Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Oceanside•Oceanside, CA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for a Public Safety Dispatcher assigned to the Police Department Communications Center. The communications center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The current schedule is three consecutive days with 12-hour shifts. The Public Safety Dispatcher operates radio, telephone, computer, alarm-signal, and other communications equipment; receives and evaluates calls for emergency services; gathers and records essential incident information; determines response priority; and dispatches personnel and equipment according to department procedures. The dispatcher maintains contact with field units, coordinates emergency services, relays information, keeps command personnel informed about emergency situations, and maintains communications records and reference materials. The position also tests communications equipment, reports malfunctions, may assume supervisory duties when the Communications Supervisor is absent, and performs related duties as required. Applicants must complete a computer-based examination and meet the typing requirement. Prospective employees must successfully pass a thorough police background investigation, which may include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and medical examination that may include a drug screen. Employees must obtain a P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch Certificate within 12 months of hire.

Requirements

Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent.
Possession of, or ability to obtain before appointment, an appropriate valid Class C driver's license.
Score at least 45 net words per minute on a five-minute typing assessment, with no more than five errors.
Obtain a P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch Certificate within 12 months of hire.
Understand English and speak clearly in a well-modulated voice, using good diction and appropriate grammar.
Learn and apply Federal Communications Commission regulations governing voice, radio, and teletype communications.
Work effectively under emergency conditions; make quick and appropriate determinations; and adjust to changing situations and priorities.
Maintain accurate records; type accurately at a moderate speed; and accurately read and interpret maps.
Remain courteous and calm when interacting with the public, handle simultaneous calls, and listen to and comprehend radio calls while talking on the phone.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Write clear, concise reports and instructions; identify and implement efficient work practices and procedures; and maintain the mental capacity to make sound decisions.
Train others in the use of communications equipment.
Successfully pass the required police background investigation; it may include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and medical examination that may include a drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Some experience providing information and assistance to the public is desirable.

Responsibilities

Operate RCS (800MHz), telephone key modules, computer terminal stations, alarm signal equipment, and other communications equipment.
Receive incoming telephone calls and evaluate requests for emergency services.
Elicit and record essential incident information, including the caller’s name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the incident.
Determine the priority of incidents and dispatch personnel and equipment for emergency service in accordance with department procedures.
Answer routine inquiries and refer calls that do not require dispatch to appropriate departments and agencies.
Maintain radio contact with field mobile units to coordinate emergency services and receive and transmit information.
Keep command personnel informed of the status of emergency situations.
Maintain records of communications activities and update special files, street lists, and maps.
Test communications equipment and report malfunctions.
Assume supervisory duties in the absence of the Communications Supervisor.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.