About the Department

Basic Function:

Perform a variety of dispatching and clerical duties in support of City-wide emergency and non-emergency police, fire and medical services; operate a telephone to receive routine and emergency requests from City personnel and the public; dispatch police, fire and medical personnel as appropriate.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Public Safety Dispatcher I classification provides an opportunity to learn the terminology, processes and operations of public safety dispatch functions. 

Public Safety Dispatcher I: $71,915.58 - $87,413.87

The Public Safety Dispatcher II classification performs a variety of responsible duties requiring an understanding of the operations, procedures and functions of emergency and non-emergency police, fire and medical service dispatch functions. 

Public Safety Dispatcher II: $79,381.33 - $96,488.50

Position Duties

Essential Duties:

Perform a variety of dispatching and clerical duties in support of City-wide emergency and non-emergency police, fire and medical services; coordinate flow of communications between City services to assure appropriate and timely response to City needs and emergencies.

Operate a telephone to receive routine and emergency requests from City personnel and the public; dispatch police, fire and medical personnel utilizing assigned radio equipment according to established guidelines and procedures; maintain call logs.

Respond to informational requests from City personnel and the public; utilize an assigned computer system to input data and extract information related to stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, driver's licenses, vehicle registration, missing persons and prisoner or civilian information; establish and maintain automated records as directed.

Compile information and prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to dispatch activities, incidents, warrants, stolen vehicles and assigned duties.

Operate a variety of office and dispatching equipment including a copier, headset, recorder, computer and assigned software.

Maintain radio communications with City police, fire and medical emergency units to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns; confer with outside fire, police and medical agencies to request and provide information as needed.

Participate in a variety of other assigned activities such as dispatching animal services, arranging for vehicle towing and monitoring security camera monitors to identify illegal or suspicious activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Telephone techniques and etiquette.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of dispatching and clerical duties in support of City-wide emergency and non-emergency police, fire and medical services.
• Operate a telephone to receive routine and emergency requests from City personnel and the public.
• Dispatch police, fire and medical personnel as appropriate.
• Learn, interpret, apply and explain policies, procedures, rules, codes and regulations.
• Learn local geography, street locations, important buildings and landmarks of the area.
• Learn City organization, operations, radio procedures and dispatch guidelines.
• Type or input data at 35 words per minute from clear copy.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Answer telephones and greet the public courteously.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Complete work with many interruptions.
• Operate a computer and assigned software.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Report to work every scheduled workday.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Public Safety Dispatcher I: 
Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and one-year of clerical experience involving frequent public contact.

Public Safety Dispatcher II:

Any combination equivalent to:  graduation from high school and one year of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher I.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Public Safety Dispatcher I:  
Must type at a speed of 35 net words per minute.
Valid POST Public Safety Dispatch Certification within 12 months of employment.

Public Safety Dispatcher II: 
Must type at a speed of 35 net words per minute.
Valid POST Safety Dispatch Certification. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:

Office environment.
Constant interruptions.

Physical Demands:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
Seeing to read a variety of materials.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone.
Sitting for extended periods of time.