Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor

APCO International; Tracy (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HMO Medical

Dental and Vision

Vacation and sick leave

Life insurance

457(b) deferred compensation

Longevity pay

Job summary

City of Tracy is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher Supervisor to lead a dedicated CAD Communications Center team, maintaining calm performance in high-pressure emergencies.

The role emphasizes professionalism, training, scheduling, and ensuring policy compliance, while supporting the Police Department's commitment to fairness, integrity, respect, service and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from the 12th grade with five years of experience in a law enforcement communications center.
• Two years of lead or supervisory experience as a Senior Public Safety Dispatcher.
• Valid Class C California driver's license and P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certification.
• NIMS Training may be required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, supervise, and participate in CAD Communications Center operations.
• Provide administrative support and training to management staff.
• Ensure compliance with department policies and procedures.
• Respond to public inquiries and coordinate with city agencies.
• Lead and develop dispatch staff to maintain high levels of service.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Emergency dispatch

Customer service

Communication skills

Policy compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD system

CLETS

Microsoft Office

Job description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Public Safety Dispatcher Supervisor role offers a meaningful opportunity to lead a dedicated team that plays a critical part in keeping the Tracy community safe. This supervisory role is designed for a leader who models professionalism, steadiness, and a commitment to supporting and promoting the Police Department’s commitment to F.I.R.S.T. – Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Service and Teamwork.

WHY CHOOSE CITY OF TRACY

The City of Tracy offers excellent pay, including 4% COLA increases in July 2027, and 2028. Employees approved to work a compressed work schedule also enjoy strong work–life balance through a 4/11 schedule with rotating days off.

Our competitive benefits package includes fully covered HMO Medical, Dental and Vision for employee + family, generous vacation and sick leave, life insurance, optional 457(b) deferred compensation with a City match, and longevity pay. We proudly participate in CalPERS, with employees enrolled in either the 2% @ 55 or 2% @ 62 formula based on eligibility, with retirement calculated using a three-year final compensation average.

For a full overview of everything we offer, check out our Benefits section to learn more about the programs and support available to City of Tracy employees. Together, these benefits reflect our commitment to employee well-being, long-term stability, and rewarding career growth.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, supervises, and participates in the work of the computer aided dispatch (CAD) Communications Center; ensures work quality and compliance with established policies and procedures; performs the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility; provides administrative, technical, and clerical assistance to management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, scheduling, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Department regulations pertaining to the dispatch of personnel and emergency equipment.
• Operation of public safety receiving and transmitting communications equipment.
• Rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commissions.
• Principles and practices of office management and administration.
• California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), Department of Justice, and other law enforcement related databases.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Training, auditing, and tracking of employee training logs, entry logs, and need to know/right to know regulations.
• Warrants and court orders.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation including the Department of Justice California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS).

ABILITY TO

• Assist in developing, revising, and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Plan, assign, train, and coordinate the work of subordinate public safety dispatch employees.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
• Operate a CAD dispatch system quickly, effectively, and accurately; observe, identify, and problem solve incidents while dispatching.
• Remain calm in emergencies and think and act quickly and decisively.
• Review documents related to dispatching operations.
• Develop, organize, and manage multiple priorities.
• Prepare written cost estimates, reports, and statistical data.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices.
• Organize, conduct, and lead employee training programs including creating procedures, manuals, evaluations, and scheduling of new employees.
• Inspect work in progress and upon completion; identify areas needing improvement.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks including the Department of Justice California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS).
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from the twelfth (12th) grade and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in a law enforcement communications center, including two (2) years of experience in a lead capacity equivalent to a Senior Public Safety Dispatcher with the City of Tracy.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.

Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certification.

May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.