On-Call Dispatcher

City of Fontana; Fontana (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

A local government agency in Fontana seeks a part-time Police Dispatcher to handle emergency calls, dispatch services, and perform clerical duties. Candidates must possess strong communication skills, a valid California driver's license, and two years of full-time dispatch experience. This position requires a thorough understanding of police codes and a typing speed of 40 wpm. Join a dynamic team focused on serving the community.

Qualifications

• Must have two years of full-time dispatcher experience.
• Typing speed of 40 wpm required.
• Valid California Class 'C' Driver's License is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency calls and dispatch units.
• Perform record keeping and clerical work.
• Monitor alarm switchboard and respond accordingly.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Good judgment under pressure

Education

12th grade or GED

Completion of P.O.S.T dispatcher course

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Job description

Definition

Under direction performs a variety of duties involved in receiving incoming calls for police emergency assistance and dispatching necessary units; performs a variety of general support duties related to dispatch activities including record keeping, typing and filing; and monitors teletype communications.

Candidates must be available to work a minimum of 1 shift per month.

Position Snapshot

The Fontana Police Dispatcher is a non-uniformed position. A typical shift is 12-hours which predominantly takes place within the Dispatch Center of the Police Department. You will be a member of a productive team that operates in a fast-paced environment while answering calls from the public and communicating with department personnel in the field via phone, computer, or radio. This communication includes but is not limited to call taking, working secondary and primary radio channels, collecting and / or passing information to partner jurisdictions, and accurate data-entry. The goal of a Dispatcher is to serve the community through respectful, empathetic communication with a focus on problem solving and maintaining professionalism.

Essential Functions

• Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service; determine nature and location of emergency, determine priority and dispatch emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other public safety agencies.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of police field units.
• Answer non-emergency and maintenance service calls for assistance.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; maintain a variety of documents relating to public safety activities; prepare related reports as requested.
• Monitor alarm switchboard and dispatch assistance as needed.
• Operate a variety of public safety telecommunications equipment; test and inspect equipment as required.
• Enter, update and retrieve information from teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.
• Learn departmental policies and procedures for service requests.
• Learn geographic feature and streets within the area served.
• Learn police codes, practices and methods.
• Work under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Effectively and courteously deal with the public.
• Work various shifts as needed.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Perform any other tasks or functions deemed necessary to the daily operations of the employer.

THE ABOVE LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED AS NECESSARY BY THE EMPLOYER.

Working Conditions

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and finger coordination in preparing statistical reports and data, using a computer keyboard. Additionally the position requires near and far vision in reading correspondence and using the computer, and acute hearing when providing phone and counter service to the public. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds.

Experience and Training Guidelines

• Requires completion of the 12th grade or GED
• Successful completion of the probationary period as a police dispatcher in a law enforcement agency
• Two (2) years of full time dispatcher experience
• Completion of the P.O.S.T dispatcher course
• Must be familiar with a CAD system similar to the one presently in use

Licenses / Certifications

Possession of, and continuously throughout employment, a valid California Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent.

A typing speed of 40 wpm is required (a typing test will be administered at a later date as part of the recruitment process).

Supplemental Information

Successful candidates will be required to pass a drug screening, fingerprint screening, physical examination and a background investigation.

Applicant Referral

If you were referred to this position by a current Fontana Police Department employee, please use the link below to download the Applicant Referral Form. This form must be completed and submitted to the Human Resources Department at the time that your application is submitted. Submit completed forms to or to the Human Resources Office. Forms received after the position closes will not be accepted.

Click to download the Applicant Referral Form.

Interview Questions

• Highest level of education: High School graduate or equivalent; Some college; Trade school graduate or Apprenticeship; Associate's degree in related field; Bachelor's degree in related field; Bachelor's degree or higher in non-related field; Equivalent to Bachelor's degree in related field; Master's degree or higher in related field; None of the above.
• Have you completed a POST mandated dispatcher course? Yes / No.
• Have you successfully completed a probationary period as a police dispatcher in a law enforcement agency? Yes / No.
• Do you have at least two (2) years of full-time experience as a dispatcher? Yes / No.
• Do you possess experience working with a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system? Yes / No.
• Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License? Yes / No.

This position is part-time, at-will, without benefits, unless required by law.