Public Safety Communicator Trainee (911 Dispatcher Trainee)

City of Gilroy; Gilroy (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Job summary

The City of Gilroy is recruiting for the Public Safety Communicator Trainee in the Police Department. This full-time, at-will role trains to become a Public Safety Communicator to provide 24-hour emergency communication for police, fire, and medical calls.

The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service, superb listening and written communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Training lasts 6–12 months with shift work including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must complete POST training within 6–12 months.
• Must pass psychological and medical examinations and background checks.
• Prior 911 dispatch experience not required; helpful if available.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and routine calls for Police, Fire, and EMS.
• Dispatch units and maintain accurate records of calls and transmissions.
• Operate teletype, computer, and recording equipment and perform routine maintenance.
• Assist in training programs and learn city procedures.
• Work varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Dispatch software

Job description

$7,296.58 - $10,267.00 MONTHLY BASE SALARY PLUS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!In Addition To The Above

• 6.6% Holiday Pay in lieu of holidays off.
• 5% Bilingual Pay for verbal fluency in Spanish/English
• $41.67 per month uniform allowance
• PSC’s typically work 12-hour shifts and are scheduled 3 or 4 days in each workweek plus overtime as needed.
• Trainee’s are typically in the Gilroy PSC training program for approximately 6-12 months. Once the employee successfully completes training and is ready to be a solo dispatcher, the base salary range increases to $8,161.00 - $11,483.33 per month. Trainee candidates typically start at the entry point of the range and can advance through the range via annual performance evaluations. Note: Steps, F, G and H require 5, 10, and 15 years of City of Gilroy service per the MOU.
• The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, & belonging. Join our team!

About The PositionThe City of Gilroy is recruiting for the position Public Safety Communicator Trainee in the Police Department. The Public Safety Communicator Trainee position is a full-time, at-will position trained to become a Public Safety Communicator for the Gilroy Police Department. The general goal of the Communications Unit is to provide 24 hour emergency communication response for all police, fire, and medical emergency calls for service in a courteous and professional manner.General DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Communications Supervisor and under the functional supervision of the Watch Commander, answer emergency and routine calls from the public for Police, Fire, and medical assistance and general service and dispatch necessary personnel and equipment, perform other related duties as required. Work shifts including weekends, holidays, nights and evening hours.The Ideal Candidate Will

• Have excellent interpersonal and professional customer service skills.
• Have superb listening skills and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Be adaptable to changing situations; work well under pressure, and be comfortable making quick or critical decisions.
• Multi-task proficiently within a short period of time.
• Be proficient with computers and with the use of software and technology.
• Be able to successfully complete the Public Safety Communicator Trainee training program in a 6-12 month time period.
• Be able to study and memorize codes, personnel, and geographic of the community to effectively dispatch accurate information to those working in the field.
• Have participated in 'sit-alongs' with a Communications or Dispatch department, preferably with the City of Gilroy Police Department.
• Have a willingness to learn and improve on service skills and be receptive of constructive feedback.
• Receive telephone complaints concerning crimes, fires, medical emergencies, public works calls, and other requests.
• Promptly and courteously obtain pertinent information regarding the calls for service utilizing proper radio/telephone etiquette.
• Determine the priority and promptly dispatches appropriate Police, Fire and other units.
• Maintain complete and accurate written/typed records of all calls for service and all pertinent radio transmissions.
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• Operate teletype, computer and recording equipment and performs minor daily maintenance of equipment.
• Maintain up-to-date operating manuals, procedure manuals and training guides.
• Process requests for warrants and record checks on persons and property. Interpret information to be returned.
• Make computer entries.
• Participate in training programs and utilizes acquired knowledge.
• Perform other related work as required.
• Graduation from high school or the equivalent (ie. GED).
• Prior 911 dispatching experience is not required. Any prior work experience or volunteer experience with a public safety agency is helpful.
• Must successfully complete the City of Gilroy Public Safety Communicator training program in six to twelve months from date of hire.
• Must obtain a State of California POST Dispatching Certificate within one year from date of hire.
• Computer keyboarding at the rate of 35 net words per minute.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).
• Pass a post-offer psychological Evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
• Pass a POST background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, an extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, and an FBI clearance.
• Prefer non-tobacco user.
• Prefer bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Must be willing to work weekends, various shifts (days, swings, and graveyard), and holidays.

P.O.S.T. DISPATCHER TEST BATTERYAttach a copy of passing results (dated within 1 year) with your application for:

• P.O.S.T (entry level) Dispatcher testing (score of 48 or higher required)

Testing information is provided for the San Jose testing location only but results are accepted from any California POST Dispatcher Exam location. If you would like to check other locations, visit https://post.ca.gov/Public