Public Safety Communications Dispatcher - Department of Emergency Management (8238)

1. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination);

AND

2. Two (2) years of experience in a public contact position providing information and/or a service, or in a position where the primary responsibility is interacting with people.

Substitution:

Completion of thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units of coursework from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience as described above.

Note

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (Weight: Qualifying)

The Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the minimum qualifications for this position.

Performance Examination: (Weight: Pass/Fail)

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a performance examination designed to measure aptitude for performing public safety communications dispatcher work including, but not limited to: the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment; the ability to recall facts, details, and other information; and the ability to type and operate a computer terminal at a speed of 40 words per minute (net). Candidates who fail typing but fall within 35-39 words per minute (net) will be provided an opportunity to retake typing within 72 hours of the performance exam.  Candidates are encouraged to practice keyboarding prior to the performance exam and retest.

Sample Tests

Oral Examination: (Weight: 100%)

Under general supervision, a Public Safety Communications Dispatcher receives incoming emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency telephone calls from both the public and public safety agencies. This position dispatches police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) field units to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service over a two-way radio system utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system.

The Department of Emergency Management’s Division of Emergency Communications operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Public Safety Communications Dispatchers may be assigned to work various schedules which include day shift, swing shift, night shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Public Safety Communications Dispatchers work 8-hour or 10-hour shifts (or longer)

and must be willing and able to respond, report, and mobilize as necessary.

Examples of essential functions include, without limitation:

Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and efficiently gathers, evaluates, prioritizes, and documents information from callers.

Dispatches police, fire, and EMS field units to specific locations using a computer-aided dispatch system, multiple video display terminals, two-way radio dispatch console, and related equipment.

Application Deadline:

No sooner than March 24th, 2024 at 11:59pm PT

Compensation Range: $106,418 - $135,824

Lateral Transfer: Salary Step is based on experience and training

Recruitment ID: Eligible List ID (903154)