COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR (DISPATCHER)



Job Details

COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR (DISPATCHER)
Employer

City of Visalia

Salary

$45,679.32 - $57,426.24 Annually

Location

Visalia, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

31160

Department

Police

Opening Date

04/11/2012

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

The Police Department is recruiting for the position of Communications Operator. We are establishing an eligible list for future vacancies.

The ideal candidate will be capable of assertively taking command of situations in a sensitive yet straightforward manner, while showing consideration and respect to others, and will have the ability to deal with stressful and pressured situations in an efficient and controlled manner. Candidates must demonstrate good decision making skills under pressure, work with minimum direct supervision, and be a team player with a positive attitude. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to work all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

TITLE: Communications Operator
SALARY: Depending on qualifications
DEPARTMENT: Police

BASIC FUNCTION: Under general supervision, receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic; dispatches and coordinates police, fire, animal control and other municipal equipment; maintains and processes a variety of communications paperwork, records, and logs. Performs related responsibilities as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the journey level of the Communications Operator series. Positions in this class may be filled by advancement from the lower grade of Assistant Communications Operator, or when filled from the outside, require prior dispatching experience. Positions in this class may be distinguished from the class of Assistant Communications Operator by the frequent use of independent judgment in making decisions in accordance with established rules and procedures and the responsibility of training personnel. While a variety of tasks may be assigned, each step usually follows a pattern which has been established and explained before work is started.

Incumbents in this classification are expected to work shifts which include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Examples of Duties

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives, interprets, classifies, prioritizes and responds to calls of a routine and emergency nature, including those calls involving life threatening situation, expeditiously and accurately.
• Assigns calls to police, fire, or animal control units for necessary action, including determining necessary units required for response; coordinates with patrol supervisors regarding deployment of personnel.
• Visually monitors status display terminals while simultaneously monitoring radio frequencies aurally.
• Ensures correct status of pending and dispatched calls, location of units, and makes "on-line" changes as appropriate.
• Dispatches medical emergencies and provides pre-arrival instructions.
• Provides information to units in areas such as warrants, vehicles, driver's licenses, and criminal history.
• Enters relevant information and retrieves information on multiple computerized systems, including a computer-aided dispatch system.
• Operates a multiple computer system utilizing various programs simultaneously.
• Monitors security entrances to public buildings and closed circuit TV to holding cells.
• Trains new employees in the dispatch function and evaluates and reports progress of trainees to supervisor.
• Testifies in court as required.
• Performs matron duties as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports to Communications Supervisor, Lead Communications Operator or Senior Communications Operator, and does not supervise.

Qualifications / Requirements

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge/Skills/Ability:

• Public safety radio codes, Penal and Vehicle codes, and terminology.
• Receiving, evaluating, prioritizing and relaying emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance.
• Policies, procedures, and operations of the communications center, police department, fire department and S.P.C.A.
• CAD (computer-aided dispatch system) operations.
• Modern office methods and procedures.
• CLETS and records paperwork.
• Exercise tact, courtesy, and patience in all contacts with public and co-workers.
• Evaluating situations quickly and take actions according to procedures.
• Communicate effectively in writing; report preparation; record information quickly and accurately with legible handwriting.
• Communicating verbally over the phone and radio with an understandable and clear voice quality.
• Understanding of the general geography of the City of Visalia; quickly interpreting computerized and physical maps, including identifying major landmarks and streets.
• Work effectively and calmly in stressful and pressured emergency situations, while prioritizing workload and adopting effective courses of action.
• Alternate attention among a variety of tasks simultaneously, while retaining information gathered and exercising sound judgment in situations with a high consequence of error.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Obtain relevant information in emergency situations to make critical decisions quickly and effectively.
• Deal effectively with the public in hostile, hysterical, and other emotional states over the phone.
• Enter information received over phone or radio and accurately in an abbreviated form in a computer.
• Operate a keyboard accurately at 40 corrected words per minute.
• Follow oral and written directions quickly and accurately.
• Follow safe work practices, including workplace safety policies and procedures.
• Prioritize workload.
• Develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public; work effectively in a confined area with other employees.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be:

