Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher II

Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1; California; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement plan

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Holiday accrual

Vision and Dental

Life insurance

Flexible spending account

Deferred compensation

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 in California is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher II to perform full radio/telephone dispatch duties in a 24/7 operation.

Under general supervision, you will transmit and receive messages, monitor units, coordinate responses and document calls. A typical candidate has a high school diploma and at least one year of dispatch experience, with CPR/First Aid certification within 60 days of employment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma plus 1 year of public safety dispatching experience.
• Experience using public safety computer systems and radios.
• Familiarity with law enforcement data networks (national, state, local).
• Ability to work rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Transmit and receive messages to User Agencies via radios and 9-1-1 lines and data terminals.
• Monitor status of assigned personnel and equipment; coordinate dispatch actions.
• Analyze situations and dispatch emergency vehicles and personnel while ensuring field safety.
• Maintain records and prepare reports of calls and actions taken.

Skills

Public safety dispatching

Radio communications

Emergency communications

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Public safety computer system

Radio dispatch consoles

9-1-1 telephone system

Mobile data terminals

Job description

Under general supervision, Public Safety Dispatcher II’s perform the full range of radio/telephone operational duties in dispatching public safety personnel and equipment. This is the journey level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Public Safety Dispatchers receive routine and emergency calls and transmit messages via communications systems consisting of radio, 9-1-1 emergency telephone lines and mobile data terminals which operate on a seven day, 24-hour basis. Incumbents report to an Operations Supervisor, who is responsible for supervising, directing, assigning and evaluating the work of dispatch employees on an assigned shift. This position is distinguished from the next lower class of Public Safety Dispatcher I in that the latter is the trainee level class.

Typical Tasks

Transmits and receives messages to and from User Agencies via public safety radios, 9-1-1 emergency telephone lines, data terminals, and other communications equipment. Monitors and maintains status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment; may initiate actions to ensure adequate area-wide protection. Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure field safety. Receives reports of situations which may result in, or have resulted in, various types of emergencies and coordinates the dispatching of emergency vehicles and public safety personnel. Reads and utilizes computer codes, formats and displays. Inquires, interprets, verifies, receives and disseminates information from national, state and local law enforcement computer networks. Maintains records and prepares reports of calls received and actions taken as necessary. Provides backup to other dispatchers as necessary.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• the operation of a public safety computer system, video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, enhanced 9-1-1 telephone system and other associated public safety communications equipment
• Public safety and related User agencies that provide emergency services in the area.
• Techniques, policies, methods and procedures used in the operation of a modern, mid-size public safety communications center.
• Record keeping techniques and proper office procedures.
• Primary roads, streets, highways, area, major buildings and public facilities within the boundaries of the Authority User and Associate User Agencies.
• Center operational policies and procedures.
• Federal Communications Commission laws and regulations applicable to radio-telephone operation. Skill and

Ability To

• Effectively operate the public safety computer system, telecommunications system, video display terminals, radio dispatch consoles, and associated equipment.
• Interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear, concise and understandable written documents.
• Coordinate multiple events and emergency responses.
• Read, write, spell, and speak in a clear and concise manner.
• Make sound decisions using all available information.
• Read and interpret written instructions, city and county maps.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, User agency personnel and the public.
• Accomplish tasks in a controlled and competent manner while working under stress.

Training And Experience

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities are qualifying. A typical way for lateral candidates to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be the equivalent of graduation from high school plus one (1) year of public safety dispatching experience within a police, fire, emergency medical or consolidated emergency communications center.

Licenses/Certificates

Possession of a valid Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Level 'C' (CPR) card and Basic First Aid card issued by the American Red Cross or other authorized agency (within 60 days of employment).

Other Requirements

Must be willing to work day, swing, graveyard and rotating shifts, holidays and weekends.

• CalPERS retirement plan
• CalPERS medical plans or in lieu of payout
• 120 hours paid sick per year, capped at 400 hours
• Paid vacation accrued based on service years
• 120 holiday hours to be used as scheduled time off or cash out
• Vision and Dental
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Deferred Compensation plan available
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program