Job Description

Posting number: FY27-019

Department: Dispatch

Job classification: Public Safety Dispatcher

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Safety, 911 Telecommunications, Communications

Summary

The City of San Luis Obispo's Police Department is currently recruiting for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher!

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The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking qualified applicants who have successfully completed the California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course and possess a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Course proof of completion. This recruitment is designed for individuals who have already obtained their POST certification and are ready to begin a career in emergency communications. Previous employment as a 9-1-1 dispatcher is not required.

Applications will be received by Human Resources on a continuous basis. The posting may close at any time without prior notice, so qualified candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

When a vacancy is anticipated, the most qualified candidates will be invited to complete a virtual written exam (CritiCall). Upon completing the CritiCall exam, top-scoring candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.

Please note that this posting is for entry-level candidates - candidates with a minimum of one year of experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency and who meet the minimum requirements of the position should apply to the "Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral" posting.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE STATEMENT: A successful Public Safety Dispatcher is deeply committed to the profession and ready to meet the demands of rigorous training and challenging shifts. They remain calm under pressure, show compassion without becoming emotionally overwhelmed, and communicate clearly and quickly—turning distressed callers’ information into accurate, concise emergency calls. They multitask effectively, track field units, and manage both phone and radio communication with strong judgment and prioritization. They adapt easily to evolving technology, including reading electronic maps and using multiple systems. They bring excellent interpersonal skills, working closely with partners for long shifts, and demonstrate assertiveness, flexibility, tolerance, and teamwork.

JOB SUMMARY:

Operates radio systems to dispatch public safety emergency vehicles and personnel, answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and provides pre-arrival medical emergency instructions. Performs a variety of clerical activities and related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Employees in this line-level classification perform the full range of assigned duties. They must be able to work in an independent manner, receiving only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Public Safety Dispatchers are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City and the Police and Fire Departments. They are responsible for responding to a wide variety of calls and requests in an appropriate and timely manner. This requires a thorough knowledge of public safety dispatch procedures and standards as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Public Safety Dispatchers are expected to work shifts including weekends, nights, holidays, and irregular shifts, which may be on short notice. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of the Public Safety Dispatchers.

Examples of duties

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Works under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor and the Watch Commander. Employees in this classification participate in providing general instruction and training to new dispatchers or other staff.

Qualifications

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Receives information and requests for services from the public via telephone and Text to 9-1-1.
• Receives information via radio over numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies.
• Uses various computer programs to provide resource information to field units, other agencies, and the public.
• Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems.
• Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and citizen safety.
• Communicates in a calm, clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Dispatches emergency police, fire, and other City resources/vehicles to scenes of requests for service in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources for emergency and non-emergency service calls.
• Provides medical pre-arrival instructions using established emergency medical dispatch protocols.
• Maintains computerized and paper indexes of information in the communications center.
• Disseminates information on wanted persons, property, warrants, etc.
• Responsible for proper care of communications equipment. Maintains security for confidential or restricted information.
• Participates in training program and utilizes acquired knowledge to train other unit members.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Current computer and cellular telephone technology.
• California law and City of San Luis Obispo ordinances.

Ability to:

• Learn the standard broadcasting procedures of a law enforcement radio system.
• Learn and utilize established emergency medical dispatch protocols to provide pre-arrival instructions.
• Simultaneously use the computer keyboard effectively while speaking on the phone and radio.
• Communicate in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Apply acquired knowledge to new situations in order to make effective decisions.
• Demonstrate social intelligence combined with quick thinking and decisive action.
• Accurately type at a rate of net 40 words per minute.
• Conduct work in a manner that supports the overall team effort and maintain effective work relationships.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.

Supplemental information

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Entry Level

High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;

and

Two years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience with word processing speed of at least 40 w.p.m. net;

and

Successful completion of a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection exam before hire.

Experience operating radio and telephone equipment and data entry terminals is desirable.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• Possession of a California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course certificate of completion

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Polygraph
• Police Background Investigation
• Pre-employment Physical
• Credit Check
• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)