ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

City of Visalia; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement program

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Longevity Pay

Tuition Reimbursement

Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic

Job summary

The City of Visalia is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Communications Operator (Dispatch Trainee). Successful completion of the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery and a typing certificate showing 40 WPM are required before hire.

Training period may lead to the Communications Operator role, with shift flexibility for nights, weekends, and holidays. Ideal candidates have 2 years of public contact/dispatch experience, a high school diploma or GED, and are ready

Qualifications

• Two years public contact or dispatch experience; involves customer service, phone contact and clerical tasks.
• Typing speed requirement: 40 corrected WPM with certificate.

Responsibilities

• Receive and transmit routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic.
• Dispatch and coordinate police, fire and animal control.
• Maintain and process a variety of communications paperwork, records and logs.

Skills

Public contact/dispatch experience

Customer service

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

The City of Visalia Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Communications Operator (Dispatch Trainee). This position requires successful completion of the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery. The tentative date for testing is Tuesday, September 29, 2026. A typing certificate dated within one year of the filing deadline MUST be submitted verifying typing speed of 40 corrected WPM before hire.

THE DIVISION

The Operations Division consists of the Patrol Bureau and Communications Unit that provide patrol, traffic, commercial, and emergency communications services for the Police Department. The Patrol Bureau operates out of two District Substations, one in each policing district, and the Visalia Emergency Communications Center. In 2025, the Department fielded more than 264,000 police calls for service.

THE POSITION

The Assistant Communications Operator shall work under direct supervision of the Communications Supervisor. They will receive and transmit routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic, dispatch and coordinate police, fire and animal control. They will maintain and process a variety of communications paperwork, records, and logs. Perform related responsibilities as required. As an Emergency Services employee, the applicant must be available for all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Visalia Police Department is looking for a professional candidate with the ability to answer multi-line phone system, monitor multiple screens and incoming information in various electronic forms, utilize their training to dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment in emergency and non-emergency situations, while focusing on customer service and a desire to serve the community. Upon successful completion of the training period, this position may be flexed up to the Communications Operator level.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Two (2) years public contact or related dispatch experience involving customer service, telephone contact, problem solving, and/or clerical duties. Prior experience working in a law enforcement communications center is desirable.
• Possession of a high school diploma or GED

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of Reserve Communications Operator program or possession of POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate is desirable.
• Type a minimum of 40 corrected wpm.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be more qualified in terms of experience and training will be invited to a job related written exam and appraisal interview. Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph test, psychological examination and post-offer medical exam. A typing certificate dated within one year of the filing deadline MUST be submitted verifying typing speed of 40 WPM before hire. An informational meeting will be held on August 27, 2026, at 5:30 pm at the Visalia Convention Center located at 303 E. Acequia. The written exam is tentatively scheduled for September 29, 2026.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Monthly Salary: $4,863-$6,113

• CalPERS retirement program
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic (no out of pocket expenses)
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave and much more

Review the Benefits tab for more information.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

If work-life balance is important to you, consider living in a thriving community that offers the most affordable housing in California with a typical commute time of less than 20 minutes. With a population of over 146,000, Visalia offers small town charm with metropolitan amenities. Visalia has a world class health care system, our own Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, a flourishing arts community, a minor league baseball team, a downtown convention center, and numerous fine dining establishments. As the Tulare County seat, Visalia is the principal retail center in the region, and home to several large industrial employers. Visalia has a vibrant downtown district, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, institutions for higher learning, and low cost of living. The City has many community parks, organized team sports, a municipal golf course and private country club, a multi-sport family-oriented regional sports park, and numerous outdoor and recreational activities. Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Visalia offers easy access to the nearby mountains, national parks, lakes and rivers which provide year-round opportunities for sports and recreation within an hour or less. Visalia was ranked as the top Central Valley community and one of seven California cities in the top 25 of Gallup Sharecare's latest State of American Well Being Index. Our strong sense of community and social well-being keeps Visalians happy, healthy and moving forward. Come discover all Visalia has to offer!

The City of Visalia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. Please refer to the MOU for further information.

Bargaining Unit: Employees in this class are represented by the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council (Group M bargaining unit). This bargaining unit may establish and collect dues for their members's independent from the City of Visalia. Those that elect to join may be required to pay dues per the provisions in the MOU.

