Communications Dispatcher I (1704) - Citywide - (C00467)

City and County of San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City and County of San Francisco is hiring for a Communications Dispatcher I in the Citywide department. This entry-level civil service position operates radio, telephone and paging equipment to dispatch field units and public safety resources.

The role requires verified experience with two-way radio base stations, strong communication skills, and the ability to log and manage data. The position is full-time and based in San Francisco.

Qualifications

• One year of verifiable experience operating a two-way radio communications base station, receiving, recording and transmitting messages from one source to another.
• Six months of this experience must have been operating a two-way radio base station.
• Experience using handheld or portable two-way radios does not qualify for base station experience.

Responsibilities

• Operates two-way base station, radio and pager systems to receive and transmit messages.
• Dispatches mobile units and coordinates with public safety and other agencies.
• Maintains radio log and records using computer systems.
• Assists with emergency procedures and coordinating with multiple city departments.
• Performs clerical duties related to procedures and documentation.

Skills

Two-way radio base station

Multi-line telephone

Record keeping

Job description

This job ad has been extended to allow for more application submissions.

Company Description

THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM

Application Opening: Friday, October 30, 2026

Application Deadline: Original closing date: Friday, November 6, 2026 (by the end of the day) Extended closing date: Friday November 13, 2026 (by end of day)

Compensation Range: $73,944- $89,856

Recruitment ID: 1704 (C00467)

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our city’s commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our city what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

Department: Citywide

Job class: 1704 Communications Dispatcher

Role type: Permanent Civil Service What does this mean?

Hours: Full-time

Exam type: Class Based Test

Cert Rule: Rule of List

List type: Entrance

Role description

Under supervision, the Communications Dispatcher I performs a variety of specialized duties in connection with communications dispatch functions. The Communications Dispatcher I operates a variety of communications equipment, including two-way-based station radio, telephone and radio-paging services, to dispatch and transmit information with mobile field units and communicate with the public. This is the entry-level dispatcher level.

Examples Of Important And Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

• Operates a variety of communications equipment and information transmitting devices such as, multi-line telephones, two-way base station radio and pager systems utilized to receive information, request reports and emergency calls from a number of mobile radio field units and telephones, or to transmit messages to field units and/or to route calls to proper bureau or detail for action.
• Verifies and evaluates messages received to determine if information is accurate and may follow up to ensure proper receipt and understanding to determine type of action necessary and appropriate staff and/or agency to be notified.
• Dispatches mobile units and equipment to specific work locations, including locations where traffic control, citing and towing services are needed; makes phone requests for ambulance, tow-truck or other emergency services; makes inquiries of other agencies as requested by field units; reads maps and gives directions on how to get to location of emergency.
• Records essential information and facts from messages transmitted or received by radio and telephone by entering and retrieving data from computer, time stamping and logging messages for permanent record keeping, maintaining continuous records of the status of units assigned, and maintaining a regular log of all messages transmitted and received by radio and telephone.
• Assists communications dispatchers to coordinate communications emergency procedures by working with staff from various City departments (e.g., Police, MUNI, Fire, Sheriff & PUC,) and communications dispatchers from 911 and DPW, during accidents, emergencies and natural or other disasters.
• Transmits alarm information to supervisor on duty when the department needs assistance; notifies the Police department daily of streets scheduled for no-parking zones; prepares records and performs other clerical duties related to these procedures. May monitor surveillance equipment and intrusion alarms from on-site buildings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

How to qualify

EXPERIENCE: One year of verifiable experience operating a two-way radio communications base station, receiving, recording and transmitting messages from one source to another; OR Combined total of one year of verifiable experience operating a multi-line telephone, and a two-way radio communications base system. Six months of this experience must have been operating a two-way radio base station.

Important Information Regarding Radio Experience

Experience using handheld or portable two-way radios do not qualify. To meet the experience requirement for this recruitment, applicants must have experience operating a two-way radio base station.

• A two-way radio base station is a radio unit that is installed or operated at a fixed location and is used to communicate with portable or mobile two-way radios over a radio system.
• A portable or handheld two-way radio, commonly referred to as a walkie-talkie, is designed to be carried and operated by an individual while moving between locations. Experience using only handheld, portable, or mobile two-way radios is not considered experience operating an base station and does not satisfy this requirement.

