Public Safety Communicator Lateral (911 Dispatcher Lateral)

City of Gilroy • Gilroy, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Gilroy is recruiting for the full-time position Public Safety Communicator in the Police Department. This recruitment is for the lateral position requiring two and one-half years of related public safety dispatching work experience. The general goal of the Communications Unit is to provide 24 hour emergency communication response for all police, fire, and medical emergency calls for service in a courteous and professional manner. Under the direct supervision of the Communications Supervisor and under the functional supervision of the Watch Commander, answer emergency and routine calls from the public for Police, Fire, and medical assistance and general service and dispatch necessary personnel and equipment, perform other related duties as required. Work shifts including weekends, holidays, nights and evening hours.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent (ie. GED).
• Two and one-half years of work experience with a public safety agency performing 911 dispatching functions utilizing a computer-aided dispatching system.
• Possession of a State of California P.O.S.T. Dispatching Certificate or must obtain certification within one year of hire.
• Computer keyboarding at the rate of 35 net words per minute.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).
• Pass a post-offer psychological evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
• Pass a P.O.S.T. background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, an extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, and an FBI clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Strong prior experience serving as a 911 dispatcher for a busy community.
• Experience dispatching both police and fire personnel to calls for service.
• A heart for public service with the ability to use compassion and empathy with callers when appropriate and needed.
• Experience handling complex and challenging calls for service.
• Skilled in handling difficult calls in a calm and professional manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and professional customer service skills.
• Superb listening skills and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Adaptable to changing situations; work well under pressure, and be comfortable making quick or critical decisions.
• Possess strong multi-tasking skills.
• Proficient with computers and with the use of software and technology, including systems specific to public safety services.
• Participated in "sit-alongs" with the City of Gilroy Police Department Communications Unit.
• A willingness to learn and improve on skills and be receptive of constructive feedback.
• Is able to work all shifts (days, swings, graveyards), all days of the week, and holidays.
• Prefer non-tobacco user.
• Prefer bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Successful completion of the City of Gilroy's Public Safety Communicator training program while hired as a Public Safety Communicator Trainee can substitute for up to two years of the required experience noted above in #2.

Responsibilities

• Receive telephone complaints concerning crimes, fires, medical emergencies, public works calls, and other requests.
• Promptly and courteously obtain pertinent information regarding the calls for service utilizing proper radio/telephone etiquette.
• Determine the priority and promptly dispatches appropriate Police, Fire and other units.
• Maintain complete and accurate written/typed records of all calls for service and all pertinent radio transmissions.
• Operate teletype, computer and recording equipment and perform minor daily maintenance of equipment.
• Maintain up-to-date operating manuals, procedure manuals and training guides.
• Process requests for warrants and record checks on persons and property; Interpret information to be returned.
• Make computer entries.
• Participate in training programs and utilizes acquired knowledge.
• May train other unit members.
• Perform other related work as required.

Benefits

• Holiday Pay – 6.6%
• Bilingual pay – 5%
• Annual Uniform pay $500
• Additional steps (Step F, Step G, and Step H) included in the salary range listed above are available to employees in this job classification after completion of five years of service (Step F), ten years of service (Step G), and 15 years of service (Step H), and one year at the prior step, and good performance evaluation.

What This Job Offers

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