Dispatcher II (Lateral)

City of Sacramento • Sacramento, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves receiving incoming telephone calls and dispatching police units as necessary for assistance, performing a variety of general support duties related to communications activities. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Dispatcher I. Appointment at the higher class requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties assigned to the class. Work in this class is distinguished from that of the Dispatcher I class by the greater independence with which an incumbent is expected to operate. Dispatcher II is a journey-level classification and incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties of Dispatcher without direct supervision. General supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III.

Requirements

• Must have taken and passed the Dispatcher CritiCall examination.
• Must have experience as a law enforcement Dispatcher in a Public Safety Dispatch Center.
• Must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history.
• Knowledge of English grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation.
• Knowledge of standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules.
• Ability to express themselves in English in a clear, distinct, and understandable manner when speaking to individuals, before diverse populations, various public and community groups, and when testifying in court.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Ability to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to use a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing.
• Ability to learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures.
• Ability to learn City street system and physical layout of Sacramento.
• Ability to understand and comply with oral and written directions.
• Ability to learn to operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio broadcasting equipment.
• Ability to value customers and co-workers through provision of excellent customer service.
• Ability to operate office machines and equipment.
• Type 40 net words per minute.
• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and completion of twelve (12) units from an accredited college or university.
• Successful completion of the probationary period as a Dispatcher I with the City of Sacramento.
• LATERAL ENTRY: (1) Two years of experience as a dispatcher working with law enforcement agencies where duties included answering telephone calls and radio dispatching, which must include six months of experience within the last six months.
• LATERAL ENTRY: (2) Successful completion of the California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment.
• An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service.
• Supplemental documents such as resume, cover letter, and proof of education are highly preferred and recommended at the time of application submission.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public requesting police, fire, and local government service; determine nature and priority; dispatch units as necessary; and/or refer or transfer callers to ensure excellent customer service.
• Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
• Query information from law enforcement communication networks relating to wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle information.
• Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information.
• Perform a variety of records keeping duties related to the computer aided dispatch system.
• Test and inspect equipment as required.
• Testify in court as needed.
• Prepare written responses or reports related to communication complaints, investigative follow-ups or police reports.
• Write daily work progress reports when training a new Dispatcher.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, empathy, and excellent customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community-oriented policing concept.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

Benefits

• Employees hired as a lateral entry must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree