Public Safety Communications - Supervising Communications Dispatcher (20703570)

San Mateo County Public Safety Communications is in search of LEADERS!

The Office of Public Safety Communications (PSC) is accepting applications for the position of Supervising Communications Dispatcher.

Serving as both the backbone and heartbeat of the operations team, Supervising Communications Dispatchers lead and coordinate operations of a shift or an assigned function, and must be familiar with all disciplines of the Centeroperations. With a high level of trust and independence, Supervisors must exercise discretion and sound judgment as it relates to the day-to-day shift operation. In addition, Supervising Dispatchers, while fostering growth and accountability, will provide administrative, technical, and policy guidance as well as helping subordinate Communications Dispatchers develop through thoughtful feedback and performance evaluations.

About the Department:

San Mateo County’s only Tri-Community (Police, Fire, Medical) Communications Center is hiring. Our dispatch facility, located in Redwood City, is top-notch and provides all the tools for dispatchers to be successful both personally and professionally. The Regional Operations Center boasts state-of-the-art consoles and communication systems, including a brand-new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. PSC prides itself on being an organization committed to employee well-being. PSC is the first San Mateo County department, as well as the first 911 center in the County, to employ a full-time Wellbeing and Equity Coordinator. Examples of our commitment to wellbeing include mental health initiatives, therapy animals in the center, an on-site gym, a Quiet Room, and a full kitchen for the use of our employees. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of light into the Communications Center. To learn more about Public Safety Communications, visit them at https://www.smcgov.org/911dispatch.

Supervising Communications Dispatchers, under the direction of the Operations Manager, are responsible for full operational responsibility of the tri-community (Fire, Medical, Police) Public Safety Communications Center on an assigned shift. Supervising Dispatchers provide administrative, technical, and policy guidance as well as direct supervision of subordinate Communications Dispatchers.

The Ideal Candidate will be and have:

• A proven leader who exemplifies the characteristics of a successful Dispatch Supervisor.
• A problem solver with the ability to identify, assess, prioritize, and address problems as they arise.
• A creative thinker who is not afraid to try new methods.
• An excellent communicator who can interpret organizational philosophies and directives and communicate to staff in a concise manner.
• Customer service focused.
• A multi-tasker who is organized and has the ability to prioritize.
• Possession of a California POST Basic Certificate for Public Safety Dispatchers, or be able to obtain one within the probationary period.
• An experienced dispatcher with knowledge and hands-on use of Computer Aided Dispatch systems.
• Knowledgeable in regulations of the Federal Communications Commission regarding radio and/or telephone operation.
• The ability to communicate using communication devices such as radio or telephone.

If you are a leader committed to striving for excellence who wants to make a difference in the community, PSC is the place for you!

Currently, there are two Regular, Full-Time Supervising Communications Dispatcher vacancies.

The successful incumbent MUST be willing to work day, swing, graveyard, rotating, holiday, weekend, overtime, and mandatory shifts.

Additionally, the successful incumbent will be required to:

• Successfully complete a pre-employment medical examination.
• Follow strict Drug Use standards and guidelines.
• Possess good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation mandated by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), More information here: https://post.ca.gov/public-safety-dispatcher-candidate-information.

Examples Of Duties

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

• Plan, direct, assign, supervise, monitor, train, and evaluate the activities of a shift in the Communications Center or other assigned specific function.
• Provide leadership and direct supervision to assigned Communications Dispatchers or other assigned personnel.
• Attend and/or facilitate meetings directly related to Communications Center operations or other assigned functions.
• Conduct investigations into internal and external inquiries.
• Prepare detailed written reports, policies, procedures, and bulletins.
• Consult with other supervisory staff on relevant issues; develop alternate strategies for dealing with community needs and assist in the implementation of solutions as necessary.
• Assess shift operations and fluctuating workloads and take appropriate action to meet workload demands.
• Coordinate large-scale incidents by identifying and prioritizing tasks and ensuring all functions have a course of action.
• Update shift schedule based upon staffing changes/needs.
• Complete and/or facilitate administrative tasks associated with shift operations.
• Receive, review, and process incident reports.
• Receive and process business or emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, and other public safety agencies, as needed.
• Screen and prioritize telephone workload.
• Monitor shift workloads and specific system status.
• Provide leadership, support, and assistance in a team environment during day-to-day operations, as well as critical or large-scale incidents.
• Take a leadership role in coordinating the dispatching of mutual aid incidents.
• Develop and foster a positive working rapport with customers, the public, other county departments, and co-workers.
• Testify in court regarding legal proceedings related to Communication Center operations, as needed.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of highways, streets, buildings, and major points of interest in the County and adjacent areas.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: February 17 - 20, 2026

Civil Service Panel Interview: March 3 and/or 4, 2026