Public Safety Dispatcher I

Butte County•Oroville, CA

About The Position

The Butte County Sheriff's Office is hiring Public Safety Dispatcher I, a trainee-level position in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Under immediate or general supervision, the dispatcher receives emergency and non-emergency 911 and other calls, dispatches personnel and equipment according to established procedures, performs technical and recordkeeping tasks, and carries out related duties. Trainees work in the communications center, receive on-the-job training and close supervision, and handle frequent public interactions by telephone. As they gain proficiency, they develop the skills needed to perform the duties of the journey-level Dispatcher II position. The position serves the public and supports Sheriff’s Office and County operations by assessing calls, dispatching appropriate resources, monitoring public safety units, maintaining information and call records, and communicating with allied agencies. It also provides daily assistance to the Coroner’s Office by locating decedents’ family members for required notifications. Applicants must provide a valid typing certification showing at least 40 words per minute on a five-minute test taken within the last 12 months. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements and submitting a valid certificate will be invited to a written exam, tentatively scheduled for December 15, 2026. A qualifying POST Entry Level Public Safety Dispatcher Test Battery score from the prior 12 months may be used instead. The position requires a thorough background investigation. County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers, must affirm a loyalty oath, complete assigned related training, and return to work when ordered during an emergency.

Requirements

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
For Public Safety Dispatcher I, one year of general office and computer experience.
Valid typing certification showing a minimum of 40 words per minute on a five-minute test taken within the last 12 months.
Possess and maintain a valid C.L.E.T.S. Operator certificate by the end of the probationary period.
Possess and maintain a Basic Dispatcher Course certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) by the end of the probationary period.
A position assigned to this class may require a valid California Driver’s License.
Pass a thorough background investigation.
Ability to read and interpret maps and relevant documentation; accurately observe and recall incident details; and memorize codes, names, locations, and other detailed information.
Ability to work under stress, assess difficult or emergency circumstances, make quick and sound decisions, and implement appropriate response strategies.
Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, codes, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards.
Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within applicable guidelines.
Ability to use computer systems, relevant software, and modern business equipment effectively.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in spoken and written English and maintain positive working relationships.
Knowledge of law enforcement and emergency communications practices and terminology, law enforcement agency functions, Butte County geography, personnel deployment, relevant laws and procedures, recordkeeping, customer service, English, and work-related equipment and software.

Responsibilities

Receive, analyze, and evaluate 911, Sheriff’s emergency and business calls, inquiries, and complaints, including calls concerning roads, animal control, and maintenance; transfer calls or create dispatch calls as appropriate.
Dispatch Sheriff’s units or other staff and equipment to emergency and non-emergency locations, determining jurisdiction and the appropriate personnel to send.
Monitor public safety units’ status to support officer safety and service availability.
Operate multiple communications devices and computers concurrently, update suspect information and deputy locations, and transmit and receive information through criminal justice systems.
Maintain radio-call records, information logs, business and premise histories, and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts.
Maintain radio contact with allied agencies and assist their units or provide requested information.
Monitor business alarms and security systems and consult relevant histories and emergency-contact files.
Respond to Deputy radio traffic and requests; disseminate suspect information from roll-call boards, prior calls, and bulletins; and respond to in-house, paging, and after-hours phone lines.
Perform basic equipment adjustments and maintenance and, as needed, related office support duties.
Assist the Coroner’s Office daily by using investigative tools to locate decedents’ family members for required notifications.
Perform related duties as assigned.