Dispatcher/Senior Dispatcher

City of Arcata • Arcata, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you interested in a career where you can make a significant impact and contribution to the quality of life and safe environment in our Arcata community through the provision of professional law enforcement services? Apply today to be a Dispatcher for the Arcata Police Department! Entry-level and laterals are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Ability to remain calm while obtaining information from individuals who are in crisis, often involving life or death situations.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks under pressure, with accuracy and speed.
• Ability to operate personal computer using both standard and specialized software.
• Ability to work independently including organization and prioritization of daily tasks.
• Equivalent to graduation from high school and at least one (1) year experience in a position with clerical and customer service responsibilities.
• Equivalent to graduation from high school and satisfactory demonstration of at least three (3) years experience independently performing the duties of Dispatcher.
• Successful completion of the POST Dispatcher Trainer course.
• Ability to perform the specific tasks established for promotion to the position.
• Be willing and available to work a variety of shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Be willing and available to work overtime, as required, with or without prior notice.
• A commitment to understand and support diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Be willing to travel to attend meetings and/or trainings as necessary.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time as required.
• Be able to handle emergency situations while remaining calm.
• All City of Arcata employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
• In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States.
• All potential City employees must complete a required pre-employment physical examination, receive DOJ fingerprint clearance, and have a satisfactory driving record (if required to drive for city business).

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in the operation of radio or other communication equipment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Receives emergency service calls from the public; determines nature and location of emergency.
• Dispatches emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system.
• Maintains contact with all field units, including accounting for location and status of all units and maintaining records of all field calls.
• Coordinates services with other public and private agencies, including law enforcement, fire department, ambulance, hospital, towing, etc. to request mutual assistance.
• Runs vehicle registration checks and warrant checks on subjects and relays information to Officers in the field; enters, receives, distributes and broadcasts Teletype information.
• Performs dispatch related clerical duties including, but not limited to, processing and filing of various logs, reports, citations, and licenses; data entry, photo copying, copying of recorded information, and DOJ fingerprint processing.
• Monitors scanner and Public Works radio, takes appropriate action as necessary.
• Supports front office function as necessary during business hours; is responsible for front office functions during non-business hours.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• In addition to the above duties, also participates in training of new dispatchers.

Benefits

• Additional 5% pay for POST Public Safety Dispatcher Intermediate Certificate
• Additional 4% pay for POST Public Safety Dispatcher Advanced Certificate (for a total of 9% upon determination of eligibility by the Department)

What This Job Offers

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