PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I-IV - 9-1-1 Dispatcher (ENTRY LEVEL - NTN EXAM)

City of Long Beach • Long Beach, CA

2d

About The Position

The City of Long Beach is hiring entry-level Public Safety Dispatchers for Police or Fire and Emergency Medical Service communications. Under general supervision, the dispatcher receives and dispatches emergency 9-1-1 calls, obtains information from callers while entering data into a computer, determines the nature and disposition of calls, and dispatches field units using computer-generated messages and priorities. The role operates communications equipment and a computer-assisted dispatch system, responds to or refers public safety inquiries and complaints, and communicates relevant information to field units and outside agencies. Dispatchers may provide post-dispatch medical instructions, train and evaluate other dispatchers, or act in dispatch supervisory positions.

Applications are available online beginning November 6, 2026, and filing remains open until vacancies are filled, though it may close without further notice. This is a continuous examination process. Candidates applying through the National Testing Network (NTN) must take the ECOMM Emergency Communications Test and complete the online application. The NTN examination may be waived for applicants with an approved POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery score of 50.8 or above earned within one year before filing; those applicants must use the POST waiver application.

The hourly salary ranges by grade are: Grade I, $30.216–$41.034; Grade II, $32.565–$44.278; Grade III, $35.120–$47.693; and Grade IV, $37.881–$51.476. Some positions may qualify for a recruitment incentive of up to $5,000.

Requirements

• Be willing to work any shift assignment in the Police or Fire Departments, including mandatory holidays, weekends, and overtime.
• Handle a high volume of emergency calls with tact, good judgment, initiative, and speed.
• Question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal.
• Speak English clearly and understandably.
• Effectively comprehend, interpret, and retain written and oral information, including policies and procedures, the State Penal Code, FCC regulations, charts, and maps.
• Demonstrate keyboarding skills at 35 words per minute.
• Submit a keyboarding skills certificate obtained within the past 12 months from an approved government, employment, or training agency recognized by the Human Resources Department; online certificates are accepted.
• Pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination conducted by the Long Beach Police Department.
• Have no felony convictions, defined in the posting as conviction of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary.
• Upload required documents, including the keyboarding certificate, with the online application.
• Take and pass the NTN ECOMM Emergency Communications performance examination with a minimum rating of 70, unless eligible for the POST examination waiver.
• For a POST examination waiver, have an approved agency POST Dispatcher Test T-score of at least 50.8 earned within one year before filing and submit the required proof and POST waiver application.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual skills in English/Spanish or English/Southeast Asian languages; Spanish, Khmer, and/or Tagalog are desirable for positions interacting with the public.
• Experience or training as an emergency communications operator, dispatcher, or in a similar position requiring knowledge of emergency medical or public safety operations.
• Experience dealing with the public in a service-related capacity.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
• Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) certification.
• California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Basic or higher certificate.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch emergency 9-1-1 calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services.
• Question callers and enter information into a computer while assessing calls.
• Determine the nature, validity, and disposition of calls.
• Provide post-dispatch medical instructions when appropriate.
• Use computer-generated messages and priorities to dispatch field units to emergencies.
• Operate communications equipment, including radio transmitters, accessories, and telephones.
• Perform call reception and dispatch activities using a computer-assisted dispatch system.
• Answer or refer inquiries and complaints concerning public safety and related matters.
• Access, retrieve, and transmit vehicular or personal information to field units.
• Relay relevant situational information to non-city enforcement or public safety agencies.
• Provide dispatcher training and participate in evaluating dispatcher performance when assigned.
• Act in dispatch supervisory positions when assigned.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Some positions may qualify for a recruitment incentive of up to $5,000.
• Eligible veterans may receive additional examination credit; disabled veterans may receive a higher additional credit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed