Communications Dispatcher (Entry-Level)

East Bay Regional Park District • Castro Valley, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The East Bay Regional Park District's Public Safety Department is seeking entry-level Communications Dispatchers to work at their Public Safety HQ in Castro Valley, CA. This position supports emergency services in open spaces and offers opportunities for professional development. The hiring pools established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies for one year. The ideal candidate is passionate about helping others, a great communicator, capable of making decisions with limited information, and comfortable taking control in emergency situations.

Requirements

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Two years of recent, responsible work experience.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Typing speed of 40 net words per minute.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to file and prepare accurate reports.
• Manual dexterity to operate telephone, radio, and computer keyboard equipment.
• Ability to speak English proficiently, clearly and audibly.
• Ability to memorize and retain information quickly.
• Meet physical requirements (e.g., eyesight and hearing to satisfactorily complete job tasks).
• Ability to spell correctly.
• Ability to learn the laws, regulations, and rules applicable to area of assignment.
• Ability to learn operating procedures and policies of assigned division.
• Ability to follow instructions, reason clearly, analyze situations accurately, act quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse general public, with a focus on quality service to internal staff and external customers and park users.
• Must pass a Level 3 background screening.
• Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts.
• Must wear a Park District uniform.
• Possession of current First Aid and CPR certificates must be obtained within the probationary period of this classification and maintained for continued employment.
• A valid Typing Speed Certificate demonstrating typing a minimum of 40 net words per minute, passed a five (5) minute typing test, dated within 12 months of the posting closing date, from an accredited business school or college, adult education center, skills/business center, or a public agency (internet certificates are acceptable). Certificate must display candidate name, date and duration of the test, gross words typed per minute, number of errors, name and signature of the examiner, and name, address, and telephone number of the testing agency.
• Proof of successful completion of ONE of the following: POST Entry-level Dispatcher Test Battery T-Score OR The CritiCall Pre-Employment Skills Test.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the purposes and general methods of police and fire dispatching.
• Knowledge of routine clerical operations.
• Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.

Responsibilities

• Performs tasks necessary to effectively dispatch police, fire and park operations resources, as required.
• Receives telephone calls from members of the public, employees, or other agencies requesting general park information, police or fire assistance, including “911” and other emergency calls.
• Transmits and receives radio messages.
• Analyzes situations and dispatches the appropriate units.
• Dispatches mobile units and other equipment to specified locations as ordered.
• Makes telephone requests for ambulance, vehicle towing, or other emergency services as requested by officers in the field.
• Monitors other law enforcement and fire agencies’ radio frequencies and rebroadcasts pertinent information.
• Communicates with other agencies to coordinate a medical response.
• Operates and makes minor adjustments to radio telephone transmitting and receiving equipment.
• Responds to in-field requests for communications aid at critical incidents or any aid when requested by a supervisor including: responding to a Mobile Incident Command center or off-site communications center in emergency situations, assists in the facilitation of emergency evacuation of the communications center via patrol vehicle, Mobile Incident Command vehicle, or personal vehicle.
• Participates in mandatory off-site department trainings including but not limited to out of jurisdiction locations.
• Performs varied clerical duties such as typing, maintaining message logs, assisting on reports and records, filing, answering phones, and responding to inquiries from the public and other agencies.
• Processes police (court cases and parking citations), fire, medical, and field reports.
• Performs data entry and retrieves data.
• May be required to collect monies from members of the public for the purpose of paying fees for towing, dog permits, copies of reports, other services, or for paying fines.
• Serves as Communications Supervisor in their absence.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, and pension benefits through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
• Free on-site parking.
• Free parking permit for EBRPD parks (for up to 2 privately owned vehicles).
• Employee discounts for certain EBRPD park amenities (reservations, daily fishing permit, public boat launch).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED