Public Safety Dispatcher

University of California, Santa Cruz; California (MO); On-site; USD 121,321,099 - 133,700,212; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

University of California, Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher to staff the 911 and radio dispatch center supporting campus operations, TAPS transit services, and emergency response.

The role handles emergency calls, coordinates with police, fire, and campus units, operates CAD and CLETS systems, and ensures accurate logs while maintaining public safety best practices. Full-time schedule with rotating shifts in California.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with transit/para-transit dispatch.
• Proficiency with office computing systems, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, video display terminals.
• Ability to make independent, complex decisions without direct supervision.
• Experience documenting information and maintaining accurate records.
• Exposure to public safety field; use of E911 system, TDD, multiline sets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse populations.
• Speed and accuracy in word processing; capability to use internet and web‑based programs.
• Organized, able to perform multiple concurrent tasks, apply rules, and make decisions under changing priorities.
• Knowledge and use of Incident Command System (ICS).
• Understanding of privacy and public records laws (FERPA, PPA, Public Records Act, etc.).
• Physical ability to work long periods at a computer, lift up to 60 lb., and work a variable schedule.

Responsibilities

• Provide emergency radio dispatching and telephone services for campus, TAPS, DVS, CHARTER Services, and Transit Supervisors; handle 9‑1‑1 calls, blue‑light phones, TDD, emergency elevator phones.
• Communicate with Police, Fire, Parking, Guard, Health Services, Physical Plant, Community Safety Officers, and allied agencies; relay and coordinate information.
• Operate CAD system for detailed call logs; use Records Management and other information systems.
• Monitor and respond to calls on CLEMARS; monitor allied agencies.
• Operate CLETS terminal, conduct inquiries, generate and send administrative messages and reports.
• Dispatch transit buses and Disability Van Service vans; verify eligibility and schedule rides.
• Coordinate emergency response among university units and external agencies.
• Follow procedures, exercise judgment in emergencies; maintain knowledge of Clery Act and emergency notifications.
• Provide public information and directions to faculty, staff, students, and general public.
• Train current personnel on new dispatch equipment, procedures, policies; facilitate transition of new dispatchers.
• Maintain dispatch center alarms, 9‑1‑1, telephone systems; notify technicians of malfunctions.
• Maintain records: Penal Code bans, court orders, CLETS logs, dispatch activity logs, incident reports, etc.
• Support department during planned events and emergencies; perform occasional driving and logistical support.
• Perform additional duties as required by the Records & Communications Manager.

Skills

Independent decisions

Documentation

E911 proficiency

Public safety knowledge

Multitasking

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Office computing systems

Records Management System

Job description

Job Summary

This position is located in the Police Department (UC Santa Cruz). The incumbent staffs the Public Safety Dispatch Center, operating as a primary point of contact for life or property emergencies and general police, fire, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) transit services.

Appointment Information

• Salary: $42.34 – $46.66 per hour (budgeted)
• Classification: Career appointment
• Benefits: Full benefits
• Schedule: Full‑time, 40 hours per week; days Mon‑Sun, 3‑4 days per week, 12 hours per day; shifts include evening, night, swing, weekend, holidays and critical incidents.
• Travel: Up to 25% of the time.

Location

UC Santa Cruz Main Campus, Santa Cruz, CA.

Job Duties

• Provide emergency radio dispatching and telephone services for campus, TAPS, DVS, CHARTER Services, and Transit Supervisors; handle 9‑1‑1 calls, blue‑light phones, TDD, emergency elevator phones.
• Communicate with Police, Fire, Parking, Guard, Health Services, Physical Plant, Community Safety Officers, and allied agencies; relay and coordinate information.
• Operate CAD system for detailed call logs; use Records Management and other information systems.
• Monitor and respond to calls on CLEMARS; monitor allied agencies.
• Operate CLETS terminal, conduct inquiries, generate and send administrative messages and reports.
• Dispatch transit buses and Disability Van Service vans; verify eligibility and schedule rides.
• Coordinate emergency response among university units and external agencies.
• Follow procedures, exercise judgment in emergencies; maintain knowledge of Clery Act and emergency notifications.
• Provide public information and directions to faculty, staff, students, and general public.
• Train current personnel on new dispatch equipment, procedures, policies; facilitate transition of new dispatchers.
• Maintain dispatch center alarms, 9‑1‑1, telephone systems; notify technicians of malfunctions.
• Maintain records: Penal Code bans, court orders, CLETS logs, dispatch activity logs, incident reports, etc.
• Support department during planned events and emergencies; perform occasional driving and logistical support.
• Perform additional duties as required by the Records & Communications Manager.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with transit/para‑transit dispatch.
• Proficiency with office computing systems, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, video display terminals.
• Ability to make independent, complex decisions without direct supervision.
• Experience documenting information and maintaining accurate records.
• Exposure to public safety field; use of E911 system, TDD, multiline sets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse populations.
• Speed and accuracy in word processing; capability to use internet and web‑based programs.
• Organized, able to perform multiple concurrent tasks, apply rules, and make decisions under changing priorities.
• Knowledge and use of Incident Command System (ICS).
• Understanding of privacy and public records laws (FERPA, PPA, Public Records Act, etc.).
• Physical ability to work long periods at a computer, lift up to 60 lb., and work a variable schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of UCSC campus locations.
• Familiarity with CLETS messages and operations.
• Knowledge of criminal law, civil law, university regulations, California codes, municipal ordinances.
• Knowledge of FCC regulations on two‑way radio communication.
• Knowledge of HIPAA standards.
• Knowledge of transit policies and procedures in higher education institutions.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Pass pre‑employment criminal history background check and employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Obtain POST Dispatch Certificate within 12 months of hire.
• Pass extensive background investigation and POST Entry‑Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery.
• Possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or obtain within 60 calendar days.
• Provide current DMV record.
• Minimum age 21 at appointment.
• Meet all public safety dispatcher physical/medical standards including hearing and vision.
• Undergo TB test and provide negative result.
• Work holidays, weekends, overtime, and on‑call as required.
• Work variable schedule including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, on‑call.
• Maintain appearance and conduct suitable for professional setting.
• Work within defined regional or service area, travel up to 25% of time.
• Complete required training and UC compliance training within time frames.
• Clery Act reporting duties as a Campus Security Authority.
• Comply with University vaccination policy.
• Mandated Reporter under CANRA; must report suspected abuse.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy. The University of California undertakes affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts consistent with its obligations as a federal and state contractor.