Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor

City of Tracy; Tracy (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement

Full benefits package including health

Job summary

The City of Tracy is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher Supervisor to lead a dedicated Communications Center team. You will model professionalism, supervise dispatch staff, and uphold the department’s commitment to FAIRNESS, INTEGRITY, RESPECT, SERVICE and TEAMWORK in every shift.

You will guide staff through high-pressure calls, provide coaching, and ensure accurate records, training, and performance management, while promoting staff welfare and organizational excellence.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from the twelfth grade and five years of increasingly responsible experience in a law enforcement communications center, including two years in a lead capacity equivalent to Senior Public Safety Dispatcher.

Responsibilities

• Plan, supervise, and review work of public safety dispatch staff; train staff in procedures and counsel employees.
• Monitor activities, identify improvements, and implement procedures for service delivery.
• Coordinate with other divisions and outside agencies to ensure integrated operations.
• Oversee training of new dispatch personnel and maintain records and reports.

Skills

Supervision

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certification

Tools

CLETS

CAD Dispatch System

Microsoft Office

Job description

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 AT 4:00 PM
Selection Interview: WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

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.

Supervisors in this division set the tone for the Communications Center. They guide dispatchers through fast-paced, high-stakes situations, ensuring that staff feel supported, confident, and equipped to deliver exceptional service. This opportunity is ideal for someone who leads by example — a calm, collaborative presence, who communicates clearly, and who consistently demonstrates what it means to be a strong teammate and a trusted representative of the department.

We are looking for a supervisor who invests in their people, strengthens morale, and builds a culture where dispatchers feel valued and empowered. The ideal candidate is committed to accountability and responsibility, provides constructive coaching, and fosters an environment where expectations are clear and success is shared. Dispatchers are often the first voice the community hears in moments of crisis, and the supervisor plays a vital role in ensuring that voice reflects compassion, resilience, and excellence.

WHY CHOOSE CITY OF TRACY

The City of Tracy offers excellent pay, including4% COLA increasesin July 2027, and 2028. Employees approved to work a compressed work schedule also enjoy strong work–life balancethrough a4/11 schedule with rotating days off.

Our competitive benefits packageincludes 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% @ 55or 2% @ 62formula 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 sectionto 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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned technical and administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full supervisory-level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized activities in computer aided dispatching with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff and for providing administrative, technical, and clerical support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from that of Police Support Operations Manager in that the latter has responsibility for the overall administration of the support services division of the Police Department including animal services, dispatch, and records management as well as internal services for the department including accounting, fiscal, and technology services.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

(Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of public safety dispatching staff; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors activities of the public safety dispatching work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with other divisions and outside agencies.
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Reviews and investigates internal and external complaints; prepares necessary written documentation.
• Maintains files, databases, statistics, logs, and records as required by the City and other government agencies; prepares audios for discovery for use by the District Attorney’s Office; prepares records for in-custody cases.
• Oversees the training of new dispatch personnel; prepares and organizes training materials.
• Operates, troubleshoots, maintains, and oversees upgrades of computer aided dispatch (CAD) 911 system, phones, and radios.
  Takes command responsibility over critical incidents affecting the facility and on-duty staff.
• Assists in the emergency dispatch of public safety personnel as needed, including police, fire and public works units; operates computer aided dispatch 911 system.
• Ensures adequate staff coverage on all shifts; prepares and approves shift trades, time off requests, training requests, and overtime schedules; maintains payroll related records.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the public safety dispatch field.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a centralized communication operations environment, using public safety emergency services equipment including computer-aided dispatch systems, telephones, radios and other communication devices, as well as standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Performance of the work frequently requires positions to remain at a workstation for extended periods of time. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in a centralized communication operations environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City of Tracy employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the City may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a “Local Emergency” is declared during the employee’s shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a “Local Emergency” is declared outside of the employee’s shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.

GENERAL INFORMATION

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. A fully completed application is required; a résumé does not replace the information required on the employment application, including work history. Applications listing “see résumé,” lacking clear employment information, or providing insufficient detail to evaluate minimum qualifications will not be considered. Missing information cannot be assumed.

For some recruitments, a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may include an oral panel interview, written exercise, practical skills demonstration, or a combination of these components.

An employment list will be established for candidates who pass the examination process. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. The list will remain active for at least one year, with the possibility of extension in six-month increments. When vacancies occur, eligible candidates may be contacted by the hiring department for additional interviews. The City has the ability to declare a list invalid if no qualified candidates are selected from the employment list, if this occurs candidates will be notified.

All notices and correspondence will be sent via email only. No paper notices will be mailed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their email address is accurate and capable of receiving messages. Emails will come from NEOGOV.COM, which may be filtered into spam/junk folders depending on your email provider.

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations may be made for disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations must submit the Request for Reasonable Accommodations Form to the Human Resources Analyst by phone or email prior to the test date.

DISCLAIMER

The City of Tracy is an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of personnel policy and practice, including recruitment, hiring, development, advancement, and treatment of employees, to the extent permitted by law.

The City of Tracy reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer at any time to better meet organizational needs.