Dispatcher - Entry Level

City of Elk Grove•Elk Grove, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Elk Grove Police Department is seeking highly motivated individuals with the ability to multi-task for an opportunity to create a challenging and rewarding career as a Dispatcher. The ideal candidate values our diverse community and is committed to providing quality, efficient services in both routine and emergency situations. Prior Dispatch experience is not required for this position, and on-the-job training will be provided. The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more. Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Requirements

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
One (1) year of work experience involving public contact.
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
Incumbent will need to pass a background investigation which may include a polygraph, psychological and medical evaluation.
Entry Level Dispatchers must serve an 18-month probationary period.
Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.
Knowledge of operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.
Knowledge of law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents.
Knowledge of techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Knowledge of radio codes currently used by the Elk Grove Police Department.
Knowledge of functions of the Police Department and other City departments.
Knowledge of geographic features and locations within the area served.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of telephone etiquette.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of conflict resolution.
Knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping.
Ability to respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Ability to effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
Ability to speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.
Ability to hear and distinguish radio voice traffic within normal levels and over background noise.
Ability to make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property such as those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take.
Ability to dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
Ability to think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations.
Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including radio transmitting communication equipment, teletype equipment, and computer equipment.
Ability to operate specialized public safety computer systems and applications.
Ability to read and interpret maps and other navigational resources and give directions.
Ability to type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Ability to work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations including police records retention and dissemination policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working for extended periods of time.
Ability to compile, maintain, process, and prepare a variety of records and reports.
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public reporting emergencies and seeking information or filing a report.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
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.

Nice To Haves

Prior Dispatch experience is not required for this position, and on-the-job training will be provided!
Attend an optional In-person Q&A Session to learn more about the Dispatcher position (optional, but highly recommended)
While attendance is optional, it is strongly encouraged for candidates to attend these sessions to understand what the job entails.
These sessions will provide applicants with the opportunity to receive a realistic overview of the position to ensure this is the right job for you.

Responsibilities

Receives, classifies, and prioritizes all incoming calls and texts to the dispatch center including 9-1-1 calls, emergency, and non-emergency calls from citizens and allied agencies requesting service or information.
Operates a variety of public safety communications equipment including 9-1-1 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch systems, and multi-channel radio system.
Evaluates response necessary as dictated by a given request for service; determines nature, location, and priority of calls.
Operates computer aided dispatch system to create calls for service within response criteria guidelines; assigns and dispatches personnel in accordance with policies and procedures.
Transfers calls to other appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures; obtains and dispatches other support services as necessary.
Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains status and location of field units; monitors multiple radio frequencies.
Relays emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field.
Retrieves and interprets information from local, state, and national computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, parolees, and other related information; relays information to officers in the field.
Operates computer terminals to enter, modify, and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, towed and stolen vehicles, missing and unidentified persons, citations, driver license and vehicle registration information, and warrants on wanted persons.
Composes and transmits messages to other agencies.
Enters and removes data and information from various local, statewide, and national law enforcement computer systems including the Records Management System (RMS), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Provides support to officers by gathering information from various computer systems including DMV, CLETS, and the County’s KPF system.
Monitors public security cameras and alarms for City facilities, parking lots, and related facilities.
Performs related duties as required.