Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Oceanside; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Oceanside is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher for the Police Department - Communications Center. This role operates 24/7 with a 3/12 schedule and requires handling emergency calls, dispatching units, and maintaining radio and computer terminals.

Candidates must pass CRITICALL exam, undergo a background check and medical/psychological evaluations, and obtain a POST Dispatch Certificate within 12 months of hire. Strong maps knowledge and calm communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Some experience providing information and assistance to the public is desirable.
• Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, prior to appointment, a Class C driver's license.
• 5-minute typing assessment with 45 Net Words Per Minute and <=5 errors.
• Must obtain a P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch Certificate within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming telephone calls and evaluate requests for emergency services; dispatch personnel and equipment.
• Maintain radio contact with field units and coordinate emergency services.
• Answer routine inquiries and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments.
• Keep records and test communications equipment; supervise in the absence of the Communications Supervisor.

Skills

Public safety dispatching

FCC regulations

Emergency response

Map reading

Record keeping

Report writing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Radio/telephone equipment

Job description

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher. This position will be assigned to the Police Department - CommunicationsCenter.

This classification is currently working a schedule of 3 consecutive days with 12-hour shifts. (3/12 schedule) Our communications center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

EXAMINATION DATES:

Computer Based CRITICALL Exam:

Virtually Proctored Assessment

Prospective employees will undergo and must successfully pass a thorough police background investigation which may include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and a medical examination which may include a drug screen.

Oceanside, a beach community located 39 miles north of San Diego, has a population of more than 175,000. The Oceanside Police Department has an authorized budgeted strength of 228 sworn and 84 professional staff members and handles approximately 110,000 calls for service each year.

Our motto, "Service With Pride", speaks to our focus of quality customer service and efficient service. We are committed to public safety and to implementing innovative crime-prevention techniques to ensure a safe and healthy community.

The Public Safety Dispatcher operates RCS (800MHz), telephone key modules, computer terminal stations, alarm signal equipment, and other communications equipment; receives incoming telephone calls and evaluates requests for emergency services; elicits and records essential incident information from callers such as name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the incident; determines the priority and dispatches personnel and equipment for emergency service in accordance with department procedures; answers routine inquiries and refers calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies; maintains radio contact with field mobile units to coordinate emergency services, receives and transmits information; keeps command personnel informed of status of emergency situations; maintains records of communications activities; updates special files, street lists, and maps; tests communications equipment and reports malfunctions; assumes supervisory duties in the absence of the Communications Supervisor; performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work;
• Geography of the City and the location of streets and important buildings;
• Operation of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment; and
• Computer terminal. Rules, policies, and regulations regarding dispatching services
• Principles of functional supervision, training and dispatching operations.

Ability to:

• Understand English and speak it clearly in a well-modulated voice using good diction and appropriate grammar;
• Learn and apply Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations governing voice, radio and teletype communications;
• Effectively work under conditions of emergency;
• Make quick and appropriate determinations in all situations;
• Adjust quickly to changing situations and priorities;
• Maintain accurate records;
• Type accurately at a moderate speed;
• Accurately read and interpret maps;
• Remain courteous and calm while interacting with the public;
• Handle simultaneous calls;
• Listen and comprehend radio calls while talking on the phone; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Write clear, concise reports and instructions;
• Identify and implement efficient work practices and procedures;
• Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities;
• Train others in the use of communications equipment.

Experience and Training

Experience: Some experience providing information and assistance to the public is desirable.

Training: Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, prior to appointment, an appropriate Class C, valid Driver's License.

A (5) minute typing assessment will be completed virtually prior toCriticall Assessment: Must score 45 Net Words Per Minute, with no more than five (5) errors.

Condition of Employment: Must obtain a P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch Certificate within twelve (12) months of hire.

Environmental Conditions:Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time and the wearing of headsets while on duty.

Selection Process:All applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process will include acomputer basedexamination to assess job-related experience and skills. Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

Note: A five (5) minute typing certificate with a net of 45 Words Per Minute, with no more than five (5) errors prior to CRITICALL ASSESSMENT.

RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTING PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.