We are always looking for new and experienced dispatchers.

$23.75 to $30.32 per hour

CLASS PURPOSE

Under direct supervision, answers and processes incoming emergency requests, enters information in prescribed format into the Agency’s computer aided dispatch (CAD) telecommunications system; receives general training in 9-1-1 public safety dispatching.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Answers the telephone and receives emergency, non-emergency and 9-1-1 requests for assistance; evaluates the information and creates a CAD system event or transfers the call to the proper emergency service provider, or provides information and instructions to the caller, including medical “pre-arrival” instructions.

• Receives structured classroom and on-the-job training to increase the level of competence to that of a journey-level public safety dispatcher.

• Operate a Computer Aided Dispatch System, video display terminals, and associated equipment.

• Provide EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) instructions to callers.

• Maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, areas, industrial and public facilities within Agency boundaries.

• Perform radio dispatching duties that meet standards of performance.

• May dispatch police, sheriff, fire and ambulances and other personnel on both routine and emergency calls.

• May assist in the training of employees.

• Determine and reports the need for equipment repairs.

MINIMUM EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

• Must be 18 years of age

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Valid CA drivers license

• No felony convictions

POSITION BENEFITS

• Excellent benefit package includes PERS 2% at 62 retirement, medical, dental, and vision.

• Longevity Incentive

  • Starts at 2.5% for 2.5 years of service, up to 15% for 15 years of service

  • Available for lateral dispatchers with comparable experience as a public safety dispatcher

• Shift Differential and Training Pay

  • 5% shift differential for graveyard shift

  • 5% pay upgrade when training a new employee

• Attendance and Retention bonuses

• The agency does not participate in Social Security. All employees pay 1.4% for Medicare and 1.18% for SDI.

• Public Safety Dispatchers are represented by General Teamsters Local 137.

QUALIFICATIONS, MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read, write, spell and speak in clear and concise English

• Ability to learn correct telephone answering techniques, policies and procedures

• Ability to learn correct public safety dispatching techniques, policies and procedures

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions

• Ability to deal tactfully with the public and others

• Ability to work in a confined area and wear a radio headset

• Ability to remain calm during emergencies and to obtain relevant information from callers who are in stressful situations

• Ability to learn to accurately enter information in the computer system while simultaneously receiving information by telephone and radio

• Ability to pass an intensive police background investigation which will include DMV driving record, financial history, employment history, education and training, illegal conduct (drug use, etc.), personal references.

• Ability to learn and interpret maps

• Ability to learn radio and other codes used in the creation of computer-aided calls for dispatch

• Ability to type at not less than 45 words per minute from clear text

• Ability to attend all scheduled work periods including assigned overtime when needed

• Ability to work a rotating schedule outside of normal business hours that includes weekends, holidays and nights and overtime

COMPETENCY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Agency emergency telephone answering and law

• enforcement or other dispatching policies and procedures

• Knowledge of primary roads, streets, highways, areas, major buildings and public facilities within the Agencies boundaries

• Ability to effectively perform emergency telephone answering and processing duties

• Ability to perform as a journey-level dispatcher