Applicants must fully meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing deadline unless otherwise stated.

Note: Some positions may require that incumbents successfully complete on-the-job training in California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) operations, policies and procedures within six (6) months of appointment (hire date). Employees must also pass a proficiency exam every two (2) years throughout employment, in order to maintain eligibility for access to CLETS.

Qualifying Full-Time Employment Standard: One year of full-time employment experience is equivalent to 2000 hours. (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week.) Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Verification Of Education And Experience

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications.

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

What else should I know?

SELECTION PROCEDURES

I. Application and Preliminary Questionnaire

Complete the application and preliminary questionnaire thoroughly to avoid disqualification. After you complete the application, you will be prompted to complete the preliminary questionnaire. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an assessment process designed to measure their knowledge, skills and/or abilities relevant to the class.

After Application Submission, Candidates Deemed Qualified Must Complete All Subsequent Steps To Advance In This Selection Process, Which Includes The Following

II. Supplemental Questionnaire:

Candidates’ applications that meet the minimum qualifications may be emailed a Supplemental Questionnaire at a later date. This Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience and qualifications and it is essential that applicants provide complete information in identifying their experience and training.

III. Written Exam (Weight: 100%):

Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be invited to participate in a multiple-choice examination. The exam will assess knowledge, skills, and abilities in job‑related areas, including but not limited to the following:

Knowledge Of

• the principles, practices, procedures, types, and functions of equipment used in two-way radio communications and computer-aided dispatch operations
• the geography of the City of San Francisco and of the Bay area, including the location of various streets and landmark areas
• of departmental rules, regulations, and procedures governing the operation of a two-way base station; includes basic understanding of appropriate federal and state rules governing the operation of radio receiving and transmitting equipment

Skills And Ability To

• accurately read street maps and guides in order to direct mobile units and the general public to desired locations
• operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio receiving and transmitting equipment, two-way base station systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, and multiple display terminals, to receive and transmit messages accurately, simultaneously, and with speed and dexterity
• communicate orally, in a clear and effective manner with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including staff, departmental personnel, and members of the public
• extract and take accurate notes of relevant information contained in oral communications, and to maintain records, reports and files
• maintain a radio log and simple records, reports, and files using a computer
• analyze a situation accurately and to adopt an effective course of action; to think and act clearly and quickly in times of emergencies, without supervision
• deal courteously and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including staff, departmental personnel, representatives of other agencies, members of the public; includes the ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships
• use a computer and various computer programs to accurately write, prepare and/or generate reports, maintain records and to enter and retrieve data
• multitask and prioritize work in a fast-paced work environment.

The multiple-choice exam will be administered on a computer. Qualified candidates will be notified of their exam appointment notification through the email that they used to apply for the position.

The multiple-choice exam is a standardized examination and, therefore, test questions and test answers are not available for public inspection or review.

Banked Scores:

The score you achieve on this exam will be valid and \"banked\" for three years, starting from the date of the examination. This means that, during this three-year period, you will not be required to take this exam again should you apply and be found eligible for a future recruitment that uses the Communication Dispatcher exam. Currently the positions that use this exam are 1704 and 1705. Please note, candidate scores on this examination may also be applied to other announcements involving other job titles, when directed by the Human Resources Director.

If the test for a future announcement is held within one year of the date of this examination, your score will be automatically applied to that announcement. However, after one year, you have the option to either (a) apply your test score to the other announcement or (b) re‑take the test. Re‑testing is permitted no sooner than one year from the date of the examination and only in association with your eligibility for another announcement for which this test is used. Please note that, should you re‑test, your new score would become your official score since it is the most recent.

Eligible List/Score Report:

A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g. as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be 12 months and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

Application Submission Confirmation:

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

Name on Application:

Please ensure the information on your application is accurate. The name of your application must match your legal ID for verification purposes. If you use a preferred first name, you may include it in parentheses, for example: Samuel (Sam) Jackson.

Email on Application:

The email address you use on your application should be consistent across all jobs you apply for on our website. Use a personal and not a shared or work email address.

Important Email Contact Information:

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that your registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that emails from CCSF are not blocked on your computer by a