Public Safety Dispatcher - Entry / Academy Enrolled / Academy Graduate

City of Benicia; Benicia (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher to join their dedicated team. This role involves responding to 911 emergency calls, dispatching police and fire units, and processing critical reports. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, the ability to think quickly under pressure, and a typing speed of at least 35 WPM. Offering a supportive work environment with unique benefits such as a workout on duty program and education reimbursement, this position is perfect for those looking to make a real difference in their community. If you are ready to step into a vital role within public safety, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Workout on duty program

Casual uniform

Education reimbursement program

Treadmill at working console

Choice of equipment

Qualifications

• Must have experience in emergency communications for a POST certified agency.
• Typing certificate of 35 WPM or greater is required.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch 911 emergency and routine calls for service.
• Monitor radio traffic and provide support to field personnel.

Skills

Emergency communication skills

Typing speed of 35 WPM

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS)

Job description

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

ENTRY / ACADEMY ENROLLED / ACADEMY GRADUATE

BASE SALARY UP TO $88,013.04

Does not include:
*Certificate Pay
*Solo Pay
*On-Call Pay
*Shift Differential 5% and 7%
*Uniform Allowance

Other benefits:
*Workout on duty program.
*Treadmill at a working console.
*Choice of equipment (i.e.headset, etc).
*Casual Uniform.
*Education reimbursement program.

The City of Benicia is recruiting for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

Preference in this recruitment will be given to candidates who meet one or more of the following:

1. Have recent 911 emergency communications dispatching experience for a POST certified agency;
2. Have completed (or are enrolled in) the POST Basic Dispatch Course;
3. Have completed the POST Dispatch written exam for dispatcher and have a T-score issued within the past 2 years.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

If you are currently working as a dispatcher at another law enforcement agency, please apply under our Lateral job posting.

All applicants will need to submit a typing certificate of 35wpm or greater at time of application submission; we do not accept online typing certificates. More information on where you can take a typing test can be found at the end of this job brochure.

If you have any questions regarding the Public Safety Dispatcher position, please contact Sarah Patchin at [phone].

Under general supervision, receives 911 emergency and routine calls for service from the public, monitors radio traffic and dispatches Police and Fire units, processes and files crime reports, arrest reports, and other Police Department documents, and performs other related tasks as required.

The Public Safety Dispatcher is assigned to the Communications Center within the Police Department to receive requests for Police and Fire assistance and take appropriate action.

• Operates a computer keyboard to provide input information into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and other data processing equipment as required;
• Receives 911, emergency and non-emergency calls for service for Police and Fire services from the public. Determines the location and priorities for action. Dispatches calls to field personnel, monitors progress, location and needs of field personnel during specific and general activity in accordance with established procedures;
• Operates a computer aided dispatching (CAD) and records maintenance system (RMS) memorializing the dispatching of Police and Fire units. Monitors, makes inquiries and entries into the automated Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases through the county message switching computers in accordance with established procedures;
• Processes, routes and files arrest reports, crime reports, District Attorney packets, missing person reports, warrants, subpoenas, citations, registers, dispositions, alarms, restraining orders, fingerprints, booking photographs, RAP sheets, and other miscellaneous departmental paperwork as required;
• Answers departmental telephones, provides accurate and thorough information to the public requesting assistance, directs calls, and takes messages;
• Assists walk-in citizens in the front lobby with complaints, reports, and other requests at the front counter;
• Monitors and responds to station alarm activations for Police, Fire and Public Works;
• Maintains operating knowledge of communications and office equipment within the Communications Center and requests repairs when needed;
• Receives calls for service and dispatches on-call Public Works personnel after business hours;
• Female Public Safety Dispatchers perform matron duty as required;
• Assists with the training of other employees within the Communications Center as assigned;
• Performs other duties as required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to:

• Learn the operation of radio transmitting communication equipment;
• Think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations;
• Understand radio communications;
• Speak and enunciate clearly;
• Perform a variety of typing and clerical work of average difficulty;
• Type at a speed of not less than 35 WPM from clear copy;
• Learn the location of major streets, public places and landmarks within the City limits;
• Understand and carry out oral and written decisions;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office methods and procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and ability would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and experience would be:
Education:

• Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Experience:

• One (1) year of clerical experience, preferably including experience involving direct public contact.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have the ability to work any shift, holidays, weekends, scheduled and emergency overtime and work under potentially stressful situations;
• Must adhere to P.O.S.T Code of Ethics, display loyalty to the department, city government, and community;
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and meet the standards of stature by physical exam, as well as pass a polygraph and psychological screening, background investigation, written and oral examinations;
• Must have no record of felony criminal convictions or misdemeanor convictions, which could affect credibility as a witness in a court of law.
• Minimum age of 18 years by date of employment.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED AN ACADEMY GRADUATE CANDIDATE:

• Must have successfully completed P.O.S.T. Basic Academy Training, or possess a current P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (attach a copy), or be currently employed as a public safety dispatcher in the state of California.
• Candidates not meeting the aforementioned criteria will be considered entry level.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Individuals interested in being considered for the Public Safety Dispatcher position must submit an application and responses to the required supplemental questions by the final filing date. It is preferred you apply through the NeoGov system by using the link: APPLY HERE

Applicants are expected to accurately document their related experience and any training, education, and/or skills relevant to this position. Applicants should respond to all supplemental questions, even if the information is also contained in the application.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TYPING CERTIFICATES:
Failure to attach or submit a current (dated within 2 years from the date of application) typing certificate will cause you to be disqualified from this recruitment for failure to follow directions.

Typing certificates must be an original 5-minute timed typing certificate noting a net typing speed (after errors) of 35wpm or more. This certificate must be dated no later than 2 years before the application date and provided from an accredited school, agency, facility or institution that is deemed acceptable by the City's Human Resources Department staff.

On-line typing tests will not be accepted. E-mailed test results from typing test websites will not be accepted.

The certificate must contain the official emblem and name of the agency that administered the exam, as well as the following information:

* Name of Applicant
* Number of corrected (net) words per minute typed during a five (5) minute timed test
* Date of Certificate – cannot be more than 2 years old as of the date of application
* Signature and title of person verifying the typing test
* Address and telephone number of agency administering the exam

Please note, only typing exams of 5 minutes in length or more will be accepted. Your net typing speed on your certificate must be greater than or equal to the required typing speed for this City of Benicia position.

IT IS THE APPLICANTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINDING A LOCATION THAT OFFERS TYPING TESTS/CERTIFICATES. PLEASE DO NOT CALL US FOR THAT INFORMATION.

Many adult schools, community colleges, and temporary employment service agencies provide typing certificates for your convenience and most do charge some type of fee; however, the City will not reimburse for any costs associated with an applicant's typing certificate.

The application must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Application materials will be carefully evaluated; applicants who document possession of experience and education which most closely meet the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process, which will include an interview process.

Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough background investigation including a polygraph, and a pre-placement medical/psychological screening, including a drug screen.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to future steps in the process.

If, due to a disability, you need accommodations at any point during the application or testing process, please contact Human Resources at [phone].