Dispatcher II (Lateral)

City of Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Sacramento is seeking a Dispatcher II who will independently handle high‑level dispatcher duties with little supervision. You will manage emergency and non‑emergency calls, dispatch units, and maintain critical communications under pressure.

The position requires completion of Dispatcher I probation, a high school diploma or GED with 12 college units, and potential lateral entry with prior dispatch experience and POST training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with 12 college units from an accredited college or university.
• Proven ability to complete probationary period as Dispatcher I with City of Sacramento.
• Lateral entry requires two years of dispatch experience with law enforcement and POST Basic Course within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and dispatch units as needed.
• Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information to other agencies.
• Query information from law enforcement networks for wanted persons and vehicle data.
• Enter and maintain records in the computer aided dispatch system.
• Prepare written reports related to complaints, investigations, or police reports.

Skills

Clear communication

Work under pressure

Independent judgment

Computer data entry

Learning broadcasting rules

City street system knowledge

Follow directions

Operates office equipment

Typing 40 WPM

Education

High school diploma or GED

12 college units

Job description

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Dispatcher I. Appointment at the higher class requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties assigned to the class. Work in this class is distinguished from that of the Dispatcher I class by the greater independence with which an incumbent is expected to operate. Dispatcher II is a journey-level classification and incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties of Dispatcher without direct supervision.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III.

• Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public requesting police, fire, and local government service; determine nature and priority; dispatch units as necessary; and/or refer or transfer callers to ensure excellent customer service.
• Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
• Query information from law enforcement communication networks relating to wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle information.
• Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information.
• Perform a variety of records keeping duties related to the computer aided dispatch system.
• Test and inspect equipment as required.
• Testify in court as needed.
• Prepare written responses or reports related to communication complaints, investigative follow‑ups or police reports.
• Write daily work progress reports when training a new Dispatcher.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, empathy, and excellent customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community-oriented policing concept.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

Knowledge of:

• English grammar,usage, spelling and punctuation.
• Standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules.

Ability to:

• Express themselves in English in a clear, distinct, and understandable manner when speaking to individuals, before diverse populations, various public and community groups, and when testifying in court.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
• Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Use a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing.
• Learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures.
• Learn City street system and physical layout of Sacramento.
• Understand and comply with oral and written directions.
• Learn to operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio broadcasting equipment.
• Value customers and co-workers through provision of excellent customer service.
• Operate office machines and equipment.
• Type 40 net words per minute.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Education:

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and completion of twelve (12) units from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Successful completion of the probationary period as a Dispatcher I with the City of Sacramento.

Substitution:

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent an additional four (4) years of customer service experience may substitute for the required education.

-OR-

LATERAL ENTRY

(1) Two years of experience as a dispatcher working with law enforcement agencies where duties included answering telephone calls and radio dispatching, which must include six months of experience within the last six months. (2) Successful completion of the California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course within twelve (12) months of appointment.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service.

Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Employees hired as a lateral entry must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.