Dispatcher (Entry & Experienced)

City of San Mateo; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Mateo is seeking both entry-level and experienced dispatchers for an exciting role that plays a critical part in maintaining community safety. This role allows you to work in a fast-paced environment, coordinating responses to emergencies and supporting law enforcement. Suitable candidates will develop valuable skills in communication and problem-solving. A high school diploma is required, along with the ability to pass a structured dispatch exam if not already qualified.

Qualifications

• Some telephone or dispatch experience is highly desirable.
• Equivalence to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Ability to obtain a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate emergency responses and provide support to officers.
• Learn to operate a sophisticated computer aided dispatch system.
• Respond to calls with appropriate urgency and professionalism.

Skills

Communication

Multitasking

Problem-Solving

Education

Completion of the twelfth grade

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch System

Job description

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Description

The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for the position of dispatcher (entry & experienced). Being a police dispatcher is an exciting career opportunity for those who thrive in fast-paced and dynamic environments. As the critical link between the public and law enforcement, dispatchers play a vital role in ensuring community safety by coordinating emergency responses and providing essential support to officers in the field. This position offers the chance to make a real difference in people's lives every day while developing valuable skills in communication, multitasking, and problem-solving. If you are looking for a rewarding career that challenges you to stay calm under pressure and be a part of a dedicated team, consider becoming a police dispatcher.

Description

The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for the position of dispatcher (entry & experienced). Being a police dispatcher is an exciting career opportunity for those who thrive in fast-paced and dynamic environments. As the critical link between the public and law enforcement, dispatchers play a vital role in ensuring community safety by coordinating emergency responses and providing essential support to officers in the field. This position offers the chance to make a real difference in people's lives every day while developing valuable skills in communication, multitasking, and problem-solving. If you are looking for a rewarding career that challenges you to stay calm under pressure and be a part of a dedicated team, consider becoming a police dispatcher.

This is a continuous recruitment. Applicants are added to the employment list if they meet the minimum qualifications.

Ideal Candidate

Experience And Education Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

Some telephone or dispatch experience is highly desirable.

Education

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate

Entry level applicants are required to attach to their employment application verification of successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Examination or verification of successful completion of a CritiCall Examination. If you have not taken the POST Written Dispatch Test or the CritiCall Examination, please visit https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/ to register.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate is required. For entry level applicants, this can be accomplished during the course of employment with the City of San Mateo and is not required to submit an application.

Ideal Candidate

Knowledge Of

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Standard radio or telephone communications receiving and transmitting equipment. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Lateral Candidates

Experience using computer aided dispatch system, standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules.

Experience with policy and procedure pertaining to the dispatching of emergency equipment, public safety classification codes, and computer commands.

Ability To

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Learn standard broadcasting procedures and rules.

Effectively elicit information from callers.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Learn department procedures and policies pertaining to the dispatching of City emergency equipment and those of other user agencies.

Learn geographic features and streets within the area served and other user agencies.

Learn public safety classification codes and computer commands. Spell accurately.

Learn to operate a computerized dispatch teletype and other office equipment.

Learn to operate a sophisticated computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately. Learn the uses and capabilities of the City's computer aided dispatch system.

Operate a computerized dispatch teletype and other office equipment quickly, accurately and, at times, concurrently.

Operate a sophisticated computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately.

Pass a background investigation, medical evaluation, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation.

Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations with a minimum amount of supervision.

Work various shifts as assigned. Dispatchers currently work on one of the following two teams:

• Team 1: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday.
• Team 2: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday.
  
  

Current Shifts

• Day Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Swing Shift: 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Night Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
  
  

Benefits

For information about MOU and compensation resolutions, please refer to the links below:

Police Unit: Memorandum of Understanding

Police Unit: Non-Safety Benefits

Dispatcher Careers Frequently Asked Questions

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Government Administration

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