Location
Description
The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for the position of Dispatcher I.
This is a continuous recruitment. Applicants are added to the employment list as they meet the minimum qualifications.
Experience and Education Guidelines:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Some telephone or dispatch experience is highly desirable.
Education:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
License or Certificate:
Verification of successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Examination with a minimum passing "T-Score" of 48 or higher or verification of successful completion of a CritiCall Examination with a minimum passing score of 50 or higher.
Possession of, or ability to attain, a POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) Written Examination Certificate
Currently Dispatcher’s hours are scheduled under the 4-10 work schedule. Employees work ten hours per day, four days per week and shift work is required. Work schedules will vary and overtime may be required.
Ideal Candidate
Knowledge of:
- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Standard radio or telephone communications receiving and transmitting equipment. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Ability to:
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Learn standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
- Learn to operate a sophisticated computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately. Learn the uses and capabilities of the City's computer aided dispatch system.
- Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations with a minimum amount of supervision.
- Learn geographic features and streets within the area served and other user agencies.
- Learn department procedures and policies pertaining to the dispatching of City emergency equipment and those of other user agencies.
- Effectively elicit information from irate and upset citizens.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Learn to operate a computerized dispatch teletype and other office equipment.
- Learn public safety classification codes and computer commands. Spell accurately.
- Work various shifts as assigned.
Benefits
For information about benefits, please refer to the MOU by clicking on this link
MOUs and Compensation Resolutions | San Mateo, CA - Official Website (cityofsanmateo.org)
Special Instructions
The Examination and Selection Process
Based upon a review of the applications, responses to the supplemental questionnaires, applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be placed on the employment list. The employment list is updated continuously as applicants become eligible. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. Your name will remain in effect for one year from the date that you are notified. Once placed on the employment list and when a position needs to be filled, the San Mateo Police Department representative will contact candidates selected to move onto the next step in the hiring process.
Before a conditional employment offer is made, candidates must take a polygraph examination. If successful, a conditional employment offer is made and candidates are then required to successfully pass a psychological and medical examination, a drug screen, personal interviews, background investigation, fingerprinting, and must be able to furnish proof of legal right to work in the United States. The process will end with the Chief of Police or her designee’s interview. The City’s standards must be met before the final appointment is made.
ADA Special Requirement:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment with some ability to sit for long periods of time, twist, and reach.
Note: The City of San Mateo reserves the right, at its discretion, to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to the selection process. ALL RESPONSES WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA THE EMAIL ADDRESS PROVIDED IN YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION. Therefore, it is imperative that you provide an email address to which you have access, and it is recommended that you frequently check your email for notices from: sanmateo@CalOpps.org
Fine Print
Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a driving record review, reference check, and Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. The policy of the City of San Mateo is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual preference, marital status, or national origin. It is the intent and desire of the City of San Mateo that equal employment opportunity will be provided in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants requiring accommodations for any part of the testing or recruitment process must notify lcoles@cityofsanmateo.org or (650) 522-7264 seven (7) days in advance of the deadline for the part of the process requiring accommodations. Do not upload any documents related to your request for accommodation in CalOpps. The City of San Mateo complies with employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.