Police Communication Dispatcher (Excellent Pay and Benefits)

Town of Los Gatos•Los Gatos, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department is hiring a Police Communication Dispatcher to receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls, operate communications equipment, dispatch police and other public safety units, refer calls to the appropriate jurisdiction, and perform related duties. Dispatchers receive on-the-job training to become proficient in working a solo shift. Within established guidelines, they use independent judgment to respond to situations involving potential loss of life or property. The role supports 24-hour, 365-day operations and requires working various shifts, including weekends and holidays. It is a non-exempt position represented by the Town Employee Association. Employees work alone on essential tasks in an indoor, computerized office environment, interacting with department staff, Town employees, outside agency personnel, and the public.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
Two years of general office experience, or successful completion of the California Commission on POST 120-hour dispatcher academy as a substitute for that experience.
Availability to work irregular hours and report to duty on short notice.
Submit an official POST Dispatcher test score demonstrating verbal, reasoning, memory, and perceptual abilities, or meet the stated CritiCall pre-employment testing requirement.
Pass a full Police Administrative Background clearance, including fingerprinting, polygraph, and post-offer medical examination.
Pass the extensive background investigation, including criminal history, credit check, drug screening, medical clearance, psychological evaluation, polygraph, fingerprinting, professional reference check, and other security vetting, and maintain required clearances.
Ability to work independently and perform essential tasks without assistance.
Ability to use sound judgment and clear thinking under stressful conditions and make decisions during routine, difficult, or highly stressful situations.
Ability to operate police radio consoles and telecommunications terminals, receive and relay calls, and access and interpret law-enforcement data systems.
Ability to maintain effective radio communications, written logs, files, and computer records.
Ability to recall details and accurately recreate and record events, conversations, or readings.
Ability to interpret and apply oral and written instructions.
Ability to remain alert and engaged for long periods, including at varying hours after scheduled rest and during extended or unanticipated emergencies.
Physical ability to sit for prolonged periods and repetitively use fingers and/or wrists while twisting or applying pressure.
Ability to maintain concentration, make sound decisions, and meet the audio/visual discrimination and perception demands of the duties.
Knowledge of telecommunications, communications methods, public safety and security, English language, customer service, clerical procedures, law and government, and geography.
Skills in active listening, speaking, coordination, critical thinking, service orientation, social perceptiveness, monitoring, reading comprehension, complex problem solving, judgment and decision making, and active learning.

Responsibilities

Answer emergency and non-emergency calls to the Police Department.
Operate telephone, radio, and telecommunications equipment.
Obtain essential information from callers about the nature of emergencies.
Assess response requirements and prioritize situations.
Determine the closest available and appropriate unit and dispatch police, fire, medical aid, rescue, and hazardous materials calls.
Provide communications support to units in the field and maintain effective communications with officers and other law enforcement agencies.
Enter, update, and monitor event information, including assignment, en-route, arrival, and clearance times.
Use computer terminals and law-enforcement data systems to enter information, control codes, search files, and provide information to field units.
Monitor the location and verify the safe status of public safety personnel and other specified Town personnel.
Answer non-emergency questions, provide information to the public, and refer calls to appropriate resources.
Dispatch personnel from other Town departments as needed.
Maintain written logs, files, street maps, address records, and business files.
Maintain access to and security of highly sensitive materials.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.