Police Dispatcher - Lateral

City of Walnut Creek • Walnut Creek, CA

10h • $99,871 - $120,202 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Walnut Creek is seeking experienced law enforcement dispatchers to join the Police Department’s Communications Division. This is not an entry-level opportunity. Under general supervision, Police Dispatchers work in the Communications Center, receive emergency calls and inquiries from the public, and dispatch police officers by radio to calls for service. The division dispatches for police only. Dispatchers may also take on collateral assignments such as Tactical Dispatch, Social Media Team, Communications Training Officer, Peer Support Team Member, and Cadet Advisor.

The role requires professional, courteous, and effective interactions with police, emergency and service organizations, outside agencies, City staff, and the public. Dispatchers handle multiple requests under pressure and frequent interruption, exercise sound judgment and discretion, calm distressed community members, gather information, and communicate effectively orally and in writing. They operate automated systems and telecommunications equipment, including CAD, radio systems, phones, online jurisdictional databases, and computer terminals.

The Communications Division operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Dispatchers work holidays, weekends, and overtime on a rotating two-week schedule: three 12-hour days in Week 1, then three 12-hour days and one 8-hour day in Week 2, with every other Sunday off. Shift assignments are generally made by seniority, but may be assigned as needed to meet staffing requirements. Swing-shift dispatchers receive a 2.5% pay differential, and graveyard-shift dispatchers receive a 5% pay differential.

The annual salary range is $99,871–$120,202, with placement based on qualifications. Lateral candidates may accrue General Leave (vacation and sick leave) based on prior experience and may receive a bank of General Leave hours at hire, subject to the Chief of Police’s discretion. The department highlights work-life balance, wellness, and career development, and offers meal facilities, a dispatch treadmill, an on-site gym, a strong working relationship with officers, and no uniform requirement.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school, supplemented by coursework in communications, office administration, public safety, or a related field.
• At least one year of full-time or equivalent law enforcement dispatch experience within the last seven years at a California law enforcement agency, or at least two years of experience within the past two years at an out-of-state law enforcement agency.
• Experience operating a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• A passing score on the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery; results must be uploaded and attached to the application. This requirement may be waived if the application shows the candidate passed probation as a dispatcher at a law enforcement agency; eligible candidates must attach Public Safety Dispatcher’s Basic Course documentation.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain before employment, a Class C Driver’s License and a good driving record.
• Ability to type at a corrected minimum rate of 40 words per minute.
• Applicants considered for appointment must undergo a Police Department background investigation, including California Department of Justice and FBI fingerprinting and a credit check, a pre-placement medical exam including a drug screen, and a psychological evaluation. The City may request a polygraph exam.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency calls and inquiries from the public in the Communications Center.
• Dispatch police officers by radio to calls for service.
• Deal effectively, professionally, and courteously with police, emergency and service organizations, outside agencies, City staff, and the public, using tact and discretion.
• Handle multiple work requests under pressure and with frequent interruptions; use sound judgment and calm distressed community members to gather information and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Operate CAD, radio systems, phones, online jurisdictional databases, computer terminals, and other telecommunications equipment.
• May perform collateral assignments such as Tactical Dispatch, Social Media Team, Communications Training Officer, Peer Support Team Member, and Cadet Advisor.
• Work assigned shifts, including holidays, weekends, and overtime, to meet staffing requirements.
• As a public employee designated as a Disaster Service Worker, may be called upon to assist during a natural or man-made disaster.

Benefits

• Lateral candidates may accrue General Leave (vacation and sick leave) based on prior experience and may receive a bank of General Leave hours at hire, subject to the Chief of Police’s discretion.
• Meal facilities.
• Dispatch treadmill.
• On-site gym.
• Swing-shift pay differential of 2.5%.
• Graveyard-shift pay differential of 5%.
• Career development opportunities.
• Work-life balance and wellness focus.

What This Job Offers

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