Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

City of Escondido•Escondido, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
One year (full-time equivalent) of experience in clerical or public contact work (for Public Safety Dispatcher I).
Excellent computer skills is highly desirable (for Public Safety Dispatcher I).
One year (full-time equivalent) of experience comparable to a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Escondido (for Public Safety Dispatcher II).
Prior experience using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system is highly desirable (for Public Safety Dispatcher II).
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.
Ability to learn, interpret and apply departmental policies and procedures and Federal Communications Commission voice-radio regulations.
Ability to read maps rapidly and accurately.
Ability to operate or learn to operate radio telephone equipment.
Ability to type at a rate of 40 net wpm and operate a computer terminal.
Ability to operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
Ability to write clearly and concisely.
Ability to speak and understand English clearly and distinctly over communications equipment.
Ability to remain calm under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Ability to demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Ability to work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English.

Nice To Haves

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) (for Public Safety Dispatcher II).
Bilingual skills

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.

Benefits

The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace.
All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended.
A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions.
Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen.
Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.
All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States.
Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment.
After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status.
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment.
The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.
The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire.
New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.
Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria: Served in the U.S. armed forces, Received an honorable discharge, Did not retire from military service, Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time. Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.