Public Safety Dispatcher I

$58,473 - $64,467 Annually

(Additional $214 to $316 / month for EMD* Certification)

Hiring Bonus up to $6,000

INCENTIVES

• $138 to $277/mo Shift Differential

• $110 to $222/mo Bilingual Pay

• $863/yr Uniform Allowance

• City Paid Medical, Dental & Vision

• City Paid Life Insurance $50,000

• 4/10 Work Schedule, 3 Days Off Per Week

• Flexible Medical And Dependent Care Plans

• Deferred Compensation Plans

• City Paid Vacation, Holiday, And Sick Leave

• City Paid Retiree Medical Contribution

• City Paid Formal Training

This is an unclassified trainee position. Under supervision, incumbents are trained to answer and process all incoming emergency and non–emergency requests for police, fire, and medical assistance. Operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, video display terminals, and associated equipment. Evaluate the information and create a CAD system incident, or provide information to the caller or transfer the call to the proper emergency service provider. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action to help assure officer safety. Monitor and maintain status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment; initiate fire equipment move-ups to ensure adequate citywide fire protection. Determine nature, priority, and disposition of calls. Inquire, interpret, verify, receive, and disseminate information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, and vehicle registration. May be required to provide the public with basic first aid and pre-arrival instructions during medical emergencies following the established Emergency Medical Dispatch* (EMD) protocols. Perform other duties as required.

The Combined Communications Center is a 24-hour facility located at the Police Department. Incumbents must be available to work weekends, holidays, call back, standby, and rotating shifts. The current shifts are: Day Shift 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Evening Shift 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and Night Shift 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Shifts are rotated every 16 weeks.

For applicants who have passed the simulation examination and would like to participate in the Police Department Dispatcher observation tour, call the Communication Center Shift Supervisor at (805) 897-2410. For information concerning the Police Department's Ride-Along program call the Beat Coordinator's Office at (805) 897-3703.

Ability to: Follow oral and written instructions; learn police and fire radio operations and procedures, local streets, police beats, fire districts, the classifications of crimes and recognition of common police and fire codes in order to obtain information from the public, initiate a response, and accurately record information; remember instructions and information; clearly and tactfully communicate factual information to citizens; question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal. Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with those contacted in the course of work.

Skill in: Operating a computer terminal; listening and speaking clearly and responding quickly and accurately to emergency and routine requests for assistance.

Desirable Qualifications: Spanish-speaking skills; coursework in criminal justice or communications; public contact experience.

THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY CONSIST OF:

1. Simulation Exam

2. Oral Interview

3. Department Background Interview

4. Background Investigation

5. Polygraph

6. Psychological Evaluation

7. Medical Examination and Drug Screening

Candidates must successfully complete each phase of the selection process in order to be scheduled for subsequent phases.

APPLICATIONS, WITH THE ATTACHED ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM SIGNED, ARE ACCEPTED ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS.

NOTE: APPLICATIONS MAY BE REJECTED IF INCOMPLETE.