Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Oxnard • Oxnard, CA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Oxnard's Police Department is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher with strong technical and customer service skills to be part of the team. This individual must be comfortable multitasking and maintaining composure in stressful situations. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Under immediate or general supervision, receives requests for emergency assistance via an array of sources; determines urgency and type of assistance needed; dispatches appropriate public safety personnel by utilizing computerized mapping system, computerized 911 telephone system, the computer-aided dispatch system, computerized radio system, related databases, and other computerized equipment; exercises independent judgment; coordinates patrol unit activity, including complex critical incidents; and performs other related duties as required. Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding and operation of a mouse, foot controls, wearing of a headset, and wearing of a uniform.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be able to communicate in English effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Possession of a Basic Dispatcher Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is required within the first 12 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with public contact is highly desirable.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver's license may be required for some positions.

Responsibilities

• Receives all 911 calls for the City; determines the nature and location of the emergency; utilizes various systems to convert latitude and longitude on wireless 911 calls to locate the caller; determines priority and enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to be forwarded to the appropriate radio dispatcher or other agencies.
• Remains on the line with the caller in emergency situations until law enforcement arrives on scene to provide assistance.
• Utilizes very good customer service skills on all calls and calming techniques on calls involving hysterical or upset callers.
• Obtains information from callers and determines if the incident contains the necessary elements of criminal activity as defined in the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, and/or the Health and Safety Code.
• Hears multiple conversations simultaneously, distinguishing between voices and sources to obtain relevant information quickly and accurately.
• Simultaneously receives, keys in, and transmits information and field assignments to units in the field; maintains contact and monitors status of field units; coordinates activity of up to 50 units on various, dynamic incidents; enters and updates information on a computerized system.
• Answers non-emergency calls for service, determines type of assistance required, and orders tow trucks, public works personnel, or other appropriate personnel.
• Makes immediate decisions and reacts in a quick, calm, controlled, and effective manner in emergency situations.
• Speaks clearly, distinctly, concisely, and correctly over the radio and telephone.
• Reads, understands, and interprets complex maps; develops a working knowledge of the City of Oxnard geography including, jurisdictional boundaries, freeways, roadways, and landmarks.
• Obtains information utilizing computerized databases including Geofile, municipal codes, county ordinances, assessor's database, phone/address cross-references, DMV records, driver license records, wants and warrants, restraining orders, missing persons, runaway juveniles, probation status, and parole status and transmits researched information to field units.
• Types accurately on computer keyboards and operates mouse and foot controls while conversing on the radio and/or telephone.
• Prioritizes tasks and performs multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-stress emergency work environment.
• Provides all pertinent information to officers and other emergency personnel and coordinates appropriate level of response to maintain their safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Receives records and assigns case numbers and prioritizes incoming calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, emergency, and other Department services.
• Dispatches units based on the nature of the call, staff availability, assigned geographical area, and location of the call; monitors unit status.
• Answers incoming business and emergency calls; take complaints and requests for information from citizens and where appropriate refer calls to appropriate parties.
• Operates computerized law enforcement information systems to update information or retrieve information in response to officer requests and radio user status.
• Enters information into centralized law enforcement record-keeping systems.
• Confirms outstanding warrants with other agencies.
• Types and files a variety of information.
• Updates a variety of computerized and paper information files regarding Department activities such as missing persons, stolen vehicles, and warrants.
• Assists other law enforcement and fire agencies as necessary.
• Conducts basic maintenance activities on communication equipment.
• Notifies proper City authorities of emergencies after normal business hours.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public; provides information as is appropriate and resolves complaints.

Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay.

What This Job Offers

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