Dispatcher

Salary : $69,650.10 - $88,293.66 Annually

Location : Paso Robles, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 23/24-07

Department: Police

Opening Date: 11/02/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Description

This recruitment is open until filled. To be considered with the next pull of applicants, apply now!
The City of Paso Robles is pleased to announce the recruitment for Dispatcher. Dispatchers are an integral part of the Police Department by acting as a critical link between the community and police and fire units in the field. They help maintain the safety of our community by taking command of situations in a sensitive and straightforward manner while also showing considerable empathy and respect to others. The successful candidate will be able to assess situations accurately, make quick decisions, and use sound judgement. This recruitment is for both experienced dispatchers as well as entry-level candidates looking for an exciting career change.

Interested in learning more about the department and position? Sign-up for a sit-along

The CommunityEl Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California's premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.

Paso Robles has a long history of agriculture and hospitality resulting in a strong work ethic and an enjoyable quality of life. Once hailed as the "Almond Capital of the World", Paso Robles is now known for top quality food, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and an annual calendar filled with events that celebrate everything from wine to pioneers to classic cars. Paso Robles has been honored by the national media, including Country Living's "10 Best Small Towns in America"; Travel and Leisure Magazine's "Best Small Towns to Retire to in America"; the Today Show's "Top Summer Destination for 2021"; a New York Times "Must Visit Region"; Sunset Magazine's "Best Travel Spots for 2021"; and Wine Enthusiast Magazine's "Wine Region of the Year".

The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes, with a median home price of about $634,500. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is Cuesta College, North County Campus.

The OrganizationThe City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 31,176 as of January 1, 2022. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts, each district represented by one City Councilmember residing in that district; the Mayor's position remains at-large. The voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.

The City has a total annual budget of $173 million for fiscal year 2023/2024, and a total of 295.44 FTEs across the departments of: Administrative Services, City Manager's Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

Typical Duties

• Monitors and receives routine and emergency calls for service
• Determines the nature and priority of a call, the availability and location of patrol units, and dispatches appropriate equipment and personnel within established policies and procedures
• Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) computer terminals and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems
• Communicates in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction under stressful conditions
• Accurately secures and records information of reported emergency or problem and the exact location
• Provides resource information to field units, stations, other agencies, and the public
• Receives information over the radio from numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies
• Maintains a variety of confidential records, call and incident logs, and prepares reports as directed
• Disseminates information to field officers regarding wanted persons, property, and warrants
• Monitors officers in the field to ensure their physical safety
• Maintains departmental security by operating intercoms, locks, and gates
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This position requires rotating shift assignments and is subject to mandatory overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility. It will be required to work a variety of shifts including weekends, holidays, and/or irregular hours.

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

Knowledge of:

• The functions of law enforcement, fire, and other emergency services
• Modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software for spreadsheets and word processing, including Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws and codes
• Departmental rules, policies, and procedures
• English language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Ability to:

• Operate a California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and Records Management System (RMS)
• Simultaneously take calls, radio dispatch, prioritize calls for service, manage incidents, units and resources, and log incident details in the computer aided dispatching software during normal and high-volume periods
• Learn the geography of the City, including the location of streets, roads, highways, areas, major buildings, and public facilities
• Learn proper radio dispatching techniques, including code language
• Calmly and effectively manage emergency situations and assist in directing others in an appropriate course of action during stressful situations
• Display excellent interpersonal communication and public contact skills
• Retain and accurately relay information received from a variety of sources
• Work efficiently and effectively under stress, and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations
• Adjust quickly to changing situations and perform several tasks at once while adjusting appropriate prioritization of incoming calls
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in course of work
• Use clear enunciation, tact, and courtesy while handling irate or distraught individuals

Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to graduation from high school plus two years of related experience working with the public.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record
• At least 18 years of age
• Must successfully complete the 120-hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course, and obtain CPR and first aid certifications within 12 months of appointment

Spanish language skills are highly desirable.

Lateral TransfersLateral transfers are able to waive the written test requirement and are provided a shorter probationary period upon hire. To be considered a lateral, applicants must meet both of the following requirements:

• Current employment as a law enforcement dispatcher; and
• Possess a California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate*

*Individuals are eligible to apply for a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate upon satisfactory completion of both the 120-hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course and an agency's probationary period.

