Public Safety Dispatcher (Entry-level)

City of San Luis Obispo; Paso Robles (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Luis Obispo Police Department seeks a Public Safety Dispatcher to operate radio systems, answer emergency and non-emergency calls, and provide pre-arrival medical instructions. Entry-level candidates progress through CritiCall testing and panel interviews.

The role requires calm, precise communication, multitasking, and data entry into department systems. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and apply by the posted deadline; shifts include nights and weekends, with

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Two years of typing/keyboard experience with at least 40 wpm.
• Successful completion of a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection exam prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate radio systems to dispatch emergency units and handle calls.
• Provide pre-arrival medical instructions according to protocols.
• Enter data accurately into local systems and maintain records.
• Monitor multiple communications channels and coordinate resources.
• Work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education

High School diploma or GED

POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate

Tools

California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System

Job description

The City of San Luis Obispo's Police Department is currently recruiting for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher!

Candidates must submit an online application by 5:00 pm on September 7, 2026. Once the position has closed, applications that meet the minimum qualifications for the role will be reviewed. After applications are reviewed, candidates will be notified of their status, and those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to complete a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection virtual written exam (CritiCall). The CritiCall virtual testing period will open September 8, 2026 and remain open through September 15, 2026.

Upon completing the CritiCall exam, your results as well as your application and application materials will be evaluated.

Top-scoring candidates will be invited for panel interviews, which will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Please note that this posting is for entry-level candidates - candidates with a minimum of one year of experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency and who meet the minimum requirements of the position should apply to the "Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral" posting.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

A successful Public Safety Dispatcher is deeply committed to the profession and ready to meet the demands of rigorous training and challenging shifts. They remain calm under pressure, show compassion without becoming emotionally overwhelmed, and communicate clearly and quickly—turning distressed callers’ information into accurate, concise emergency calls. They multitask effectively, track field units, and manage both phone and radio communication with strong judgment and prioritization. They adapt easily to evolving technology, including reading electronic maps and using multiple systems. They bring excellent interpersonal skills, working closely with partners for long shifts, and demonstrate assertiveness, flexibility, tolerance, and teamwork.

JOB SUMMARY

Operates radio systems to dispatch public safety emergency vehicles and personnel, answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and provides pre-arrival medical emergency instructions. Performs a variety of clerical activities and related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Employees in this line-level classification perform the full range of assigned duties. They must be able to work in an independent manner, receiving only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Public Safety Dispatchers are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City and the Police and Fire Departments. They are responsible for responding to a wide variety of calls and requests in an appropriate and timely manner. This requires a thorough knowledge of public safety dispatch procedures and standards as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Public Safety Dispatchers are expected to work shifts including weekends, nights, holidays, and irregular shifts, which may be on short notice. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of the Public Safety Dispatchers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Works under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor and the Watch Commander. Employees in this classification participate in providing general instruction and training to new dispatchers or other staff.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Receives information and requests for services from the public via telephone and Text to 9-1-1.
• Receives information via radio over numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies.
• Uses various computer programs to provide resource information to field units, other agencies, and the public.
• Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems.
• Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and citizen safety.
• Communicates in a calm, clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Dispatches emergency police, fire, and other City resources/vehicles to scenes of requests for service in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources for emergency and non-emergency service calls.
• Provides medical pre-arrival instructions using established emergency medical dispatch protocols.
• Maintains computerized and paper indexes of information in the communications center.
• Disseminates information on wanted persons, property, warrants, etc.
• Responsible for proper care of communications equipment. Maintains security for confidential or restricted information.
• Participates in training program and utilizes acquired knowledge to train other unit members.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Current computer and cellular telephone technology.
• California law and City of San Luis Obispo ordinances.

Ability to:

• Learn the standard broadcasting procedures of a law enforcement radio system.
• Learn and utilize established emergency medical dispatch protocols to provide pre-arrival instructions.
• Simultaneously use the computer keyboard effectively while speaking on the phone and radio.
• Communicate in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Apply acquired knowledge to new situations in order to make effective decisions.
• Demonstrate social intelligence combined with quick thinking and decisive action.
• Accurately type at a rate of net 40 words per minute.
• Conduct work in a manner that supports the overall team effort and maintain effective work relationships.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Entry Level:

• High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;
• and
• Two years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience with word processing speed of at least 40 w.p.m. net;
• and
• Successful completion of a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection exam before hire.
• Experience operating radio and telephone equipment and data entry terminals is desirable.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate within one year of appointment.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Polygraph
• Police Background Investigation
• Pre-employment Physical
• Credit Check
• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)