Public Safety Dispatcher

City-of-Oxnar; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Oxnard Police Department is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher with strong technical and customer service skills to join the team. This pivotal role involves receiving 911 calls, determining urgency, and dispatching appropriate public safety units using CAD, radio, and related systems.

You will maintain composure in stressful situations, communicate clearly, and coordinate up to 50 field units on complex incidents, while continually updating records and databases.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• No prior related experience required for this position.
• POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate within the first 12 months of employment.
• Valid California driver’s license may be required for some positions.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Receive all 911 calls, determine urgency, and input data into the CAD system.
• Maintain composure and provide accurate information during high-stress emergencies.
• Coordinate up to 50 units across dynamic incidents.
• Answer non-emergency inquiries and relay information to appropriate parties.
• Operate CAD, radio, and related databases to support field units.

Skills

Customer service

Multitasking

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CAD system

Computerized dispatch system

Geofile

DMV records

Job description

The City of Oxnard's Police Departmentis seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher with strong technical and customer service skills to be part of the team. This individual must be comfortable multitasking and maintaining composure in stressful situations. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Under immediate or general supervision, receives requests for emergency assistance via an array of sources; determines urgency and type of assistance needed; dispatches appropriate public safety personnel by utilizing computerized mapping system, computerized 911 telephone system, the computer-aided dispatch system, computerized radio system, related databases, and other computerized equipment; exercises independent judgment; coordinates patrol unit activity, including complex critical incidents; and performs other related duties as required.

Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding and operation of a mouse, foot controls, wearing of a headset, and wearing of a uniform.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Receives all 911 calls for the City; determines the nature and location of the emergency; utilizes various systems to convert latitude and longitude on wireless 911 calls to locate the caller; determines priority and enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to be forwarded to the appropriate radio dispatcher or other agencies.
• Remains on the line with the caller in emergency situations until law enforcement arrives on scene to provide assistance.
• Utilizes very good customer service skills on all calls and calming techniques on calls involving hysterical or upset callers.
• Obtains information from callers and determines if the incident contains the necessary elements of criminal activity as defined in the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, and/or the Health and Safety Code.
• Hears multiple conversations simultaneously, distinguishing between voices and sources to obtain relevant information quickly and accurately.
• Simultaneously receives, keys in, and transmits information and field assignments to units in the field; maintains contact and monitors status of field units; coordinates activity of up to 50 units on various, dynamic incidents; enters and updates information on a computerized system.
• Answers non-emergency calls for service, determines type of assistance required, and orders tow trucks, public works personnel, or other appropriate personnel.
• Makes immediate decisions and reacts in a quick, calm, controlled, and effective manner in emergency situations.
• Speaks clearly, distinctly, concisely, and correctly over the radio and telephone.
• Reads, understands, and interprets complex maps; develops a working knowledge of the City of Oxnard geography including, jurisdictional boundaries, freeways, roadways, and landmarks.
• Obtains information utilizing computerized databases including Geofile, municipal codes, county ordinances, assessor's database, phone/address cross-references, DMV records, driver license records, wants and warrants, restraining orders, missing persons, runaway juveniles, probation status, and parole status and transmits researched information to field units.
• Types accurately on computer keyboards and operates mouse and foot controls while conversing on the radio and/or telephone.
• Prioritizes tasks and performs multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-stress emergency work environment.
• Provides all pertinent information to officers and other emergency personnel and coordinates appropriate level of response to maintain their safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Payroll/Classification Title:

Public Safety Dispatcher

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Overall supervision is provided by the Communications Manager, with technical or functional supervision being provided by a Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor. Upon assignment, training may be provided by a Public Safety Dispatcher or Supervisor if needed for newly hired Public Safety Dispatchers in training.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Public Safety Dispatcher is the entry-level class, requiring no prior related experience. Incumbents are trained in policies, procedures, and systems by higher-level communications staff. Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion. Limited supervisory responsibility may be required in the absence of a Public Safety Dispatcher Supervisor.

WORK SCHEDULE:

The normal work hours for this position vary. This position may be required to be available to work additional hours as needed to respond to workload needs. This position is eligible for overtime pay.

This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department.

• Receives records and assigns case numbers and prioritizes incoming calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, emergency, and other Department services.
• Dispatches units based on the nature of the call, staff availability, assigned geographical area, and location of the call; monitors unit status.
• Answers incoming business and emergency calls; take complaints and requests for information from citizens and where appropriate refer calls to appropriate parties.
• Operates computerized law enforcement information systems to update information or retrieve information in response to officer requests and radio user status.
• Enters information into centralized law enforcement record‑keeping systems. Confirms outstanding warrants with other agencies.
• Types and files a variety of information.
• Updates a variety of computerized and paper information files regarding Department activities such as missing persons, stolen vehicles, and warrants.
• Assists other law enforcement and fire agencies as necessary. Conducts basic maintenance activities on communication equipment.
• Notifies proper City authorities of emergencies after normal business hours.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public; provides information as is appropriate and resolves complaints.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

• No prior related experience required for this position. Previous experience with public contact is highly desirable.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATE:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver's license may be required for some positions.
• Possession of a Basic Dispatcher Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is required within the first 12 months of employment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to communicate in English effectively, both orally and in writing.

Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough reference check and background investigation. Some positions that work with or have access to the Police Department may require a polygraph exam. Select positions may require candidates to undergo a pre‑employment medical and/or psychological evaluation.

UNION MEMBERSHIP:

Positions in this classification are represented by the Oxnard Peace Officers Association (OPOA).

NOTE:

For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web‑based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on‑going work.

Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.

Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi‑weekly basis.

This position requires an 18-month probationary period. Internal applicant probationary periods will be governed by the applicable MOU.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.

If a candidate accepts a conditional job offer with the City of Oxnard, any and all pending applications for active recruitments with the City of Oxnard will be withdrawn and no longer considered.

This position is governed by the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodations for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT:

On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS. 888-897-7781dhs.gov/e-verify

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Vivian Morales at [e-mail].

NOTE: 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.