Salary Policies: The salary range for the job is stated on the job announcement. Candidates are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range. Salary increases are given based upon employee work performance, up to a maximum of 5% per fiscal year. Longevity Pay: Association members are eligible for longevity pay based on all years of full-time service with the City of Visalia as a percentage of base wages at the following intervals: 2.0% at 5+ years, 10+ years, 15+ years, and 20+ years. Bilingual pay of $900 per year, pro-rated on a pay period basis, is available to those who are eligible and qualify. Communications Training Pay: Communications Operators certified and assigned as “Communications Training Officers” will receive $1,000 per year, prorated and paid bi-weekly as part of regular payroll. Uniforms and Uniform Allowances: The City shall provide the necessary uniforms and safety equipment needed to perform the job. In lieu of the City providing boots, for those required to wear protective safety footwear, employees will be given an annual boot allowance of $300 for boots and related accessories (laces, insoles, etc.) paid in the pay period that includes July 1st. Group M employees of the police department shall receive a uniform allowance of $800 per year, prorated and paid bi-weekly as part of regular payroll for the maintenance of appropriate uniforms and equipment. Employees working in the following areas of the Police Department that are required to wear a uniform are eligible for uniform allowance: Dispatch, Records, CSO personnel, Property and Evidence, Crime Lab, Duty Officer personnel, Parking Enforcement, and Digital Evidence Technicians.
Holidays: Regular non-shift full-time City employees receive 11 paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year. In lieu of holidays, Police shift employees receive 4 hours of compensatory time off and 4 hours of regular pay in the pay period the holiday falls. In addition, shift employees receive one floating holiday in the pay period that includes January 1.
Vacation: Regular full-time employees earn 10 days per year. After 2 years, employees are eligible for 11 days; after 4 years, 14 days; after 9 years, 17 days; and after 16 years, 20 days of vacation per year. Employees are eligible for vacation usage after six (6) months of service. Employees hired from another governmental agency may be entitled to receive years-of-service credit for their vacation accrual rate for such previous employment and applies only to the government agency the employee was employed with immediately prior to employment with the City of Visalia.
Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees earn 96 hours of sick leave per year, accrued per pay period. Employees are eligible for sick leave usage after three (3) months of service.
Annual Sick Leave Buy Back: For employees covered under the Sick Leave I provision of the policy, the City will automatically cash out all sick leave hours over 480 hours at 40% of the employee's base rate of pay.
Administrative Leave: Employees classified as FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime pay) currently receive 56 hours of administrative leave per calendar year. Any unused administrative leave hours are automatically paid out on the first paycheck in December.
Compensatory Time Off: Regular full-time employees classified as FLSA non-exempt (eligible for overtime pay) currently receive eight (8) hours compensatory time off per calendar year.
Health Insurance: The City provides employee health insurance which includes medical, dental, and vision care. Employee contribution rates are determined by employee's bargaining unit and plan selected. Health benefits are also available for an employee's dependents for an additional contribution rate. Eligibility for health insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire. Contribution rates are reviewed for adjustment annually.
Life Insurance: The City pays the premium for a life insurance and accidental death or dismemberment policy of $30,000. A supplemental life insurance policy may be purchased and paid through payroll deduction. Eligibility for life insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire.
Retirement: The City of Visalia is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). New employees are covered under the 2% @ 62 plan. [Employees with previous PERS qualifying service (Classic employees) may fall under the 2% @ 60 plan.] Each pay period, the employee pays an employee contribution at the CalPERS established rate. The City pays an employer contribution towards the retirement benefit and employees are responsible for contributing 4% of the employer contribution in addition to the required employee contribution.
Social Security/FICA: City employees are not subject to regular Social Security (FICA) deductions. However, Federal law requires that the Medicare portion of the FICA is deducted.
Section 125: The City offers a voluntary Section 125 program whereby tax-free contributions are put into a trust account and are available for withdrawal with documentation of an unreimbursed healthcare or dependent care expense (i.e. premium, dependent care, medical care).
Long Term Disability: Regular full-time City employees are eligible for disability insurance (up to 2/3 of their salary) in the event they are disabled for more than ninety (90) days. LTD premium cost is paid by the employee.
Worker's Compensation: Full-time and hourly employees who sustain an occupational injury or contract occupational illnesses receive standard Worker's Compensation benefits as prescribed by law.
Other Benefits: The City also offers additional benefits such as an employee assistance program (EAP), a pre-tax deferred compensation plan, education assistance up to $1,500 per fiscal year, as well as a City-sponsored clinic staffed by clinicians 6 days per week available to all full-time employees and covered dependents. Services include general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

