Dispatcher - Entry Level

City of Fountain Valley • Fountain Valley, CA

25d • Onsite

About The Position

The Police Department is currently looking to hire one (1) Dispatcher - Entry Level. This role serves as the vital, life-saving communication link within our Police Department. Operating under the leadership of a Lead Dispatcher or Watch Commander. You will manage high-stakes emergency call intakes, process critical data, dispatch the rapid deployment of police personnel, and coordinate fire resources through MetroNet. This role delivers indispensable support to our field personnel, ensuring every officer operates with the real-time information and backup necessary to protect the community and return home safely.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• At least one year of clerical or other related experience involving contact, heavy telephone/dispatch experience and some use of independent judgement.
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekends, irregular hours, and variable shifts.
• Normal vision and hearing acuity.
• Must attach a valid typing certificate that was issued within the past twelve (12) months and must clearly identify the applicant's name, typing speed (WPM), and accuracy percentage.
• Candidates must complete the ECOMM (Emergency Communications) written exam and computer simulation through the National Testing Network (NTN) within 12 months of the application date.
• Candidates who have completed their P.O.S.T. Entry Level Dispatcher test within the last 12 months may waive the NTN ECOMM exam. You must attach your official scores to your online application. A minimum T-score of 45 is strictly required.
• ALL REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION AND ECOMM EXAM COMPLETED IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FURTHER FOR THIS RECRUITMENT.

Nice To Haves

• Public Safety experience is highly desirable.
• Possession of a current typing certificate demonstrating a net typing speed of 50 WPM or higher.
• P.O.S.T. Waiver Option

Responsibilities

• Receive and process emergency calls for police and fire protection services or information; promptly and efficiently dispatch personnel and equipment to accident, rescue, and emergency scenes.
• Analyze requests for police service; determine priority ranking of each request and the kind and level of service to be dispatched in initial response; and determine available units to dispatch.
• Listen to each radio transmission from police personnel in the field; acknowledge and comply with request for action or information.
• Maintain awareness of position of each police unit and activities in which personnel are engaged; check periodically with personnel to verify position and activity; supply back-up personnel; and take other appropriate steps to provide for the safety of field personnel.
• Maintain detailed records of each service request, each action taken, and the time each action was taken.
• Operate dispatch equipment and computer equipment.
• Input and retrieve a variety of public safety information using a computer; enter, update, and retrieve information regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, and other information.
• Notify ambulance personnel, alarm company, traffic and signal maintenance, and other related personnel concerning emergencies.
• Maintain knowledge of the geography, street locations, and landmarks in the City and a general knowledge of the geography and landmarks of surrounding cities.

Benefits

• 4/10 schedule
• An incredible retirement / pension: CalPERS (2%@60 for Classic or 2%@62 for PEPRA)
• Flex dollars for CalPERS medical HMO/PPO plans
• Matching deferred compensation contribution (up to $225 per month)
• City-paid long-term disability insurance
• Generous leave accruals
• 11 paid holidays, including one floating holiday

What This Job Offers

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