Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Oceanside • Oceanside, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher. This position will be assigned to the Police Department - Communications Center. This classification is currently working a schedule of 3 consecutive days with 12-hour shifts. (3/12 schedule) Our communications center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Prospective employees will undergo and must successfully pass a thorough police background investigation which may include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and a medical examination which may include a drug screen. Oceanside, a beach community located 39 miles north of San Diego, has a population of more than 175,000. The Oceanside Police Department has an authorized budgeted strength of 228 sworn and 84 professional staff members and handles approximately 110,000 calls for service each year. Our motto, "Service With Pride", speaks to our focus of quality customer service and efficient service. We are committed to public safety and to implementing innovative crime-prevention techniques to ensure a safe and healthy community.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City and the location of streets and important buildings.
• Knowledge of operation of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment.
• Knowledge of computer terminal.
• Knowledge of rules, policies, and regulations regarding dispatching services.
• Knowledge of principles of functional supervision, training and dispatching operations.
• Ability to understand English and speak it clearly in a well-modulated voice using good diction and appropriate grammar.
• Ability to learn and apply Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations governing voice, radio and teletype communications.
• Ability to effectively work under conditions of emergency.
• Ability to make quick and appropriate determinations in all situations.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing situations and priorities.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to type accurately at a moderate speed.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret maps.
• Ability to remain courteous and calm while interacting with the public.
• Ability to handle simultaneous calls.
• Ability to listen and comprehend radio calls while talking on the phone.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to write clear, concise reports and instructions.
• Ability to identify and implement efficient work practices and procedures.
• Ability to maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
• Ability to train others in the use of communications equipment.
• Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, prior to appointment, an appropriate Class C, valid Driver's License.
• A (5) minute typing assessment will be completed virtually prior to Criticall Assessment: Must score 45 Net Words Per Minute, with no more than five (5) errors.
• Must obtain a P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch Certificate within twelve (12) months of hire.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Operates RCS (800MHz), telephone key modules, computer terminal stations, alarm signal equipment, and other communications equipment.
• Receives incoming telephone calls and evaluates requests for emergency services.
• Elicits and records essential incident information from callers such as name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the incident.
• Determines the priority and dispatches personnel and equipment for emergency service in accordance with department procedures.
• Answers routine inquiries and refers calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
• Maintains radio contact with field mobile units to coordinate emergency services, receives and transmits information.
• Keeps command personnel informed of status of emergency situations.
• Maintains records of communications activities.
• Updates special files, street lists, and maps.
• Tests communications equipment and reports malfunctions.
• Assumes supervisory duties in the absence of the Communications Supervisor.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

What This Job Offers

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