Part-Time and Full-Time Communications Dispatcher

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, receives requests for fire/law enforcement services and dispatches units via radio; maintains contact with department personnel in the field and stations; provides general phone reception for the City; and performs related duties as required.

Essential Functions:

• Receives requests for fire and police service over the phone; screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required;
• Monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect city police operations;
• Dispatches police and/or fire units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field;
• Uses law enforcement terminology and cites Code sections by number; calls public and private agencies to request mutual assistance when necessary;
• Keeps track of fire and police unit locations and status;
• Maintains constant radio communications with personnel in the field;
• Runs warrant checks on subjects, registration checks on vehicles, and property checks using the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System, or “C.L.E.T.S.”; relays information and instructions to personnel in the field;
• Maintains log of incoming service requests and actions taken; may take criminal reports over the phone; compiles statistical reports;
• Prepares other reports and records as directed;
• Maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned;
• Enters data into computer system; may testify in court; provides general information to the public; as necessary, refers callers to appropriate agencies; acts as central reception for the city by relaying calls to appropriate department, division, and/or person;
• May occasionally perform routine clerical work such as assisting with citation processing, as well as routine typing or report preparation; and may perform matron duties.

Requirements:

• Must have earned a high school diploma, or equivalent, and have one year of experience in public contact work including receipt and referral of a significant volume of requests and telephone communications or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California Driver’s License may be required.
• A typing certificate with a minimum operation rate of 45 net wpm must be submitted with a completed City of Porterville Application with Conviction Inquiry.
• The certificate must be obtained through an accredited facility, trade school, or temporary job placement agency and be valid within the last six (6) months. (Certificates obtained online will not be accepted.)