Selection Procedure & Application Process

Selection Components:
1. Written Exam - POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (PELDSTB)
Candidates who receive a score of 48 or above on the PELDSTB may be invited to an interview. The written test may be waived if the candidate meets one of the following conditions:

• Has taken the PELDSTB in the last year and scored 48 or higher; documentation of your test score on agency letterhead must be provided with your application
  
• Is considered a lateral transfer (as described above)

2. Interview

This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications.

A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge. Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological exam, polygraph, background check, and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record.

City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at ). Following appointment, a probationary period of eighteen (18) months for non-laterals or twelve (12) months for laterals is required as the final phase of the appointment process. The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 227-7234, or by email at

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.

Vacation: Accrual of 80 hours per year, increasing with years of service. New hires will be front loaded 40 hours of vacation leave. After 6 months of employment, employees will accrue hours in accordance with the

Sick Leave: Accrual of 96 hours per year. New hires will be front loaded 48 hours of sick leave. After 6 months of employment, employees will accrue hours in accordance with the

Holidays: 14 per year (paid at 4.31 hours per pay period)

Health Insurance:

• Medical: City pays $880.13 per month of employee premium, $1,499.39 per month of premium for employee with one dependent, and $1,947.88 per month of premium for employee with two or more dependents
  • Employees who opt out of health coverage may be eligible for a payment of $300/month
• Dental: City pays full premium for employee and partial premium for family
• Vision: City pays premium for employee and family

Retirement:

• CalPERS
  • Classic Tier 1 members participate in a formula of 2.5% at 55, with the employee paying an 8% member contribution, plus a 2% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%. The highest year is used for final compensation calculation.
  • Classic Tier 2 members participate in a formula of 2% at 60, with the employee paying a 7% member contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%. The highest year is used for final compensation calculation.
  • PEPRA members participate in a formula of 2% at 62, with the employee paying one-half of the normal cost (currently 7.75%) contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10.75%. The highest year is used for final compensation calculation.

Deferred Compensation: Employee can set aside tax free dollars toward their retirement

Social Security: Both the City and employee contribute to Social Security

Life Insurance: Employee only coverage of $40,000 paid by the City

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City pays 100% of the cost of the Employee Assistance Program for the employee and their family

Flexible Spending Account: Allows you to pay for dependent care and unreimbursed medical expenses on a pre-tax basis

Bilingual Pay: Spanish verbal skills: $100 per month; Spanish written skills: $25 per month

Uniform Allowance: $1,000 per year

Certification Pay: $46.15 per pay period for Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) and CPR certifications OR an additional 2.5% of base pay for Intermediate POST Certificate; additional 1% of base pay for Advanced POST Certificate

Education Reimbursement: Reimbursement up to $3,000 per fiscal year for educational costs directly related to occupational field or for promotion within City service

Retiree Health Reimbursement: Up to $500 per month reimbursement of health premiums for employees who retire from the City with at least 20 years of service until the age of 65

For additional details and information, please see the Paso Robles Police Association (POA) memorandum of understanding located on our website at

01

Please explain why you are interested in working for the City of Paso Robles as a Dispatcher. (Please limit your response to 500 words.)

02

To be considered a lateral transfer, you must meet both of the following conditions. Please check all that apply to you.

• Current employment as a law enforcement dispatcher
• Possession of a California POST Dispatcher Basic Certificate
• N/A - Not a lateral applicant

03

Do you possess any of the following? Please select all that apply and attach a copy of each to your application.

• 120 hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course
• POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate (Requires completion of both the 120-hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course AND an agency's probationary period before individuals are eligible to apply for the certificate.)
• POST Public Safety Dispatcher Intermediate Certificate
• POST Public Safety Dispatcher Advanced Certificate
• First Aid
• CPR
• N/A- None Obtained

04

Have you taken the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (PELDSTB) exam with another agency within the last year and scored a 48 or above? If yes, please submit your certified results as an attachment to your application. The document must contain your name, your passing score, the date of the exam, and must be on the testing agency's letterhead.

• Yes
• No

05

Describe your experience and level of proficiency utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Please also include any experience you have with additional computer programs. (Please limit your response to 500 words)

Required Question