Public Safety Dispatcher (formerly Communications Operator)

Salary: $107,411.20 – $130,728.00 Annually

Position Summary:

The Communications Center is frequently the first point of contact when a community member requests assistance. The information gathered by the communications operator during this contact is critical to a positive outcome. The Communications Center consists of six (6) stations with each Public Safety Dispatcher assigned to a specific job.

Essential Functions:

• Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, or other related services; determine nature and location of emergency; determine priority and dispatch emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures; coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.
• Use a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to enter calls for service/radio traffic and monitor real-time status of situations; use an automated records management system (RMS) related to public safety activities to enter and retrieve information.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of field units and monitor radio frequencies of outside public safety agencies.
• Receive incoming telephone and voice radio calls for non-emergency assistance; dispatch animal control, utilities and street maintenance staff as needed.
• Enter, retrieve, and update information from teletype networks, including the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.
• Maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, areas, and industrial and public facilities within City boundaries.
• May complete recovered stolen vehicle reports in accordance with established procedures.
• Relay emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel and other agencies in the field.
• Monitor multiple frequencies.
• Determine and report the need for equipment repairs.
• Receive structured classroom and on-the-job training.
• Assist in relaying information during response to natural disasters.
• Perform the duties of a Public Safety Call Taker, as assigned.
• Perform related work as necessary.

Requirements:

• Two (2) years of heavy public contact experience while performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Public Safety dispatch experience is desirable. OR
• Two (2) years of experience as a public safety dispatcher for a Public Safety Answering Point, including heavy public contact while performing multiple tasks and using a computer-aided dispatch system.
• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• Completion of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Course Certification within one year of hire