COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

California Department of State Hospitals; Napa (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of State Hospitals in Napa is seeking a Communications Operator to join our permanent, full-time team.

The role requires calm under pressure, precise instruction-following, rapid note-taking, and the ability to dispatch via radio systems; in-office work with opportunities to contribute to critical public safety communications.

Qualifications

• Ability to work under stress and maintain composure.
• Follow instructions precisely; listen and translate what is heard into the appropriate action.
• Adapt quickly to a variety of situations; act in an emergency situation.
• Write rapidly and legibly; read and comprehend at the required level.
• Establish priorities and take appropriate action; recall information from calls.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch duties using radio communications equipment and systems.
• Maintain accurate records and prioritize responses during high-stress incidents.

Job description

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-527621

Position #(s): 480-561-1670-000, 480-561-1670-004

Working Title: Communications Operator

Classification: COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

$4,690.00 - $6,459.00 A

$5,307.00 - $7,306.00 B

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: Multiple

Work Location: Napa County

Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Facility: Department of State Hospitals - Napa

Job Description And Duties

DSH-Napa Protective Services have multiple openings for a permanent full-time Communications Operator position. Interested candidates must have the ability to work under stress and maintain composure; follow instructions precisely; listen and translate what is heard into the appropriate action; adapt quickly to a variety of situations; act in an emergency situation; write rapidly and legibly; perform several functions simultaneously; read and comprehend at the level required for the job; establish priorities and take appropriate action; extract critical information from incoming calls; recall a variety of situations and retain information. Experience in dispatching work involving the operation of radio communications equipment/systems is highly desirable.

Two cut-off dates are set for application submission:

8/17/2026

8/31/2026

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies

Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. For more information visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113

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

Department Information

Founded in 1875, Napa State Hospital is the only state hospital in Northern California for persons struggling with severe mental illness. Classified as a low to moderate security facility, the hospital has a bed capacity to treat up to 1,362 patients on an attractive campus with treatment units located on 138 acres. Staff is dedicated and committed to delivering high quality, cost-effective, professional services and specialized programs in an environment that promotes continuous improvements in treatment for individuals with mental disabilities.

Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov