Police Dispatcher

California State University, Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 52,485 - 74,972; Full time

Job summary

A state university in California is seeking a full-time Police Dispatcher to provide essential dispatch communications and coordinate with public safety and law enforcement. The role requires effective communication, ability to work under pressure, and proper dispatching qualifications. Candidates must have a high school diploma, customer service skills, and a readiness to work irregular shifts. A P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate is needed to complete the application process, and a thorough background check will be conducted.

Qualifications

• Experience using switchboard and two-way radio communication.
• Ability to learn to operate dispatch equipment.
• Must pass P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Course upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential dispatch communications and records maintenance.
• Receive and dispatch emergency information quickly and accurately.
• Maintain effective communication with law enforcement agencies.

Skills

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to handle stressful situations

Customer service skills

Ability to multi-task

Knowledge of English grammar and usage

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Two-way radio communication system

Job description

Apply now Job no: 554554
Work type: Staff
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 7 - CSUEU - Clerical and Administrative Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Safety, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Working Title

Police Dispatcher

Classification Title

Police Dispatcher I

Special Instructions to Applicants

Selected candidate(s) will be invited to take the P.O.S.T Police Dispatcher written test. Candidate(s) that pass the written test will be recommended to the Search Committee for an interview.

Candidate(s) with a valid/current P.O.S.T. Dispatcher certificate will need to submit a copy of your P.O.S.T. Dispatcher certificate as part of your application in order to be waived from the written test.

Candidate(s) selected for the position will need to successfully pass the thorough background check completed by the Sacramento State Police Department before a conditional offer is made.

Final appointment is contingent upon successfully passing the P.O.S.T Police Dispatcher medical examination and psychological screening.

Priority Application Date

Tuesday, February 10th @ 11:55pm PST (Posting will remain open until filled)

Hiring Preference

Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

The Police Dispatcher provides essential dispatch communications and records maintenance within the University Police Department. Incumbent is responsible for maintaining effective and efficient communications between Public Safety, campus police officers in the field, outside emergency and law enforcement agencies, and the public.

Incumbent is responsible for receiving, recording and dispatching general and emergency information quickly, clearly and accurately.

FLSA

Non‑Exempt (Eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range

$4,703 per month (Step 2) - $6,718 per month (Step 20)

CSU Classification Salary Range

$4,611 per month (Step 1) - $6,718 per month (Step 20)

Salary step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Recruitment Type

Regular (Probationary)

Time Base

Full-Time

Work Hours

Varies; irregular shifts, to include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Must be able to work any shift in a 24/7 schedule

Department Information

The mission of the Sacramento State Police Department is to protect the life, property, and peace of mind of the students, faculty, staff and visitors of this university.

Our greatest asset in furtherance of this mission is our Department members who work as a combined force in collaboration with the campus community.

Our Department adheres to the highest standards of ethics, integrity and service, understanding our collective responsibility in upholding the noble reputation of the law enforcement profession.

Entry to the first level within this classification typically requires one year of verifiable experience using a switchboard and two‑way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years and a high school diploma or equivalent. Essential entry qualifications require the ability to effectively use a phonetic alphabet, speak clearly and concisely, follow oral and written instructions, transfer information accurately, handle a wide range of interpersonal interactions effectively, and learn the use of applicable automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases.

Incumbents must have completed or be able to attend and successfully complete the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course. Incumbents who, upon hire, do not possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate also will be required to pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills. Additionally, incumbents must successfully pass supplemental P.O.S.T. requirements for dispatchers such as a background check, physical and psychological examinations, drug testing, and related requirements.

Required Qualifications

1. Ability to learn to operate computer‑aided dispatch, telephone and radio broadcasting equipment
2. Ability to learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures
3. Ability to learn the campus street system and physical layout of Sacramento campus
4. Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision
5. Ability to use office equipment and software
6. Ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information via in‑person, phone and/or other communications devices
7. Ability to take accurate notes and prepare concise reports using information from various sources
8. Ability to deal with highly stressful situations, work under pressure and exercise good judgment in all situations
9. Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced work environment
10. Ability to analyze situations accurately and take effective action
11. Ability to follow written and oral directions
12. Knowledge of English grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation
13. Customer service skills; ability to remain calm and courteous while dealing with the public under stressful circumstances
14. Ability to work irregular shifts, to include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working with customers or members of the public
2. Experience working in a fast‑paced environment that requires multitasking while communicating with others
3. Experience working with radio transceivers, telephones, silent alarms, and emergency signalling devices
4. Experience functioning in emergency situations
5. Experience maintaining records or logs, including statistical data

Required Licenses/Certifications

Incumbents must have completed or be able to attend and successfully complete the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course. Incumbents who, upon hire, do not possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate also will be required to pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills.

Documents Needed to Apply

Valid/current P.O.S.T. Dispatcher certificate (if applicable) and resume. Failure to upload required resume and P.O.S.T. certification (if applicable) may result in disqualification.

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California State University, Sacramento is an affirmatively action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery.

The ASR contains the current security and safety‑related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at [e-mail].

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending on the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (upon date of hire) to reside in the State of California.

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

Advertised

January 27, 2026 (10:35 AM) Pacific Standard Time