Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem

City-of-Richmond,-Ca; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Richmond seeks a Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem to field urgent calls and coordinate emergency responses for police, fire, and other units. You will operate multiple communications systems, collect critical information, and ensure timely dispatch during shifts that vary month-to-month.

You will train junior dispatchers, maintain logs, and comply with all safety and operational standards in a fast-paced public safety environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• 18 months of full-time experience performing public safety dispatch duties, the ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Receives calls from citizens and other agencies requesting emergency and non-emergency services.
• Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, priority, staff availability, and equipment needed, and transfers calls for service outside of jurisdiction.
• Processes calls for ambulance services using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocol to provide first aid, CPR, AED support, and other pre-arrival instructions.
• Dispatches police, fire, and other public safety units in accordance with established procedures, and based on the nature of the call, staff availability, assigned geographical area, and location of the call.
• Provides responding units with pertinent information such as suspect information, warrant, probation and parole information, vehicle registration status, license status, premise, and subject history.
• Operates a variety of communication equipment, including radio transmitters and receivers, computerized communication terminals and keyboards, multi-line telephone equipment, and City-wide camera monitoring equipment.
• Provides callers with established instructions for emergency medical situations.
• Prepares complete and accurate records and logs.
• Provides training to Communications Dispatcher I’s and Communications Call Takers. Reviews work for accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Required to work various shifts associated with a 24-hour, 365-day operation and required to wear a uniform.

Skills

Time management

Calm under pressure

Emergency dispatch

Leadership

Typing 30 WPM

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Are you calm under pressure, quick on your feet, and passionate about helping others? As a Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem, you’ll be the vital link between the public and emergency responders—fielding urgent calls, gathering critical details, and ensuring help gets where it’s needed most. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a real difference in your community, every single shift. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have sharp decision‑making skills, and want the flexibility of a per diem role, step into a career where every call counts and every action matters.

The Communications Dispatcher II (Per Diem) receives emergency and non‑emergency calls from the public, including cellular telephone users, requesting services; dispatches emergency police, fire, and other public safety units in a coordinated manner; operates various communications equipment; functions as a lead worker; provides training; and performs other related work as required.

Incumbents in the Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem classification work on an as‑needed basis, are not guaranteed hours, and will not work more than 1,000 hours per fiscal year.

The Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem is journey‑level dispatcher who works on a temporary, as‑needed basis. Incumbents function at the level of a fully qualified dispatcher of emergency public safety personnel and equipment. The incumbents have prior dispatcher experience and have demonstrated proficiency in the techniques and methods of radio dispatching involving public safety operations. Incumbents handle emergency situations requiring independent judgment as to the correct course of action where unprecedented situations may arise. The Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem is distinguished from the Communications Dispatcher II classification in that incumbents work on an as‑needed basis, are not guaranteed hours, and will not work more than 1,000 hours per fiscal year.

The following list is intended to be illustrative in nature and does not necessarily represent the entire range of work duties expected of employees within the job classification.

• Receives calls from citizens and other agencies requesting emergency and non‑emergency services.
• Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, priority, staff availability, and equipment needed, and transfers calls for service outside of jurisdiction.
• Processes calls for ambulance services using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocol to provide first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) support, and other pre‑arrival instructions.
• Dispatches police, fire, and other public safety units in accordance with established procedures, and based on the nature of the call, staff availability, assigned geographical area, and location of the call.
• Provides responding units with pertinent information such as suspect information, warrant, probation and parole information, vehicle registration status, license status, premise, and subject history.
• Operates a variety of communication equipment, including radio transmitters and receivers, computerized communication terminals and keyboards, multi‑line telephone equipment, and City‑wide camera monitoring equipment.
• Provides callers with established instructions for emergency medical situations.
• Prepares complete and accurate records and logs.
• Provides training to Communications Dispatcher I’s and Communications Call Takers. Reviews work for accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Required to work various shifts associated with a 24‑hour, 365–day operation and required to wear a uniform.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Eighteen (18) months of full‑time experience performing public safety dispatch duties, the ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute, and the qualifications listed below
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

• California POST-certified 120‑hour Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification is an ongoing requirement
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is an ongoing requirement
• CaliforniaLaw Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) certification is an ongoing requirement

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a polygraph and an extensive background examination. As a condition of employment, psychological, medical, and drug testing are also required

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

The City’spolicy is that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated, including the booster, for COVID-19. New employees will be required to provide proof of complete vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Human Resources.

REQUIRED KSA FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices and equipment, including applicable software
• City streets, businesses, and community facilities
• Communication devices and equipment

Skill in:

• Organization and time management
• Reacting quickly, accurately, and calmly in handling emergency calls
• Leadership

Ability to:

• Type a minimum of 30 words per minute
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Analyze and retain information gathered from citizens and other agencies
• Accurately dispatch public safety units in a coordinated manner
• Interpret written instructions, policies, and rules
• Follow written and oral directions
• Operate computerized data communications terminals

About the City of Richmond

The City of Richmond lies on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, five miles north of Berkeley and seven miles northeast across the Bay from downtown San Francisco. A hub of multimodal transportation, many of our residents and businesses are located in Richmond because of its central location and easy access to the Amtrak/Capitol Corridor ,BART, AC Transit, the ferry, and two freeways (I-80 & I-580). Residents, visitors, and employees enjoy Richmond’s numerous recreational opportunities, which include 32 miles of shoreline and over 3,000 acres of shoreline parks, more segments of the Bay Trail completed than any other city, several recreational boat harbors and yacht clubs, and thousands of acres of contiguous inland regional parks and open space. The City has substantial economic resources but is still affordable compared to other Bay Area cities. Our community is welcoming, diverse, and actively engaged. Richmond is truly the City of Pride and Purpose!

Immigration Reform Control Act

In compliance with the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986, individuals offered employment by the City of Richmond will be required to show documentation of eligibility to work in the United State as a condition of employment.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The City's policy prohibits discrimination against any applicant on the basis of race, color, age, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Disaster Service Workers

California Government Code Title I, Sections 3100 - 3109, declare all public employees to be Disaster Service Workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. More information can be found .

EOE/ADA/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

www.ci.richmond.ca.us