Job Description

Posting number: 26.257

Department: Sheriff's Office

Job classification: Public Safety Dispatcher

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Miscellaneous, Safety, 911 Telecommunications, Communications

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions in the Sheriff's Office should they occur.

Primary responsibility is to receive, process and transmit two-way radio and telecommunication messages, complaints, and emergency calls; performs responsible technical and clerical duties; entry level position in a series of two classification levels.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

If you apply for this position, or are considering applying for this position, please contact MCSO Recruiting for further information and support throughout the process. You can reach them at careers@mendocinosheriff.org or (707) 234-2106.

Examples of duties

All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.

• Receives and dispatches routine and emergency radio, telephone, teletype and other communications messages.
• Receives and processes inquiries, complaints, information and emergency calls from the public.
• Analyzes, evaluates and determines appropriate responses to situations requiring law enforcement intervention.
• Determines proper jurisdiction, personnel, and/or equipment to be dispatched.
• Monitors and refers special problems and situations to the appropriate personnel and/or organizations.
• Operates telecommunications equipment in receiving and transmitting information regarding vehicle registration, driving records, warrants, criminal records and/or other police related matters.
• Contacts and coordinates the exchange of information for resolving complaints and requests with the California Highway Patrol, Ambulance Services, Fire Departments and other emergency service agencies.
• Monitors location and activities of multiple patrol units; maintains and records contacts with field patrol units.
• Monitors, tests and reports the condition of transmitting equipment.
• Monitors, maintains and records dictaphone tapes and messages.
• Receives and processes routine business calls, requests for information, and/or refers to appropriate agencies.
• Maintains warrant, complaint, theft, location, equipment, and operating records and files.
• Performs clerical duties associated with Communications room duties and activities.
• May provide guidance, direction and/or training to staff members.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience
High School diploma or GED; and, one (1) year of clerical experience; or, any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must successfully complete the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course within one year of employment.

Valid Drivers License - Class C or better.

Qualifications

• General office procedures, policies and practices, as well as basic knowledge of computer/VDT and other general office equipment.

• Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• Communities, roads, major landmarks and geography of Mendocino County.
• Operations and functions of the Sheriff's Department and other public safety agencies.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Emergency codes and terminology.

• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate policies, procedures and protocols.
• Using a computer terminal to accurately and rapidly enter and retrieve data and information.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

• Ability to react quickly, efficiently, and calmly in an emergency situation and to adopt an effective course of action.
• Ability to perform several mental and physical tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Supplemental information

Written testing for qualified applicants is currently scheduled for October 1, 2026.

*Please note the dates are subject to change. You will be notified at least 7 days prior to the actual test date.

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered Applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in a POST-approved written test (pass/fail). Those who pass the written exam will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Based on the number of candidates passing the written exam, a qualifications appraisal (oral examination) (weight 100) may be administered. The examination process will test the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. A passing mark of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation(Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work(Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer