the public, user departments and other agencies;
• Counsels employees when appropriate; and
• Performs related duties as required for the position, including dispatching in times of emergency or when needed.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Equivalent to graduation from high school and thirty (30) semester units of college level work with an emphasis in public safety, supervision and management, public administration or related subjects; and
• Five years' experience dispatching in the public safety field, at least two (2) years of which having been at the supervisory level.
Possible Substitutions:
• Administrative or supervisory experience in a public safety department may be substituted for the dispatching experience on a year for year basis.

LICENSE
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS
• Willing to respond to callback in case of major emergencies or local disasters;
• Willing to work Saturdays and odd, irregular and unusual hours;
• Will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting, polygraph and/or psychological testing; and
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job.

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:
• Two way radio and telephone communications operations; and
• The rules and regulations of the FCC as they pertain to two way radio telephone communications.

Ability to:
• Schedule, organize, train, lead, and manage the work of subordinates;
• Spell correctly and write legibly;
• Enunciate clearly and distinctly;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, fellow workers and related agencies;
• Carry out oral and written instructions;
• Initiate and maintain written records and to write reports of unusual occurrences;
• Oversee the instruction and training of subordinates in operational procedures;
• Work in a team based environment and achieve common goals;
• Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload and meet strict deadlines;
• Maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations;
• Operate computer and other business tools; and
• Bend, stoop, reach, walk up and down stairs and stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
 

Additional Information: 

You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter and, 2) Resume. 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 recruitment is open until filled and applications will be screened every 2-3 weeks. A first review of applications will be on January 31, 2024. 

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

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.  

Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all employees starting on or after February 11, 2022 to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent a documented medical and/or religious exemption.  Proof of vaccination means that employees are required to be “up-to-date” with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine. Consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order issued on December 28, 2021, "up-to-date" means that employees are required to be vaccinated with the entire recommended initial series of a COVID-19 vaccine (two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine). 

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 San José Fire Department is recruiting to fill (3) three Hazardous Materials Inspector II positions in the Bureau of Fire Prevention Division. The Hazardous Materials Inspector II’s may be assigned to Hazardous Materials Development Services group to perform plan reviews and inspections, or to Hazardous Materials Code Enforcement group to conduct detailed field inspections at facilities storing, handling, or using hazardous materials including highly hazardous materials unique to Silicon Valley. Both group activities do cross over, as required for back up and special demands and for cross training, as needed.

 

The Hazardous Materials II inspector inspects, reviews, and enforces commercial and industrial facilities for compliance with the San Jose Fire Code, California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) regulations, CSFM adopted sections of the California Building Code Series, San Jose Hazardous Materials Storage Permit Ordinance, S and applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) nationally recognized standards.

 

Duties for this position include, but may not be limited to:

 

• Providing technical assistance to facilities, consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, department officers/staff and the Fire Marshal on the application and/or interpretation of fire safety codes/regulations and on resolution of fire safety and hazardous materials issues identified in the design, construction or operations of buildings and integrated systems;

• Reviewing and analyze hazardous materials inventory statements for chemical classification;

• Reviewing and analyze hazardous materials business plans, construction documents, monitoring and treatment system plans for compliance with codes and regulations;

• Inspect commercial and industrial facilities and construction sites including reviewing facility maintenance records and document finding in inspections reports.

• Conducting enforcement as necessary including preparing citations and other administrative orders, conducting compliance meetings,

• Preparing enforcement cases for the City Attorney and District Attorney including the preparation of analytical data, reports, assisting in interpreting laws and regulations and providing court testimony, as required;

• Responding to complaint investigations for alleged violations of the aforementioned codes and standards.

• Assisting outside agencies and other City Departments including, Code Enforcement, Building Department, Planning Department, Public Works, and Environmental Services-Wastewater Pretreatment.

• Conduct public record request record searches

• Participate in the review of plans submitted for development projects for verification of code compliance with municipal codes.   

• Provide written plan review comments to development project applicants identifying discrepancies identified after compliance reviews.

• Conduct Hazardous Materials system installation and closure inspections for code compliance verification. 

• Assist with training of staff as requested.

 

Salary

Hazardous Materials Inspector II: $106,950.48 - $129,948.00 annually. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

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

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 Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) is currently recruiting to fill multiple Code Enforcement Inspector (CEI) I/II positions in the Code Enforcement Division.

The Code Enforcement Division is looking for self-motivated individuals with experience working in an inspection, regulatory, or enforcement environment with strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Perform inspections and complaint investigations of moderate difficulty involving code violations on residential, commercial, industrial, vacant, or other private property to ascertain and gather facts related to applicable ordinances, codes, laws, rules, and regulations, and determine and institute proper enforcement action with conclusive results.

- Issue administrative citations and notices. Researches and prepares cases for review by quasi-judicial board. Utilizes administrative remedy process to conduct enforcement. May participate in civil proceedings.

- Manage caseload and related tasks; respond timely and in compliance with internal procedures, policies, and target inspection response times.

- Explain, interpret, and make presentations of ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations to customers, residents, community groups, agencies, businesses, and other entities. Participates in community meetings or events.

- Prepare notices, orders, reports and correspondence for review and approval by supervisor.

In addition, Code Enforcement Inspectors may be required to work a flexible schedule that may include working evenings or weekends. Applicants with bilingual skills are encouraged to apply.

For more info visit our Code Enforcement Website

This classification requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, and income and business positions. Incumbents will be required to complete Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests.

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.

Salary

Code Enforcement Inspector I: $79,191.84 - $96,183.36 annually

Code Enforcement Inspector II: $91,728.00 - $111,493.20 annually

These amounts include an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

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.

• Ability to perform routine inspection, investigation, and enforcement of applicable codes and ordinances of an environmental, blight, zoning, housing, solid waste, building construction, land use, and sign enforcement nature.

• Ability to perform routine arithmetic calculations.

• Knowledge of the San Jose Municipal Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, California Building Standard Code, the Uniform Housing Code, the Uniform Building Code, the Uniform Plumbing Code, the Uniform Mechanical Code, and the National Electric Code

• Knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of public health sanitation as applied to inspection and investigation of buildings occupied as living quarters.

Coaching – Provides guidance, opportunities, and motivation to develop and strengthen knowledge, skills, and competencies to improve employee’s capabilities.

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.

Conflict Management – Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people, by presenting the facts, analysis, and conclusions or solutions that show command of content and perspectives and interests of the audience.

Customer Service – Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers’ needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

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

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

Multi-Tasking – can effectively handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).

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.

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.

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