COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

State of California; California; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Communications Operator to join their team. In this vital role, you will manage emergency and non-emergency calls, providing essential support to police and medical services. Your expertise in telecommunications and ability to prioritize tasks will ensure efficient communication during critical situations. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety while working in a dynamic environment. If you thrive under pressure and are passionate about making a difference in your community, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in dispatching or customer service is required.

Responsibilities

• Handle emergency and non-emergency calls for various services.
• Maintain accurate records and logs for dispatch operations.

Skills

Emergency Communication

Prioritization

Data Entry

Customer Service

Telecommunications Systems Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS)

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Job description

Job Posting: Communications Operator (Dispatch)

Department of State Hospitals

JC-467599 - Communications Operator (Dispatch)

Final Filing Date: 3/14/2025

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

The Communications Operator will be directed by the Communications Supervisor and Hospital Police Sergeant in the Police Services Department at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• Taking emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, medical and other related services over the telephone, 2911 line, radio and other communications media.
• Classifying incidents and establishing dispatch priorities.
• Coordinating or transferring requests for emergency and non-emergency medical services with the County’s Emergency Medical Dispatchers.
• Providing information to support officers and firefighters in the field using a variety of computerized and manual information systems; providing telecommunications support, using the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications system (CLETS) and other local, regional and national databases.
• Maintaining appropriate record documentation verifying the validity of the information obtained via CLETS.
• Entering, updating, modifying and clearing data inputted by DPS and other related information in CLETS and other computer systems and databases as required.
• Utilizing the hospital’s public address system to inform staff of emergency responses needed and emergency alerts.
• Securing and recording accurate information as to the nature of reported problems and exact locations including maintaining a fire radio and activity log as well as the Department’s daily activity and radio logs in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Operating CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) computer terminal to obtain and verify information and prepares reports as directed.
• Receiving and calculating census counts.
• Must be able to deal tactfully with all disciplines and possess the ability to prioritize work from different communications sources.
• Practicing, following and knowing the policies and procedures related to job safety, including safety rules and regulations.
• Be able to use hands and fingers for typing, touch screens, answering phones, computer keyboard and writing.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hand to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear ordinary phone and radio conversations with either ear; must be able to see well enough to view computer screens and look-up codes in required manuals; read maps and fine print.

In order to be considered for this job vacancy, you must satisfy one of the following requirements:

1. BE LIST ELIGIBLE: Successfully complete the competitive State civil service exam pertaining to this classification at Communications Operator Exam Bulletin.
2. BE TRANSFER ELIGIBLE: Have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable (employees who wish to be considered based on transfer eligibility must meet the minimum qualifications of the classification per DPA Rule 250).
3. BE REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBLE: Have obtained previous permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable.

*Minimum qualifications will be verified prior to being scheduled for an interview. Please provide proof of minimum qualifications with your application submission, which may include a copy of your unofficial college transcripts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.

AND

Experience:

1. Six months of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Dispatcher-Clerk.
2. OR One year of experience in dispatching work involving the operation of radio communications equipment/systems.
3. OR Two years of experience involving a substantial amount of direct and telephone contact with the public and the responsibility to perform numerous tasks simultaneously.

*If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications, the applicant’s name may be removed from the eligibility list.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the