Public Safety Dispatcher I-II

City of Tulare•Tulare, CA

2d•$4,594 - $6,139•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Tulare is hiring for an alternately staffed Public Safety Dispatcher I-II series. Public Safety Dispatchers serve as the link between the public and emergency services, receiving 911 and other calls and coordinating police, fire, and medical responses. The role requires calm judgment, emotional resilience, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple systems and tasks in high-pressure situations. The position works under general supervision and may provide technical and functional direction to lower-level staff and train less experienced employees as assigned. At Level I, the position performs entry-level dispatch, law enforcement, and police support duties that do not require a sworn police officer. At Level II, the position performs the full range of dispatch and police support duties and requires Public Safety Dispatcher POST certification. The work includes extensive public contact in emergency and non-emergency situations and must be conducted within applicable legal guidelines and departmental procedures. The position works a rotating 12-hour schedule of 6 a.m.–6 p.m. or 6 p.m.–6 a.m., including weekends, holidays, and off-hours. Extended shifts may be required for relief or emergencies. Work is primarily in an office environment with moderate noise and controlled temperatures. The position involves prolonged sitting and computer use, along with occasional standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Employees must be able to lift up to 20 pounds. Applicants must submit a detailed application, attach a typing certificate issued within the past six months verifying a minimum speed of 35 words per minute, and respond to supplemental questions. The recruitment process may include an online skills assessment, preliminary background review, panel interview, Chiefs' interview, comprehensive background investigation, and pre-employment physical. Experienced dispatcher applicants with a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate are not required to take the online assessment.

Requirements

Public Safety Dispatcher I: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade and one year of responsible clerical work involving heavy public contact.
Public Safety Dispatcher II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade and two years of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher I.
Type at least 35 words per minute and provide a typing certificate issued within the past six months.
Possess, or be able to obtain by appointment, a valid California Class C driver's license.
Pass a detailed background investigation.
Public Safety Dispatcher II applicants must have POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certification.
Knowledge of basic law enforcement agency functions, principles, and practices; public safety dispatch terminology and procedures; and applicable codes, regulations, policies, and technical procedures.
Knowledge of computer-aided communications equipment, multiple telephone lines, radio systems, City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
Knowledge of data collection, report preparation, business arithmetic, basic statistics, record keeping, modern office practices, computer equipment, and English usage.
Ability to assess and prioritize emergencies calmly and exercise sound independent judgment; memorize codes and location information; interpret maps and policies; and handle multiple activities at once.
Ability to obtain information from people in stressful situations, prepare clear and accurate reports, perform detailed office support work, and maintain accurate records and databases.
Ability to enter and retrieve computer data with sufficient speed and accuracy, organize work, meet deadlines, and operate modern office equipment and software.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing; use tact and discretion; and maintain effective working relationships with the public, City staff, and agency representatives.
Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including weekends, holidays, and off-hours, and to work extended shifts in relief or emergency situations.
Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use office and law enforcement equipment; stamina for extended periods of attention and computer work; vision to read printed materials and screens; and hearing and speech sufficient for communication in person and by telephone.
Ability to sit for extended periods and, as needed, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull; finger dexterity to use keyboards and office equipment; and ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Responsibilities

Receive and evaluate 911 police, fire, and medical emergency calls and related business calls; provide information, transfer calls, and take messages for Police Department personnel.
Dispatch police, fire, medical, towing, utility, and other response units according to established procedures and priorities using a computerized dispatch system.
Maintain contact with field units, track their locations and status, and maintain records of field calls.
Operate computer, telephone, radio console, and telecommunications equipment simultaneously while dispatching.
Enter, update, and retrieve records through CLETS and other law enforcement information databases, including information about vehicles, property, warrants, criminal history, and missing persons.
Run warrant, registration, vehicle, and property checks and relay information and instructions to field personnel.
Contact public and private agencies to request mutual assistance, including law enforcement agencies, fire departments, hospitals, towing services, and utilities.
Log call data and monitor calls after dispatch to provide coordination, support, or additional information.
Serve as a liaison with members of the public and representatives of other agencies; provide factual information about services, policies, and procedures or direct inquiries to the appropriate person or agency.
Monitor alarms and security systems and notify responsible parties when alarms are activated.
Assist with booking and custody of prisoners, including preparing records, searching arrestees, attending to their physical well-being, assisting with urine samples, and accompanying officers transporting female prisoners.
Maintain, research, and compile departmental and law enforcement records and files.
Monitor juveniles and prisoners confined in the City jail.
Stay informed about changes in policies, procedures, and codes; attend fire and police training and shift briefings, and participate in drills and test scenarios.
Train new employees in work methods, tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.