• Possession of high school diploma or GED.
• One year of 911 emergency dispatching experience with a law enforcement agency, within the last three years.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Basic Certificate
• Keyboarding speed of 40 CWPM (correct words per minute) TYPING CERTIFICATE DATED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE FILING DEADLINE AND DISPATCHER BASIC CERTIFICATE MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL STANDARDS:

Positions in this class are typically situated in a standard office environment resulting in little exposure to the weather and requiring no unusual physical abilities.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be qualified will be invited to participate in a job related interview process. Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough Background Investigation, polygraph test, psychological examination and post-offer medical exam.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
 

Bargaining Unit: Employees in this class are represented by the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council (Group M bargaining unit). This bargaining unit may establish and collect dues for their members' independent from the City of Visalia. Membership and dues in the bargaining unit may be mandatory.
 
Salary Policies: The salary range for the job is stated on the job announcement. Candidates are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range. Salary increases are given based upon employee work performance, up to a maximum of 5% per fiscal year.
 
Bilingual pay of $900 per year is available to those who are eligible and qualify.

A uniform allowance of $800 annually is provided for maintenance and care of department required uniforms or attire. Employees working in the following areas of the Police Department that are required to wear a uniform are eligible for uniform allowance: Dispatch, Records, CSO personnel, Property and Evidence, Crime Lab, Duty Officer personnel, and Parking Enforcement.

Holidays: Regular non-shift full-time City employees receive (10) paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year. In lieu of holidays, Police shift employees receive 44 hours of compensatory time off and 44 hours paid each calendar year.
 
Vacation: Regular full-time employees earn 10 days per year. After 2 years, employees are eligible for 11 days; after 4 years, 14 days; after 9 years, 17 days; and after 16 years, 20 days of vacation per year. Employees are eligible for vacation usage after six (6) months of service. Employees hired from another governmental agency may be entitled to receive years-of service credit for their vacation accrual rate for such previous employment and applies only to the government agency the employee was employed with immediately prior to employment with the City of Visalia.
 
Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees earn twelve (12) sick leave days per year. Employees are eligible for sick leave usage after three (3) months of service. 

Annual Sick Leave Buy Back: After accumulating 60 days (480 hours), the City will purchase back all sick leave hours over 480 hours at 40% of the employee's pay rate.
 
Administrative Leave: Employees classified as FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime pay) currently receive 56 hours of administrative leave per calendar year. Any unused administrative leave hours are paid out on the first paycheck in December.
 
Compensatory Time Off: Regular full-time employees classified as FLSA non-exempt (eligible for overtime pay) currently receive eight (8) hours compensatory time off per calendar year.
 
Health Insurance: The City provides employee health insurance which includes medical, dental, and vision care. Employee contribution rates are determined by employee's bargaining unit and plan selected. Health benefits are also available for an employee's dependents for an additional contribution rate. Eligibility for health insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire. Contribution rates are reviewed for adjustment annually.
 
Life Insurance: The City pays the premium for a life insurance and accidental death or dismemberment policy of $30,000. A supplemental life insurance policy may be purchased and paid through payroll deduction. Eligibility for life insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire.
 
Retirement: The City of Visalia is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). New employees are covered under the 2% at 62 plan. [Employees with previous PERS qualifying service (Classic employees) may fall under the 2% at 60 plan.]  Each pay period, the City pays an employer contribution towards the retirement benefit.  Employees are responsible for contributing 4% of the employer contribution.  In addition, there is an established PERS employee contribution rate and the employee pays an amount up to 8.0% of their salary to PERS.
 
Social Security/FICA: City employees are not subject to regular Social Security (FICA) deductions. However, Federal law requires that the Medicare portion of the FICA is deducted.
 
Section 125: The City offers a voluntary Section 125 program whereby tax free contributions are put into a trust account and are available for withdrawal with documentation of an unreimbursed healthcare or dependent care expense (i.e. premium, dependent care, medical care).
 
Long Term Disability: Regular full-time City employees are eligible for disability insurance (up to 2/3 of their salary) in the event they are disabled for more than ninety (90) days. LTD premium cost is paid by the employee.
 
