Full-time/Part-time Dispatcher

City of Sierra Madre; Sierra Madre (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Sierra Madre is seeking a full-time Dispatcher to handle emergency calls for police, fire, and medical assistance. Under direct supervision, you will operate base radio equipment, dispatch units, and provide information at the counter.

Qualifications include a high school diploma, typing 40 WPM, completion of the Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course, and CPR/First Aid certification within three months. Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
• Must satisfactorily complete Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course.
• Must obtain American Red Cross First Aid/ CPR/ AED for Schools and the Community within three months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Communicates with police units in the field by radio.
• Answers the Emergency 911 line by telephone.
• Places service calls and dispatches police, medical, fire and search and rescue as needed.
• Maintains police records and logs; monitors radio and teletype communications.
• Assists the public at the counter with information and directions.

Skills

Clear speaking voice

English fluency

Radio dispatching

Typing 40 WPM

Computer-aided dispatch

JDIC/dispatcher tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD system

JDIC computer interface

Radio/phone equipment

Job description

General Purpose

Under direct supervision, performs emergency dispatching, assists public at the counter, giving and receiving information and directing to proper office.

Classification Characteristics

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to receive, evaluate, and process all 9-1-1 calls for police, fire, and medical assistance; or, to operate base radio equipment to dispatch police units on police related incidents.

Salary

• Dispatcher (Full-Time) $29.27 - $35.58
• Dispatcher I (Part-Time) $29.27
• Dispatcher II (Part-Time/Lateral) $35.58

Essential Functions

• Communicates with police units in the field by radio;
• Answers telephones on the Emergency 911 line;
• Places service calls and dispatches police, medical, fire and search and rescue accordingly;
• Completes and maintains a variety of police records;
• Monitors radio and teletype system communications of local, state, and federal agencies;
• Assists public at the counter, giving and receiving information and directing to proper offices, insurance companies, attorneys, etc.; receives and processes overnight parking permits; types clearance letters for citizens;
• Provides information at the counter and on the telephone about vehicle codes, penal code, fire safety, basic law, first aid, and city rules and regulations;
• Maintains a daily log of police activity;
• Logs and serves subpoenas for in-house officers;
• City of Sierra Madre
• 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
• Sierra Madre, CA 91024
• www.cityofsierramadre.com
• 626.355.7135
• Processes inquiries from officers in the field through Justice Data Interface Controller (JDIC) computer;
• Inputs data into the computer about stolen or damaged property, stolen vehicles, registered guns, and crime reports;
• Receives complaints and reports, and provides the public with information and directions;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications Guidelines

Knowledge of

• California Penal Code, Police Department Operations Orders, Police Department Policy Manual, Sierra Madre Municipal Code, and general Emergency Operations Center procedures.
• Typewriter keyboard and C.A.D. system command codes.

Ability to

• Speak with a clear, well-modulated voice in English by phone and radio dispatching equipment while tactfully communicating with highly emotional callers.
• Operate computer-aided dispatch equipment.
• Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language and learns job-related material primarily through oral instruction, observation, and structured lecture.
• Operate a variety of standard office equipment.
• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device.
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Work cooperatively with citizens, co-workers, sworn personnel, and other City and agency employees.
• Remain calm and exercise judgment in making decisions in emergency situations under heavy workloads.
• Determine priorities of emergencies.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Work a flexible schedule which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education/Training/Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required; with the ability to type at least 40 words per minute; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements

Must be able to satisfactorily complete the Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course. Must possess a current American Red Cross certificate in First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community or obtain within three months of employment.

Physical and Mental Demands

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch to access or place records or files; lift and carry records and documents, typically weighing less than 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with City officials, citizens groups, employees, management, and others encountered in the course of work; occasionally subject to conflicts.

Work Environment

The employee primarily works in an office setting but may be required to travel to different city facilities and events. In the office setting, the noise level is frequently quiet or moderately quiet. Occasional driving is required to visit city facilities and assist with preparations for community and public meetings.

Disaster Service Workers

All City of Sierra Madre employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work in the event of an emergency.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Sierra Madre is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Sierra Madre will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.