Public Safety Dispatcher I-Iv: 9-1-1 Dispatcher (Entry Level: Post Waiver)

City of Long Beach • Long Beach, CA

1d

About The Position

The Public Safety Dispatcher receives and dispatches emergency 9-1-1 calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services under general supervision. The dispatcher enters information into a computer while questioning callers, determines the nature and disposition of calls, and may provide post-dispatch medical instructions. Using computer-generated messages and priorities, the dispatcher sends field units to emergency situations and operates communications equipment, including radio transmitters, accessories, and telephones. The role also involves computer-assisted dispatch, responding to or referring public safety inquiries and complaints, exchanging relevant information with field units and other public safety agencies, and may include training dispatchers or serving in dispatch supervisory positions.

This is an entry-level position with the City of Long Beach. Applicants may qualify through the National Testing Network Emergency Communications exam or, for POST waiver applicants, an eligible POST Dispatcher Test score. Some positions may qualify for a recruitment incentive of up to $5,000. Employees must be willing to work any shift in the Police or Fire Departments, including mandatory holidays, weekends, and overtime.

Requirements

• Be willing to work any shift assignment in the Police or Fire Departments, including mandatory holidays, weekends, and overtime.
• Be able to handle a high volume of emergency calls with tact, good judgment, initiative, and speed.
• Be able to question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal.
• Speak English clearly and understandably.
• 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.
• Provide a keyboarding skills certificate obtained within the last 12 months from an approved government, employment, or training agency recognized by the Human Resources Department; an eligible online certificate is accepted.
• Pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination conducted by the Long Beach Police Department.
• Have no felony convictions.
• Upload required documentation, including the keyboarding certificate, with the online application.
• Complete the National Testing Network Emergency Communications ECOMM test and achieve a minimum rating of 70, unless eligible for the POST examination waiver.
• For a POST examination waiver, have taken the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with an approved agency and achieved a T-score of at least 50.8 within one year of filing, and provide proof.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish or English and Southeast Asian languages.
• Experience or training as an emergency communications operator, dispatcher, or in a similar role requiring knowledge of emergency medical or public safety operations.
• Experience serving the public in a service-related capacity.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
• Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) qualification.
• California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic or higher certificate.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch emergency calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services.
• Question callers and enter information into a computer simultaneously.
• Determine the nature, validity, and disposition of calls.
• Provide post-dispatch medical instructions when needed.
• 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 vehicle 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 required.
• Act in dispatch supervisory positions when required.
• 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, and the position is eligible for local hiring preferences and veterans preference points.

What This Job Offers

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