Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral)

City of Torrance • Torrance, CA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Torrance is recruiting for Public Safety Dispatchers. The Torrance Police Department Public Safety Dispatchers serve as the primary link between the public, and the Police and Fire personnel. The City of Torrance operates a Public Safety Communication Center under the Support Services Division, and is responsible for providing communications services to the Police and Fire Departments, including answering 911 and non-emergency telephone calls, dispatching public safety resources, and providing emergency medical dispatch services and 911 education to the public. The Communication Center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment in order to provide the highest level of public safety service to the Torrance community. Our Public Safety Dispatchers are an essential component to our overall mission of serving the citizens of our community. Dispatchers operate communication systems utilizing radio, telephone and computer equipment to receive emergency and non-emergency calls requesting Police and Fire services. They make critical decisions during urgent incidents in order to provide First Responders with real-time information to help them solve a variety of situations.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate.
• One year of experience in voice communications equipment or public contact work involving the use of communication equipment.
• Two (2) years of continuous employment as a Dispatcher or Communications Operator (in Police or Fire) within the last three (3) years (for lateral entry).
• Must obtain and maintain a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatch Certificate and Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate within one (1) year of hire.
• Ability to operate a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Pass a thorough background investigation, including job and personal references, arrest records, credit history, use of controlled substances, medical evaluations, and a polygraph.

Nice To Haves

• Customer service mindset with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, have a clear and controlled voice, think quickly and logically while working under pressure and exercise good judgment in potential emergency situations.
• Strong multitasking skills and the ability to learn quickly.
• Experience as a Police, Fire or other emergency dispatcher involving computer-aided dispatching.

Responsibilities

• Operate communication systems utilizing radio, telephone and computer equipment to receive emergency and non-emergency calls requesting Police and Fire services.
• Make critical decisions during urgent incidents to provide First Responders with real-time information.
• Answer 911 and non-emergency telephone calls.
• Dispatch public safety resources.
• Provide emergency medical dispatch services.
• Provide 911 education to the public.

Benefits

• Upon successful completion of the probationary period (12 months), employees will be credited with 72 hours of sick leave and 111.96 hours of vacation leave.
• $1,500 transfer incentive.

What This Job Offers

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