Emergency Services Dispatcher I/II

City of Turlock; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as an Emergency Services Dispatcher, where you'll play a vital role in ensuring public safety. This position involves handling 9-1-1 calls, dispatching emergency personnel, and maintaining communication with various agencies. Ideal candidates will thrive in fast-paced environments, possess strong communication skills, and be committed to serving the community. With opportunities for advancement and a supportive work culture, this role is perfect for those looking to make a difference in emergency services. If you're ready to take on this rewarding challenge, we encourage you to apply today and be part of a team that values your contributions!

Benefits

Generous employer contribution to health plan

Term Life Insurance

Long Term Disability Insurance

Liberal vacation plan

Fourteen paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Interest free computer loan

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent required; higher education preferred.
• Experience in emergency dispatching is crucial for this role.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch emergency calls for police and fire services.
• Operate CAD and maintain accurate records of all communications.

Skills

Emergency Call Handling

Typing Proficiency

Multi-tasking

Emergency Procedures Knowledge

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD)

California Department of Justice CLETS System

Radio Communication Systems

Job description

The City of Turlock is accepting applications for the position of Emergency Services Dispatcher I/II. Under general supervision, the Emergency Services Dispatcher I/II will perform 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch duties for the City of Turlock Police and Fire Departments; to receive and dispatch incoming calls from external and internal customers, to operate the Department of Justice automated files to include national inquiries and input, to triage and prioritize the calls for service from the public in order to dispatch appropriate personnel; to perform clerical duties assigned to Communications to include but not limited to data entry, document processing, warrant processing, etc.

Dispatchers work rotating shifts (including day shift, swing shift, cover shift and night shift), weekends and holidays and are subject to callback and overtime assignments. This position is assigned to the T.A.P.O. bargaining unit for labor relation purposes.

The Emergency Services Dispatcher I

An entry level position with twelve (12) months prior police or fire dispatcher experience who serves an eighteen (18) month probationary period and is expected to promote to Emergency Services Dispatcher II.

The Emergency Services Dispatcher II

An advanced level position with eighteen (18) months experience as an Emergency Services Dispatcher I with the Turlock Police Department and has a POST Basic Certificate or 36 months of dispatching experience as defined in T.A.P.O. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Lateral Emergency Services Dispatcher Applicants

In order to be considered as a lateral POST Emergency Services Dispatcher for the Turlock Police Department, the applicant must have a California POST Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate, be currently employed and working in a non-probationary status at a law enforcement agency in a communication center with a California POST agency for a minimum of eighteen (18) months. Lateral applicants may serve a twelve (12) month probationary period. Appointment may be made anywhere within the salary range of ESDI/II.

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Respond to and screen incoming telephone calls on 9-1-1 and miscellaneous phone lines in Communications
• Dispatch appropriate personnel on calls received for police and fire
• Operate the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) keeping track of all related events and times
• Supply information to the public as needed
• Operate the touch screen city wide radio system
• Patch radio channels on multi agency/department involved incidents
• Inquire and input data into the California Department of Justice CLETS System
• Maintain confidentiality of information obtained
• Compile DVD reports for court on calls for service as subpoenaed
• Testify in court on calls received and handled while on duty
• Perform a variety of related clerical work in the Communications Center
• Process criminal warrants for service
• Abstract and maintain records on warrants served

Knowledge of:

• Telephone operation techniques
• Police and Fire emergency procedures
• Operation of emergency radio systems

Ability to:

• Read, write, speak, and understand English fluently
• Maintain typing proficiency at the job required level
• Think clearly and quickly in emergency situations
• Read computer screens and monitor visual changes
• Multi-task
• Recall information given both verbal and written
• Follow oral and written directions Compile information and maintain reports in CAD
• Reference manuals for accurate input of data into CLETS and NCIC
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work
• Locate major streets, public places, and landmarks in the city limits
• Be able to receive and remember specific information received and dispatch emergency service calls expeditiously and correctly.
• Successfully complete the Department of Justice CLETS required workbook (new employees must meet this requirement within six (6) months from date of appointment).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCHER I

Education:

Be a high school graduate from a United States public or private high school.
Or pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school graduation level
Or pass the California High School Proficiency Examination.
A two (2) year, four (4) year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.

Experience:

Twelve (12) months experience as a dispatcher for a law enforcement or fire agency.

