Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

City of Escondido (CA)•Escondido, CA

60d•$5,390 - $7,963

About The Position

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher I/II in our Police Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website. Under regular supervision (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general supervision (Public Safety Dispatcher II), performs communications dispatch and status monitoring for the Police Department in a computer-aided environment; receives and transmits telephone and voice radio messages; dispatches emergency police equipment and personnel; processes and maintains a variety of reports, records and files. Distinguishing Characteristics Public Safety Dispatcher I - This is the entry level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Positions in this class have prior experience in public safety or public contact work. This level is not expected to function with the same amount of work knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level. Public Safety Dispatcher I's exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Incumbents in this class are expected to learn the office and field operations of the department under the direction of a Public Safety Shift Supervisor. Incumbents initially appointed to Public Safety Dispatcher I level may progress to Public Safety Dispatcher II after successfully completing one year (12 months) as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Escondido, and achieving the qualifications and department requirements established for progression. Public Safety Dispatcher II - This is the journey level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform responsible communications dispatch and status monitoring. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level are normally filled by advancement from the Public Safety Dispatcher I level. Positions at this level require one year of experience comparable to a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Escondido.

Requirements

Knowledge of Fire and Police departmental policies and procedures and office practices, or ability to gain such knowledge.
City government organization, functions, and policies.
Federal Communications Commission regulations governing voice, radio and telephone communications, or ability to gain such knowledge.
City boundaries and major buildings.
Computer equipment and software applications.
Principles of customer service.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Principles and practices of customer service.
Ability to: Learn, interpret and apply departmental policies and procedures and Federal Communications Commission voice-radio regulations.
Read maps rapidly and accurately.
Operate or learn to operate radio telephone equipment.
Type at a rate of 40 net wpm and operate a computer terminal.
Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
Write clearly and concisely.
Speak and understand English clearly and distinctly over communications equipment.
Remain calm under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Performs related duties as required.
Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
One year (full-time equivalent) of experience in clerical or public contact work.
Per P.O.S.T. requirements and as a condition of successful probation, must obtain California P.O.S.T Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certification or complete P.O.S.T. certified Basic Dispatcher's Course (120 hours) within 12 months of appointment.
Must be willing to work any of three shifts, on a rotating basis.
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.
Works hours and schedules are flexible and include holidays and weekends.
Must be willing to work overtime if required.
California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certification or completion of a P.O.S.T. certified Basic Dispatcher's Course (120 hours).

Nice To Haves

Excellent computer skills is highly desirable.
Prior experience using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Answers incoming fire and police emergency 911 and routine calls from the public requesting police, fire, medical, or other emergency services.
Maintains, receives, and records pertinent information from two-way radio communications with emergency or field units; determines priorities, nature and location of calls for service
Monitors and maintains status of public safety personnel and equipment, to ensure the safety of emergency personnel; monitors radio receiver with several complex public safety radio frequencies and multiple lines for all communications; operate a variety of communications equipment, including radios, telephones and computer systems.
Dispatches police personnel and equipment utilizing a Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) System according to standard operational procedure established by department, instructions from a superior, or by individual judgment if required by the situation.
Notifies superior regarding emergency situations and general activities.
Answers questions from the public pertaining to departmental policies and procedures or community services.
Records phone messages for off-duty and on-duty personnel and advises Watch Commander of pertinent incoming information.
Receives and transmits requests for information using the City and ARJIS computer and teletype systems.
Uses computer terminal to access various confidential law enforcement systems, including ARJIS, CLETS, SUN, and NCIC; interprets, verifies, receives and disseminates information and data.
Assists in training new Public Safety Dispatchers as assigned.
Responds to citizen requests for information or non emergency service.
May serve as lead worker in the absence of the Public Safety Shift Supervisor.
May be required to perform bilingual skills as a condition of employment.
Performs related duties as required.
Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.