As a potential applicant, you are about to participate in a series of events collectively called the employment process. Because the goal of the employment process is to obtain the most qualified candidates to fill City positions, examinations are administered to qualified applicants. These examinations are conducted in a variety of ways (written, oral, practical, and/or performance), yet they share a common purpose - to test applicants based upon the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.

Application: Perspective employees must submit a City of Visalia application and other documents required as outlined in the announcement by the closing time specified on the final filing date. Final filing dates and times are listed on the front of each announcement. Separate original applications must be submitted for each recruitment/position applied for.

Examination: Applicants will be evaluated and applicants who clearly appear to be more qualified in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be invited to take an examination or combination of examinations. Written, practical, oral, and/or performance examination scores, or a pre-determined combined examination score, will determine standing on the eligible list.

Exam Accommodations: If you are most qualified for the job, but need reasonable accommodations to take the exam, contact the Human Resources Division at least five (5) days prior to the exam. We want to work with you to design a fair and effective means by which you can demonstrate your ability to perform the essential functions of this job. Be prepared to furnish proof of the need for accommodation. Such proof should normally be a signed statement on letterhead by a professional who is qualified to make a diagnosis.

Eligible lists: Eligible lists contain names, in descending order of score, of applicants who have obtained passing scores. Eligible lists are maintained for no less than six (6) months and no more than one year unless otherwise determined by Human Resources. The City retains the authority to reestablish an eligible list for a specific job opening when deemed necessary. Separate eligible lists are established for each recruitment.

Selection: A departmental interview is conducted with the top candidates from the eligible list. The number of candidates interviewed depends on the number of vacancies.

Background Review: Depending on the position, prospective employees will be subject to clearing a background investigation which may include, but is not limited to, a reference check, credit check, criminal history review, social security verification, DMV record check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.

Post Offer Medical Examination: Prior to starting work, all prospective employees are required to take a drug/alcohol screening administered by the City's medical provider and/or pass a medical examination. Candidates are cautioned not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

Probationary Period: Employees appointed to a new position through an open or promotional process are required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period. Employees appointed to Assistant Communications Operator or Communications Operator positions are required to serve an eighteen (18) month probationary period. An employee may be terminated without recourse for any reason and at any time during the probationary period.

Immigration Law: Prior to employment, applicants will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, alien registration, or authorization to work in the United States at time of appointment, and complete an I-9 form. Failure to do so within three (3) days from date of hire may be cause for termination. Once hired, failure to maintain authorization to work in the United States may be cause for termination of employment.

Driver's License: Some City positions may require possession of a valid California Driver's License. Employees may also be required to submit a DMV printout with proof of automobile insurance as some positions may require the use of your vehicle on the job. Additionally, employees may be required to drive City vehicles or equipment.

Non-Smoking Policy: A non-smoking ordinance adopted by the City provides a smoke-free environment.

Drug-Free Workplace: The City is a drug-free workplace and has adopted a comprehensive substance abuse policy.

Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy: A zero-tolerance discrimination and anti-harassment policy adopted by the City provides employees and volunteers with a professional work environment in which they are not exposed to harassment and illegal discrimination of any kind.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

• Yes
• No

Describe your experience involving customer service, telephone contact, and/or clerical duties. Include the length of time you worked in that environment, the specific tasks you performed, and your experience with multi-tasking and answering multi-line phones.

Describe your experience working with computers. Indicate the types of software programs you are familiar with and describe your experience using them. If you have experience using a computer-aided dispatch system, indicate that here.

Describe any experience you have in working in stressful and pressured emergency situations and/or dealing with the public in hostile, hysterical or other emotional states.

As an adult, have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation? If yes, give dates and explanation. (Conviction does not automatically disqualify you)