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession of a valid California driver's license (minimum class C) at the time of application, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Typing certificate with a typing speed of thirty-five (35) words per minute net corrected.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Certificates:

P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certificate.

EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCHER II

Education:

Same as Emergency Services Dispatcher I.

Experience:

Eighteen (18) months as a Dispatcher I with the City of Turlock or 36 months of dispatching experience as defined in T.A.P.O. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession of a valid California driver's license (minimum class C) at the time of application, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment. P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certificate Typing certificate with a typing speed of forty-five (45) words per minute net corrected.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to view computer screen and look up codes in required manuals; read maps and fine print; hear well enough on the telephone with a headset to assist the public with emergency and non-emergency situations; use hands and fingers for touch screens, answering phones, computer keyboard, and writing; and ability.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. All applicants must complete a standard City of Turlock application for employment form, supplemental questionnaire and submit the following documentation:

• Attach a typing certificate obtained through an agency that can validate the certificate, such as a temporary employment agency, employment center, and school/college. Note: A self-administered test will not be accepted.

1. You may submit your required documentation using the following options:

• Attach a scanned copy in the "Add Attachment" option, or
• Fax a copy to [phone], or
• Email a copy to [e-mail], or
• Hand deliver copies of your documentation to 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235, Turlock, CA 95380 on or before the final filing date.

1. Applications will be rejected if they are incomplete or required documentation is not attached.

1. Applications will be reviewed for possession of the minimum qualifications. In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their breadth and recency of experience and will be invited to compete in the testing process.

1. Candidates invited to compete in the testing process may be required to take a written examination, which is graded on a pass/fail basis. Only those applicants who pass the written examination will advance to the oral examination.

1. Candidates invited to compete in an oral examination that receives a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on the eligibility list is based solely on the results of the oral exam.

1. Completion of a practical exercise may be conducted in order to further evaluate skills relating to essential job functions.

1. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be referred to the Turlock Police Department for a Command Staff interview to determine which applicant(s) are referred for a background investigation.

1. Final appointment to the position of Emergency Services Dispatcher I and II will be contingent upon passing the following:

• Background Investigation
• Interview with Chief
• Medical examination (including drug/alcohol screening, hearing and vision examinations)

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE SYSTEM

The City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. To receive preference points, applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable discharge. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form. A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Turlock is an equal Opportunity Employer. We are sincerely interested in receiving applications from qualified minorities, women, and disabled candidates. Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation, or belief except where indicated by requirements of the job. The City of Turlock will make every effort to accommodate applicants who have disabilities that do not allow them to compete in the selection process. Applicants are asked to indicate their request for accommodation in the application form.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND DRUG/ALCOHOL SCREENING

The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.

CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY

The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers. Our goal is to create a positive, productive and courteous atmosphere for our employees and customers. Employees are evaluated on the quality of customer service they provide.

BENEFITS

• Effective January 1, 2013, all new employees, as defined by AB 340, will participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 defined benefit formula for non-safety members. All new employees, as defined by AB 340, who are safety members will participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Safety Option Plan Two, 2.7% @ 57. New employees shall have an initial contribution rate of at least fifty percent (50%) of the total normal cost rate for the defined benefit plan or the current contribution rate of similarly situated employees, which is currently a 9% PERS contribution, whichever is greater. All employees shall be subject to the mandatory provisions of AB 340.
• Generous employer contribution to health plan for employee and family
• Term Life Insurance at 1-1/2 times annual salary
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Liberal vacation plan
• Fourteen paid holidays per calendar year
• Annual Review of performance tied to a five-step merit increase plan
• Sick leave accrual of one day (8 hrs) for each month worked
• Continuous Service Pay
• Associate's Degree or Equivalent - 2.5% of base pay
• Bachelor's Degree - Additional 2.5% of base pay
• Master's Degree - Additional 2.5% of base pay
• Bilingual Pay - 5% of base pay
• Liberal annual uniform allowance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Interest free computer loan
• The City does not participate in Social Security; however, there will be a 1.45% tax in salary for Medicare

NOTES:

Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change.

Where to Apply

City of TurlockHuman Relations Department

156 S. Broadway, Suite 235

Turlock, CA 95380-5454

[phone]

or

Visit our website at www.cityofturlock.org to apply.

Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis.

Cell phones are typically incompatible with online application format or browsers. We recommend using a desktop or laptop Computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.