Communications Operator - Lateral

City of Burbank • Burbank, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Burbank is currently hiring for Communications Operator - Lateral. This position involves answering emergency (911) and non-emergency phone lines, maintaining contact with law enforcement personnel and other City units in the field, and dispatching appropriate units or equipment in response to emergency and other calls received through the Burbank Police Department (BPD) Communications Center. A $10,000 Lateral Signing Bonus is offered for qualified hires, paid in two installments. Additionally, eligible Communications Operators may receive POST pay based on their certificate level (Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory).

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work.
• Knowledge of effective customer service techniques.
• Knowledge of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Skill in operating modern computers and related software.
• Skill in exercising independent judgment and making decisions based on standard policy and procedures.
• Ability to learn the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering the operation of radio receivers and transmitters.
• Ability to learn the policies and procedures of the Communications Center, BPD General Orders, and City Administrative Procedures.
• Ability to learn California Penal and Vehicle Codes, the City’s Municipal Code, and BPD CAD system.
• Ability to learn the proper use and care of radio communications equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to simultaneously receive, dispatch, and record information utilizing a database system.
• Ability to work rotating shifts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.
• High school graduation or equivalent.
• One year of recent full-time experience in customer service, clerical work, or emergency services dispatch/radio communications work.
• Ability to type 40 net words per minute.
• Basic POST certificate must be attached to application prior to Friday, August 7, 2026.
• Peace Officer Standards and Training-certified (POST-certified) Public Safety Dispatch Basic Course Certificate within one year of appointment.
• All required licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.
• A valid California Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent may be required at time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Qualified Communications Operator – Lateral hires

Responsibilities

• Serve as an Operator in the BPD Communications Center on a shift basis.
• Receive calls, dispatch, and record appropriate law enforcement and other equipment to respond to reported emergencies in the field.
• Maintain contact with units at all times during shift assignment to send needed or requested assistance in the event of an emergency.
• Maintain a continuous record of the status of mobile units, indicating the disposition of each unit.
• Operate the emergency (911) telephone system.
• Send and receive computer messages and route them to the appropriate destination.
• Operate a computer terminal to enter, modify, or retrieve data.
• Maintain a current log of all information received and transmitted.
• Prepare required reports and summaries of Communications Center activities.
• Perform miscellaneous clerical work.
• May compose and type log sheets as required.
• May drive on City business.

Benefits

• $10,000 Lateral Signing Bonus ($5,000 upon hire, $5,000 upon successful completion of probationary period)
• POST pay eligibility (3% for Intermediate, 4% for Advanced, 5% for Supervisory)

What This Job Offers

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