COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR - LATERAL

City of Burbank; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lateral signing bonus

POST pay increases

Job summary

The City of Burbank is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher to operate in the BPD Communications Center. The employee will answer 911 and non-emergency calls, dispatch units, and maintain line-of-sight contact with units during shifts. The role requires strong typing skills and knowledge of public safety radio and CAD systems.

The position offers POST-based pay incentives, a 3–5% POST pay scale, and a $10,000 signing bonus for lateral hires, with a probationary period completion requirement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public safety communications and customer service techniques.
• Ability to type 40 net words per minute.
• Familiarity with City CAD system and related software.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency (911) and non-emergency calls and dispatch units.
• Maintain contact with law enforcement personnel and city units.
• Record and document dispatch activities and unit status.
• Prepare reports and perform clerical duties as required.

Skills

Public safety communications

Customer service

Typing 40 wpm

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience in emergency dispatch

Tools

CAD system

Job description

OPEN COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT The City of Burbank is currently hiring for a Public Safety Dispatcher. PLEASE NOTE: Any candidate who withdraws, fails to appear or fails at any part of the testing process, will be subject to the 90-Day waiting period for re-application for this position. IMPORTANT NOTE: Basic POST certificate must be attached to application prior to Friday, October 2, 2026. Lateral Hiring Incentive The City of Burbank offers a $10,000 Lateral Signing Bonus for qualified Communications Operator – Lateral hires.

• $5,000 is paid upon hire.
• $5,000 is paid upon successful completion of the probationary period.

The City of Burbank will not release the written exam pass point until after all applicants have been notified of the written examination results. Post Pay: Effective the beginning of the pay period immediately following Council adoption, Communications Operators in the Police Department are eligible to receive POST pay as follows: Intermediate POST Certificate: 3%, Advanced POST Certificate: 4%, Supervisory POST Certificate: 5%, Up to 5% total (percentage do not add together as employees obtain additional POST Certificates). Under general supervision, to answer emergency (911) and non-emergency phone lines, to maintain contact with law enforcement personnel and other City units in the field, to dispatch appropriate units or equipment in response to emergency and other calls received through the BPD Communications Center; and perform related work as required.

Essential Functions

Serves as an Operator in the BPD Communications Center on a shift basis; receives calls, dispatches and records appropriate law enforcement and other equipment to respond to reported emergencies in the field; maintains contact with units at all times during shift assignment in order to send needed or requested assistance in event of emergency; maintains a continuous record of the status of mobile units indicating the disposition of each unit by mechanical or other means; operates emergency (911) telephone system; sends and receives computer messages and routes same to appropriate destination; operates a computer terminal to enter, modify, or retrieve data; maintains a current log of all information received and transmitted; prepares required reports and summaries of Communications Center activities; performs miscellaneous clerical work; may compose and type log sheets as required; may drive on City business.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards: Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work; effective customer service techniques; spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Skill in operating modern computers and related software; exercising independent judgement and making decisions based on standard policy and procedures. Ability to learn the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering the operation of radio receivers and transmitters, the policies and procedures of the Communications Center, BPD General Orders, and City Administrative Procedures, California Penal and Vehicle Codes, the City’s Municipal Code, and BPD CAD system; learn the proper use and care of radio communications equipment; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; think clearly and act quickly in emergencies; maintain accurate records; simultaneously receive, dispatch, and record information utilizing a database system; work rotating shifts; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.

Education/Training: High school graduation or equivalent, and one year of recent full-time experience in customer service, clerical work, or emergency services dispatch/radio communications work; ability to type 40 net words per minute.

License & Certificates

Peace Officer Standards and Training-certified (POST-certified) Public Safety Dispatch Basic Course Certificate within one year of appointment. All required licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.

Supplemental Information

A valid California Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent may be required at time of appointment.