Community College Police Dispatcher

Santa Monica College•Santa Monica, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision, the Community College Police Dispatcher performs a variety of dispatcher and clerical duties, by receiving and prioritizing all emergency and non-emergency telephone calls made to Campus Police and by monitoring alarm signals and security cameras. An Eligibility List is currently being established to fill one vacancy in the SMC Police Department. The position will work 40 hours per week, 12 months per year, and may be assigned to any one of three shifts (Day, Swing, or Graveyard), which may include regular weekend assignments. In addition to the stated salary, there is an additional 5% paid for variable scheduling. This list will also be utilized to fill any vacancies that may occur during the six month life of the Eligibility List, which may include full-time and/or part-time positions. Please note that all candidates must have authorization to work in the United States; the District does not have the ability to provide sponsorship. Important note regarding the District budget: In an effort to address budget shortfalls and ensure the long-term financial health of the College, the Board of Trustees has approved cost saving measures for the 2026-27 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. These measures consist of: one unpaid furlough day per month for classified staff, which approximately amounts to a 5% salary reduction, and freezes in step advancement that will halt salary advancement for at least one year. The posted salary for this role does not reflect the one unpaid furlough day per month that will take effect on July 1, 2026. Please note that the District will continue to offer fully paid health, dental and vision benefits for employees and their eligible dependents. Why Work at SMC? At SMC, you will work beside a diverse group of individuals who leverage their combined talents and passions to accomplish something great. No matter what department you are in, or what job you have, your contributions will be critical to helping our students fulfill their dreams. Some details about us: We are currently the number one transfer college to UCLA, USC, the University of California system, and Loyola Marymount University We are dedicated to sustainable practices and are accessible via environmentally-friendly transportation options, including the Expo Line and Big Blue Bus. We are one of the select community colleges in California approved to award a Bachelor's degree. SMC currently awards a Bachelor's degree in Interaction Design. Please visit www.smc.edu/about to learn more about us and why we are Proud to Be SMC!

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Six months of recent experience involving heavy public contact and working with computers.
Must be free of any felony convictions and meet all minimum selection standards of a dispatcher as specified by POST.
Must successfully complete a thorough background investigation in accordance with POST and District Standards.
Meet the District and POST medical and psychological standards for dispatchers.
Must pass a 12-month probationary period in this position.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of 30 units or the equivalent of college level coursework in communications or criminal justice is desirable.
Recent experience performing radio dispatching and call center duties is desirable.
Experience and/or education of the same kind, level and amount as required in the minimum qualifications may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Lateral candidates must possess a POST basic dispatcher certificate.

Responsibilities

Receives, screens, prioritizes and records incoming and outgoing emergency and non-emergency police calls using police telephones, computer generated calls for services and radio communication equipment.
Dispatches calls to college police personnel using appropriate police codes, and requests additional assistance as needed from local police and/or fire agencies; refers non-law enforcement matters to appropriate college personnel.
Uses a computer aided dispatch system to input data regarding calls, alarms, and observations to ensure immediate and correct police response; uses a record information management system to input, retrieve and generate reports and other data; accesses other relevant systems and databases to retrieve and relay information.
Maintains status, location and contact with all police officers, campus safety officers, parking enforcement officers and police cadets on duty.
Inquires, interprets, verifies, receives, and disseminates information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registrations, and other pertinent information; analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and public safety.
Operates, monitors and maintains surveillance and various alarm systems, including multiple video monitors; operates electronic access system, as requested.
Provides information and assistance to callers in a pleasant, calm and sensitive manner.
In addition to handling emergency, non-emergency and informational requests for the police department, answers after business hours calls for the campus; provides general information and assistance to the public and college personnel for emergencies.
Performs other related duties as requested or assigned. Examples of essential duties are descriptive and not restrictive in nature and are generally listed in descending order of importance.

Benefits

Fully paid health, dental and vision benefits for employees and their eligible dependents.
18 paid holidays
12 paid vacation days
12 paid illness days
Free mental health support through the Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE) program.
Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CALPERS)
5% increase in base pay for every 5 years worked with SMC, up to 40 years of service (suspended for the 2026-2027 fiscal year by the Board of Trustees).
Waived tuition fees for classes taken at Santa Monica College.
Reimbursement for related classes, conferences or workshops to empower your professional development.
Free Big Blue Bus access and monthly incentives for eligible employees through the Sustainable Transportation Incentive Program
CSEA Chapter 36 Union Membership Option