Police Communications Dispatcher

DESCRIPTION

The following information MUST be submitted with your completed application to be considered for this position:

• Current (must be within one year) Certified Typing Certificate with a minimum 40 net words per minute
  • A qualified Certified Typing Certificate is given after an in person timed test proctored by a qualified organization within 12 months of submitting an application
• Copy of High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Valid California Driver's License

Passing a Written Test is required as part of the hiring process.

*The top wage listed is contingent upon qualifying for certain incentives including educational, POST certification and longevity for years of service, which is transferable from other law enforcement agencies.  

Answers emergency and routine calls from the public for Police, Fire, and Medical assistance and dispatches necessary personnel and equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Receives information generated by telephone, radio calls, fire, police alarms and walk-in contacts concerning: crimes, fires, medical emergencies, public works calls, and other service requests. Promptly and courteously obtains pertinent information regarding calls for service, determines the priority and promptly dispatches appropriate police, fire and other units. Maintains effective and efficient communications between departments, officers in the field and other public safety agencies when necessary during the course of all transmissions. Maintains radio contact with emergency field units on routine assignments and during emergency situations.  Monitors officers progress reports from the field and otherwise ensures the effectiveness and safety of the officers. Maintains complete and accurate records of all calls for service and all radio transmissions. Enters all calls for service including type of incident, location, persons involved and circumstances via the Computer Aided Dispatch system. Maintains up-to-date operating manuals, procedure manuals, and training guides. Processes warrants including records checks. Performs data entry work as assigned.

May be required to testify in a court of law. Greets citizens at the counter when the business office is closed. Perform other duties as assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES
Performs other related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED 
Teletype computer, computer aided dispatch, radio and telephone computer, recording equipment, copier, and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Lift miscellaneous objects such as printer paper weighing as much as twenty five pounds.  Must also be able to load various office machines with paper and replace toner cartridges.
• Must be able to move and use ladders to reach files on ceiling high shelves.
• Must be able to bend or stoop to reach files in low drawers.
• Must be able to hit reset buttons on computers and backup equipment kept on shelves above six feet in height.
• Must be able to twist to answer phones/reach miscellaneous objects on desk and to perform manual sorting.
• Must be able to hear and understand someone speaking on the phone.
• Must be able to determine which piece of office equipment is ringing or sounding an alarm.
• Must be able to work in an air-conditioned building.

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Busy office/dispatch environment with many computers and television screens.  Above normal noise environment.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & LICENSES
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possess a P.O.S.T dispatcher certificate or pass the written P.O.S.T. entry level dispatch test and pass the three week P.O.S.T dispatcher course and obtain the P.O.S.T. dispatcher certificate within one year of hire date.
 
Education:       

• High School graduate or G.E.D. Some college units highly desirable.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a Valid California Drivers License
• Must be able to type at 40 words per minute corrected.

 
Ability to:        

• Speak the English language clearly, distinctly and concisely.
• Work independently and think quickly under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
• Remain calm and respond quickly and accurately during emergencies.
• Operate Computer Aided Dispatch and Teletype computer keyboards and radio/telephone computer keyboards and keypads.
• Write/print legibly, spell accurately.
• Work a variety of shifts including midnights, days, swing, and overlap on a rotating basis, that cover a 24 hour period.
• Work weekends and holidays, as assigned.
• Hear and understand messages and directions.
• Maintain accurate records, which includes data entry.
• Maintain an effective working relationship with other employees and the public.

 
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
One-year experience as a public safety dispatcher is desirable or two years in a field where contact with the public was a major portion of the applicants duties. Candidates with knowledge of California Penal Code and California Vehicle Code will be given preference.
SELECTION GUIDELINES

For questions about this recruitment contact: 

Scott Garrison, HR Administrator 

530-527-2605 Ext. 3051 | hr.redbluff@cityofredbluff.org