Dispatcher II

City of Fairfield; Fairfield (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERS benefits

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

The City of Fairfield's Police Department is seeking a dedicated Dispatcher I to join the Communications Center, handling 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls and coordinating with field units.

Minimum qualifications include 1 year as a dispatcher, a high school diploma, and a POST certificate; the city notes a shift differential not reflected in the base salary. This is a full-time position based in Fairfield, CA.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience working as a police, fire or emergency medical Dispatcher is required.
• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade is required.
• A P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatch Certificate is required. Must be able to obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate within one year of hire.
• Candidates will be required to pass a thorough background investigation and meet security clearance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Emergency dispatchers have an extremely difficult job and must remain calm and collected under pressure.

Skills

Dispatcher experience

Emergency communications

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

The Fairfield Police Department serves a diverse community and exists to improve the quality of life in Fairfield. The department is committed to working with our community members to solve problems together. Dispatchers are an integral part of this effort and the 9-1-1 system, receiving emergency and non-emergency calls and acting as a liaison between the members of the community, other agencies, department personnel and field units in support of the City's organizational goals and objectives.

Spanish speaking candidates encouraged to apply. Please note the salary posted does not reflect a 2.5% shift differential.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the Communications Center in the Police Department. The environment includes exposure to stressful situations; work will involve pressure generated by the necessity for appropriate and timely response and follow-up required by emergency and routine events that often occur simultaneously. Dispatchers are assigned to shifts on a rotating basis including day, swing or graveyard, depending upon department needs. Work will include shift assignments on weekends and holidays.

Physical Demands

Primarily sedentary work requiring the ability to sit for long periods of time and manual dexterity to sufficiently operate computer keyboards. Requires good vision, the ability to hear well enough to receive information over the telephone and radio amid background noise, and verbal clarity. Work will also involve bending, twisting, turning and reaching.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1 year experience working as a police, fire or emergency medical Dispatcher is required.
• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade is required.

License and Certificate

• A P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatch Certificate is required. Must be able to obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate within one year of hire.

Other Requirements

• Employees hired as Dispatcher I are required to meet the requirements of and promote to Dispatcher II by the end of the 12-month probationary period.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire.
• Candidates will be required to pass a thorough background investigation.
• Must be able to maintain the same level of security as when first hired. Failure to maintain this level of security clearance is grounds for dismissal.

Examples of Duties

Emergency dispatchers have an extremely difficult job and must remain calm and collected while under immense mental and emotional pressure. Fairfield Police dispatcher Jena Draper takes us behind the scenes and shares her experiences as a dispatcher.

The Selection Process

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination. This position requires a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological assessment, and a medical exam prior to appointment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.

Full-Time/Pro-Rata Positions

The City of Fairfield offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes City contribution toward the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and deferred savings; medical, dental and vision; life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, personal leave and sick leave.

• Benefits, terms and conditions of employment may be amended or modified through the collective bargaining process.

Part-Time Positions

For benefits associated with part-time positions, please see the Fairfield Part-Time Employees' Association (FPTEA) Memorandum of Understanding.

• Benefits, terms and conditions of employment may be amended or modified through the collective bargaining process.