Lead Public Safety Dispatcher

Salary: $84,510.40 – $113,256.00 Annually

Position Summary:

Under direction, plans, schedules, and supervises the work of assigned staff engaged in public safety dispatching work and customer service duties; leads dispatching of public safety emergency units via radio and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) in accordance with established procedures using a computerized dispatch system; determines priority of emergency calls, and contacts and sends appropriate response units; and performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Plans, coordinates, schedules, inspects, and supervises the work of assigned dispatch staff; provides for the training of staff in work methods, use of tools, and equipment; provides specialized training for staff and other sections and departments, and evaluates new methods and techniques to apply.
• Receives and supervises call taking, complaints, and inquiries from the public for police or other emergency services, over multiple phone lines and multiple radio frequencies; answers 911 emergency calls; screens incoming calls to triage, determining necessity, priority, and type of response(s) required, in accordance with established procedures.
• Participates in the preparation of budget recommendations; authorizes the purchase of materials and monitors work activities and expenditures to control costs; suggests needs for equipment upgrades to supervisor and manager.
• Responds to and leads assigned staff in emergency situations.
• Assists and supports the section’s supervisor and/or manager in developing and implementing the section’s operational scheduling; evaluates and recommends work standards and procedures for the section; evaluates scheduling, labor, and other job-specific requirements.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints and attends various meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Leads dispatching of public safety emergency units via radio and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) in accordance with established procedures using a computerized dispatch system; determines priority of emergency and contacts and sends appropriate response units; conducts computer inquiries in several law enforcement databases to determine warrants on persons, missing persons, vehicles, and property; deciphers information received from these databases; enters information into databases; operates telephone equipment (TTY) for hard of hearing persons.
• Assists in the implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of technology systems, databases, and equipment; supports operational continuity by coordinating with internal teams and vendors; evaluates and recommends improvements to enhance system efficiency and reliability.
• Acts as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides correct information regarding services, policies, and procedures; directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.
• Leads the maintenance of accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files and completes a variety of record keeping functions, filing, and other such clerical work.
• Attends required trainings (e.g., Peace Officer Standards and Training [P.O.S.T.] and departmental), required meetings, and shift briefs; participates in drills and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports, including timecards, worksheets, audio recordings of radio transmission and telephone calls, accident reports, and maintenance requests.
• Assists supervisory staff with the performance review process, as directed.
• Performs assigned disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.
• Observes and complies with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• Two (2) years of experience in public safety dispatching experience for a government entity.
• Possession of a valid California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Certification, to be maintained throughout employment.