Worker's Compensation: Full-time and hourly employees who sustain an occupational injury or contract occupational illnesses receive standard Worker's Compensation benefits as prescribed by law.
 
Other Benefits: The City also offers additional benefits such as an employee assistance program (EAP), a pre-tax deferred compensation plan, and education assistance up to $1,500 per fiscal year.
 
 

As a potential applicant, you are about to participate in a series of events collectively called the employment process. Because the goal of the employment process is to obtain the most qualified candidates to fill City positions, examinations are administered to qualified applicants. These examinations are conducted in a variety of ways (written, oral, practical, and/or performance), yet they share a common purpose - to test applicants based upon the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.
 
The employment process occurs in several stages which are described below:
 
Application: Perspective employees must submit a City of Visalia application and other documents required as outlined in the announcement by the closing time specified on the final filing date. Final filing dates and times are listed on the front of each announcement. Separate original applications must be submitted for each recruitment/position applied for.
 
Examination: Applicants will be evaluated and applicants who clearly appear to be more qualified in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be invited to take an examination or combination of examinations. Written, practical, oral, and/or performance examination scores, or a pre-determined combined examination score, will determine standing on the eligible list.
 
Exam Accommodations: If you are most qualified for the job, but need reasonable accommodations to take the exam, contact the Human Resources Division at least five (5) days prior to the exam. We want to work with you to design a fair and effective means by which you can demonstrate your ability to perform the essential functions of this job. Be prepared to furnish proof of the need for accommodation. Such proof should normally be a signed statement on letterhead by a professional who is qualified to make a diagnosis.
 
Eligible lists: Eligible lists contain names, in descending order of score, of applicants who have obtained passing scores. Eligible lists are maintained for no less than six (6) months and no more than one year unless otherwise determined by Human Resources. The City retains the authority to reestablish an eligible list for a specific job opening when deemed necessary. Separate eligible lists are established for each recruitment.
 
Selection:  A departmental interview is conducted with the top candidates from the eligible list. The number of candidates interviewed depends on the number of vacancies.
Background Review: Depending on the position, prospective employees will be subject to clearing a background investigation which may include, but is not limited to, a reference check, credit check, criminal history review, social security verification, DMV record check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.
 
Post Offer Medical Examination: Prior to starting work, all prospective employees are required to take a drug/alcohol screening administered by the City's medical provider and/or pass a medical examination. Candidates are cautioned not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.
 
 
Probationary Period: Employees appointed to a new position through an open or promotional process are required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period in their newly appointed position. An employee maybe terminated without recourse for any reason and at any time during the probationary period.
 
Immigration Law: Prior to employment, applicants will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, alien registration or authorization to work in the United States at time of appointment, and complete an I-9 form. Failure to do so within three (3) days from date of hire may be cause for termination. Once hired, failure to maintain authorization to work in the United States may be cause for termination of employment.
 
Driver's License: Some City positions may require possession of a valid California Driver's License. Employees may also be required to submit a DMV printout with proof of automobile insurance and use their automobile in the course of employment as some positions may require the use of your vehicle on the job. Additionally, employees may be required to drive City vehicles or equipment.
 
Non-Smoking Policy: A non-smoking ordinance adopted by the City, provides a smoke free environment.
 
Drug-Free Workplace: The City is a drug-fee workplace and has adopted a comprehensive substance abuse policy.
 
Discrimination and Harassment Policy: A zero tolerance discrimination and harassment policy adopted by the City provides employees and volunteers with a professional work environment in which they are not exposed to harassment and illegal discrimination of any kind.
 
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

01
Describe your knowledge of Police and Fire Department operations and procedures as related to dispatching.
02
Describe your experience dispatching fire and police units to emergencies.
03
Describe your experience using the following systems: CAD system, 911 system, and E911 system.
04
Describe your emergency dispatch training.
05
Do you have a California POST Dispatcher Basic Certificate?
  • Yes
  • No
06
If you answered yes to question number 5, what date did you complete the Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course?
07
As an Adult, have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation? If yes, give dates and explanation. (Conviction does not automatically disqualify you)

* Required Question

Employer
City of Visalia
Address
Online applications only

', California, '
Phone
(559) 713-4300
Website
http://www.visalia.city

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