Public Safety Dispatcher

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 32,174 - 45,824; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance for you and your family

Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance

403(b) retirement account with matching contribution

50% subsidy on transit passes

Job summary

A leading university in California is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher to support emergency communications. The ideal candidate will ensure prompt response to calls and maintain communication with public safety personnel. Required qualifications include a high school diploma and 6-12 months of experience. Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential. This position offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including tuition assistance and health insurance.

Qualifications

• 6–12 months of related experience.
• Valid driver's license for 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Receives emergency calls and dispatches Public Safety units.
• Maintains a record of all calls and prepares management reports.
• Operates telephone switching equipment.
• Requests backup from external agencies as needed.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to make instantaneous decisions

Listening skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Two-way radio communications

Computer Aided Dispatch system

Job description

Title

Public Safety Dispatcher

Mission

To create a safe, secure, crime‑free environment for the Trojan Family through exemplary and professional service.

About the Department

DPS, one of the largest campus public safety departments in the United States, is a team of over 300 dedicated full‑time employees. We share in the university’s ONE USC Safety Vision of ensuring an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected from being a crime victim and where the experiences and needs of all USC students, faculty, staff, and neighbors throughout USC’s spheres of influence are addressed. Visit our DPS website to explore our mission in depth.

Role Overview

The Public Safety Dispatcher performs multiple functions in the Communications Center in support of various department personnel at the University Park Campus, Health Sciences Campus, and University Parking Center. Receives calls for service from faculty, staff, students and guests, and dispatches the appropriate department personnel via radio communications equipment. Serves as a vital link between the service community, Public Safety personnel, and all other emergency and non‑emergency services available at the university and in the surrounding community. The ideal candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, listening skills, and the ability to make instantaneous decisions based on minimal information. Skilled in controlling emotions and working under pressure.

• Receives emergency calls requesting police, fire, and rescue assistance.
• Determines appropriate response in accordance with established procedures and assessment of the situation; dispatches Public Safety units in response to calls for service.
• Maintains a record of all calls and radio messages; monitors status of public safety, parking transportation, campus cruiser, residential protection, asset protection, and other special duty units; prepares appropriate management reports of calls.
• Receives calls and complaints regarding service and assistance and refers them to the appropriate unit; operates telephone switching equipment.
• Requests backup or follow-up assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, and other agencies.
• Operates Computer Aided Dispatch system and maintains manual and automated records systems; conducts information searches as needed.

Please note: Shifts include holidays, weekends, and overtime; must have availability to work certain special events and emergencies.

Selection Process

• Evaluation: Application will be evaluated based on relevant experience and education.
• In‑depth Screening: After interview, successful candidates will undergo background, psychological, and medical evaluations.

How to Apply

Application: Showcase readiness to join the Trojan family by submitting a detailed application, resume, and thoughtful responses to supplemental questions.

Current USC Employees: Please apply through the dedicated channel in Workday.

Benefits

• Tuition assistance for you and your family
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options
• 403(b) retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC
• 50% subsidy on Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes
• Explore more on the USC Employee Gateway

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: 6–12 months
• Valid driver’s license for 2 years

Preferred Qualifications

• Related undergraduate study and previous switchboard or radio communications experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of two‑way radio communications procedures.
• General knowledge of campus and surrounding area geography.
• Experience in an emergency dispatch communications center, law enforcement dispatch, high‑volume call center, or related environment.
• 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 to use applicable automated dispatch and law‑enforcement systems and databases.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Valid CA driver’s license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information, please visit the policy website.

Hourly Range

The hourly rate for this position is $28.31. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Job ID: REQ20110752
Posted Date: 07/25/2025

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