Public Safety Dispatcher I

Sutter County Human Resources•Yuba City, CA

About The Position

The Sutter County Sheriff's Office is hiring a Public Safety Dispatcher I. Under immediate supervision, the dispatcher receives and transmits emergency and routine voice radio messages, dispatches personnel and equipment according to established procedures, and performs clerical support related to communications. The role monitors radio traffic, receives and prioritizes emergency calls, coordinates assistance with other public safety agencies, maintains contact with units in the field, and provides callers with information or instructions as needed. It also involves using computer systems to retrieve and update public safety records and completing routine clerical and reception duties. New hires start at Step 1 at $25.09 per hour and advance to Step 2 after completing the approximately four-month Field Training Officer program. They advance to Step 3 after 26 pay periods, approximately one year after hire. At 18 months, after passing probation, employees may promote to Public Safety Dispatcher II, Step 3. Further merit increases are available as described in the posting. Hiring requires satisfactory completion of a thorough background investigation and psychological evaluation. Other stated pre-employment requirements include evaluation of oral communication skills and a preplacement medical examination. The position requires completion of a POST-certified 120-hour Basic Complaint/Dispatcher course within twelve months of hire. All Sutter County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be directed to perform emergency services.

Requirements

One year of experience performing general office duties, completion of high school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of modern office practices, filing and record-keeping methods, clerical activities, basic mathematics, standard office equipment, and basic computer applications and techniques.
Ability to learn dispatching policies and procedures, public safety radio codes, the local road system, and geographic layout.
Ability to operate radio and communications equipment quickly and calmly in routine and emergency situations.
Ability to work under pressure; understand, retain, and transmit information while performing multiple functions; analyze situations accurately; and take effective action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, public agencies, the public, and others encountered at work.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and prepare and maintain accurate reports and records.
Ability to perform clerical work of average difficulty and operate communications and standard office equipment.
Typing speed of at least 30 words per minute and ability to use a computer keyboard accurately and at appropriate speed.
Ability to use software programs relevant to the position.
Ability to operate communications equipment while performing multiple hand and foot functions simultaneously.
Ability to remain calm in emergencies and process and communicate information while performing multiple functions.
Normal hearing in both ears and sufficient hand/eye coordination for repetitive typing and data-entry movements.
Satisfactory completion of a thorough background investigation, evaluation of oral communication skills, and preplacement medical examination.
Complete a POST-certified 120-hour Basic Complaint/Dispatcher course within twelve months of hire.
Successfully provide a valid typing test at 30 W.P.M. net and participate successfully in the POST Dispatcher exam and oral interview(s).
Complete a dispatch sit-along before the hiring interview if referred.

Responsibilities

Monitor radio receivers for Sheriff's Department communications and radio traffic from related safety agencies.
Receive emergency and other messages, obtain and record incident information, and categorize and prioritize calls.
Dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment according to procedures, supervisory instructions, or individual judgment.
Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and requests for assistance involving other public safety agencies.
Maintain two-way radio communications with emergency units and monitor their status and location while assigned.
Provide callers with information or instructions to assist them until dispatched units arrive.
Use computer terminals and networks to obtain, enter, update, and retrieve information about drivers, vehicles, wanted persons, stolen property, registrations, warrants, and other pertinent data.
Notify superiors about emergency situations and general activities.
Act as receptionist at the public information window; answer telephone calls, provide information, take messages, or direct calls.
Perform clerical work including data entry, typing, filing, indexing, and maintaining records.
Maintain radio logs and other records of incoming messages and calls.
Prepare or generate forms, correspondence, and documentation; review documents and process, forward, or take other appropriate action.
Copy and distribute maps, correspondence, reports, and related documents.
Maintain current reference manuals, policies and procedures, bulletins, and map books.
Maintain departmental filing systems and supply inventories, and request new or replacement materials.
Respond to requests for information or assistance and communicate effectively over radio channels.
Maintain knowledge of County geography and street locations.
Process citations, warrants, and restraining orders.