Dispatcher II

The City of San Diego; California (MO); On-site; USD 35,573 - 50,664; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Potential for salary increases

Retirement system enrollment

Shift flexibility

Job summary

A municipal government entity is seeking a Dispatcher II to work on their Computer-Aided Dispatch system. Responsibilities include answering 911 calls, determining the urgency of requests, and dispatching necessary units. Candidates must possess a high school diploma and have relevant experience, as well as be eligible for a California Dispatcher Certificate. Strong multitasking skills and a quick decision-making ability are essential. Competitive salary with additional pay opportunities is offered.

Qualifications

• Must obtain a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate within one year of hire.
• At least six months experience as a Dispatcher I or II with the City of San Diego.
• One year experience in a law enforcement agency or fire department.

Responsibilities

• Work on a Computer-Aided Dispatch system.
• Answer 911 and non-emergency phone calls.
• Elicit essential incident information and prioritize dispatching needs.

Skills

Multitasking skills

Quick decision making

Bilingual communication (Spanish, Korean, etc.)

Education

High school graduation

G.E.D.

California High School Proficiency Examination

Two-year, four-year, or advanced degree

Job description

Join to apply for the Dispatcher II role at the City of San Diego.

Job Information

THIS IS NOT AN ENTRY-LEVEL DISPATCHER POSITION.

See NOTE(S) below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.

Applicants are encouraged to apply to other dispatcher recruitments, as vacancies may be filled using any current dispatcher eligible list (Dispatcher I and Fire Dispatcher).

You will be required to pass a computer-based performance test for consideration.

Multitasking skills and the ability to make quick decisions are essential to be a successful dispatcher.

For Police Department positions, selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive character and background investigation, including a polygraph examination and fingerprint check prior to hire. Felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or use of any illegal drugs may be disqualifying.

Dispatcher II positions in the Police and Fire‑Rescue Departments work on a Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary answering point for all 911 and non‑emergency phone calls from within the City of San Diego. Tasks include eliciting essential incident information from callers; determining the nature and extent of the request, priority, and need for dispatching police, fire, or medical units; entering information; answering routine inquiries; and performing other duties as assigned.

Notes

• Special salary wage increase of 5% effective 1/1/26.
• Eligible employees hired on or after July 10, 2021, are automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).

Police Department Details

• Typical hourly rate: $31.30.
• Must obtain a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate within one year of hire.
• Certificate holders are eligible for 20% additional pay.
• Operators assigned to the 911 Police Department Phone Room receive 5% special assignment pay.
• Shift: 10 hours per shift, four days per week, with three consecutive days off.
• May be required to work overtime.

Fire‑Rescue Department Details

• Shift: 12-hour shifts (44/36 rotation schedule).
• May be required to work overtime during training or cleared positions.
• Eligible for 17.5% additional pay after completing a paid mandatory Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification course.
• All dispatcher classifications subject to mandated overtime beyond scheduled shift with short notice to maintain staffing.

Citizenship

You must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.

Education

• High school graduation.
• General Education Development (G.E.D.) test.
• California High School Proficiency Examination (C.H.S.P.E.).
• Two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from a college or university.

Experience

• Six months of prior experience as a Dispatcher I or Dispatcher II with the City of San Diego.
• One year of experience in a law enforcement agency or fire department.
• One year of experience performing emergency dispatch for a medical transport company or department.

Highly Desirable

• Ability to communicate in Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Farsi, Somali, Chinese, Indochinese, or Tagalog.

Screening Process

1. Application Review: Ensure information is complete and accurate.
2. Performance Test: Computer-based simulation test with 14 modules and 10 decision‑making scenarios; must pass all modules.
3. Testing modules include: Data Entry, Data Entry (Audio), Call Summarization 1, Call Summarization 2, Cross Referencing, Cross Referencing (Audio), Character Comparison, Memory Recall, Memory Recall – Numeric (Audio), Prioritization, Map Reading, Spelling, Sentence Clarity, Reading Comprehension.

Performance Test Scheduling & Waivers

• Approved applicants will receive notification to schedule the performance test.
• Waivers may be requested if: previously served as City of San Diego Dispatcher I/II and passed probation within one year; passed current performance test within one year; current San Diego Police Dispatcher with phase training and memorandum; possess valid Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification and 2 years recent experience in Fire‑Rescue/medical transport within past 5 years.

Reexamination Eligibility

If you fail the performance test, you may reapply 30 days after your most recent test date.

Supplemental Information

Dispatcher offers many rewarding opportunities but also demands such as confined work area, headset use, shift flexibility, handling difficult callers, and potential background checks.

• Must work in a confined area for entire shift; headset required.
• Work may involve changing shifts, overtime, or short‑notice cancellations.
• Must respond courteously to difficult or hostile callers.
• Some positions require background checks.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Conditional upon citizenship, medical examination, drug testing, reference checks, fingerprinting, and possible polygraph.
• All screening processes must be completed before employment begins. Positive drug or misrepresentation may result in disqualification.
• The posting does not constitute an express or implied contract for employment.