Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem

City of Richmond•Richmond, CA

72d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you calm under pressure, quick on your feet, and passionate about helping others? As a Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem, you’ll be the vital link between the public and emergency responders—fielding urgent calls, gathering critical details, and ensuring help gets where it’s needed most. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a real difference in your community, every single shift. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have sharp decision-making skills, and want the flexibility of a per diem role, step into a career where every call counts and every action matters. The Communications Dispatcher II (Per Diem) receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, including cellular telephone users, requesting services; dispatches emergency police, fire, and other public safety units in a coordinated manner; operates various communications equipment; functions as a lead worker; provides training; and performs other related work as required. Incumbents in the Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem classification work on an as-needed basis, are not guaranteed hours, and will not work more than 1,000 hours per fiscal year. The Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem is journey-level dispatcher who works on a temporary, as-needed basis. Incumbents function at the level of a fully qualified dispatcher of emergency public safety personnel and equipment. The incumbents have prior dispatcher experience and have demonstrated proficiency in the techniques and methods of radio dispatching involving public safety operations. Incumbents handle emergency situations requiring independent judgment as to the correct course of action where unprecedented situations may arise. The Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem is distinguished from the Communications Dispatcher II classification in that incumbents work on an as-needed basis, are not guaranteed hours, and will not work more than 1,000 hours per fiscal year.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED equivalent
Eighteen (18) months of full-time experience performing public safety dispatch duties
the ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute
California POST-certified 120-hour Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course
Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification is an ongoing requirement
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is an ongoing requirement
California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) certification is an ongoing requirement
Must pass a polygraph and an extensive background examination.
As a condition of employment, psychological, medical, and drug testing are also required
The City’s policy is that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated, including the booster, for COVID-19. New employees will be required to provide proof of complete vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence.

Nice To Haves

Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Responsibilities

Receives calls from citizens and other agencies requesting emergency and non-emergency services.
Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, priority, staff availability, and equipment needed, and transfers calls for service outside of jurisdiction.
Processes calls for ambulance services using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocol to provide first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) support, and other pre-arrival instructions.
Dispatches police, fire, and other public safety units in accordance with established procedures, and based on the nature of the call, staff availability, assigned geographical area, and location of the call.
Provides responding units with pertinent information such as suspect information, warrant, probation and parole information, vehicle registration status, license status, premise, and subject history.
Operates a variety of communication equipment, including radio transmitters and receivers, computerized communication terminals and keyboards, multi-line telephone equipment, and City-wide camera monitoring equipment.
Provides callers with established instructions for emergency medical situations.
Prepares complete and accurate records and logs.
Provides training to Communications Dispatcher I’s and Communications Call Takers.
Reviews work for accuracy and compliance with standards.
Required to work various shifts associated with a 24-hour, 365–day operation and required to wear a uniform.
Performs related work as required.