Public Safety Dispatcher I
Butte County
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The Butte County Sheriff's Office is seeking Public Safety Dispatchers. You will receive 911 and non‑emergency calls, dispatch units, and manage multiple radios in a fast-paced environment.
A valid Typing Certification with 40 words per minute is required, with results from a five-minute test in the last 12 months. A 5% COLA becomes effective July 2027 for this non-exempt position.
Qualifications
- Typing Certification with a minimum of 40 words per minute, from a five minute test within the last 12 months.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and provide accurate information to the public.
Responsibilities
- Receives, analyzes, and evaluates 911, Sheriff’s emergency and business calls; transfers calls as needed.
- Dispatches sheriff units or staff to emergency and non-emergency locations; determines jurisdiction and response.
- Monitors status of public safety units and maintains radio communications for officer safety.
- Operates multiple communications devices and computer systems to ensure swift, accurate dispatch.
- Maintains records and accesses criminal justice information systems as required.
Skills
Job description
This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.
The Butte County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for Public Safety Dispatcher positions. We're looking for dedicated, detail-oriented individuals who can stay calm under pressure and are committed to serving the public.
This recruitment requires a valid Typing Certification with a minimum of 40 words per minute. Typing Certification must indicate results from a five (5) minute test within the last 12 months. Typing certificates completed online may be accepted.
Under immediate or general supervision, receives 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches assignments according to established emergency and County procedures; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to the assigned functional area; and performs related duties as assigned.
Receives immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Public Safety Dispatcher I: This is the trainee-level classification in the Dispatcher series. Trainees work in the communications center and receive on the job training, specific day-to-day direction and are closely supervised. Incumbents at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skills as positions allocated to the II and Senior levels of the series. Initially under immediate supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties in support of public safety communications. Duties include frequent interaction with the public via telephone in both emergency and non-emergency situations. The position requires incumbents to receive, relay and provide accurate information, forms and reports to others within established legal guidelines. Once a Public Safety Dispatcher I completes training, and as incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently, general supervision and frequent review of work lessen. Positions at this level develop the skills to perform most of the duties required of positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Public Safety Dispatcher II: This is the journey level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher Series. Positions at this level have completed training and are fully competent to perform the full range of assigned duties. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter performs the complex work assigned to the series and is responsible for providing lead direction and training to lower-level staff in the series. Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.
Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
- Receives, analyzes, and evaluates 911, Sheriff’s emergency and business calls, inquiries and complaints, roads, animal control, and maintenance; transfers calls to appropriate parties or creates a call for dispatch.
- Dispatches sheriff units or other staff and equipment to emergency or non-emergency locations; determines proper jurisdiction and staff to be dispatched.
- Monitors status of public safety units to ensure officer safety and availability for services.
- Operates multiple communications devices and computers concurrently to insure swift and appropriate response to calls; continuously updates suspect information and deputy locations.
- Maintains efficient records of radio calls and information logs; maintains and accesses business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts.
- Accesses local, state, and federal criminal justice information systems; operates systems to transmit and receive information.
- Maintains radio contact with allied agencies, including mobile and portable units; recognizes units from other agencies and assists them with County units or provides requested information.
- Monitors alarms and security systems for businesses, relevant histories, and files for emergency contacts.
- Responds to Deputy radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls, and bulletins; responds to in-house, radio paging, and after-hours phone lines.
- Performs basic equipment adjustments and maintenance; may perform associated office support duties.
- Assist the Coroner’s Office daily by using investigative tools to locate family members of decedents to make required notifications.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- Principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement and related emergency radio and telephone communications.
- Basic functions of law enforcement agencies.
- The topography and communities of Butte County.
- Proper and effective methods of deploying law enforcement personnel.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
- Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
- Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic level under hostile and emergency situations.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
- Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
- Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents.
- Memorize codes, names, locations, and other detailed information.
- Work under stressful conditions to assess difficult or emergency circumstances.
- Independently make quick, sound decisions based on facts and implement appropriate response strategies.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, legal, and procedural guidelines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade;
Public Safety Dispatcher I: One (1) year of general office and computer experience;
Public Safety Dispatcher II: One (1) year of public safety dispatch experience at a level equivalent to Public Safety Dispatcher I.
- Possess valid Typing Certification with minimum of 40 words per minute. Typing Certification must indicate results from a five (5) minute test within the last 12 months.
- Possess and maintain a valid C.L.E.T.S. Operator certificate by the end of the probationary period.
- Possess and maintain a Basic Dispatcher Course certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T). by the end of the probationary period.
- A position assigned to this class may require possession of a valid California Driver's License.
- Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
- Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
- Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
- Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
- Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
- Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
- Must pass a thorough background investigation.
- Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.
All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
POST Dispatcher Certificate: 2.5% Communication Training Officer, 3.5% Intermediate, 4.5% Advanced.
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.
2.5% at 10 years, 2.5% at 15 years, 2.5% at 20 years, for a total 7.5% after 20 years of service.
Members of this Unit shall be eligible for a work boot/footwear reimbursement up to $275.00 annually. For eligible classifications only. This reimbursement shall be for the purchase, maintenance and/or repair of safety boots/shoes authorized by the Department Head.
13 paid holidays per year.
0-4.99 years: 15 days/yr.; 5-9.99 years: 20 days/yr.; 10-19.99 years: 25 days/yr.; 20+ years: 27 days/yr.
96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.
Maximum of 40 hours for each occurrence in the immediate family.
Coverage under the Butte County Health Plan is for employees and their eligible dependents. Depending upon the plan selected by the employee, the County contributes a substantial amount of the total cost of the complete health package, which consists of medical, vision, and dental insurance. Currently, the amount the County contributes for family coverage is $1342.00/month. For those employees who have health coverage from other sources, and who elect to not participate in the Butte County Health Plan, the County offers a monthly taxable Cash-Back allowance. The current of the taxable Cash-Back allowance is $550.00 per month (prorated for less than fulltime employees).
The County provides $25,000 in life insurance with additional coverage available at a minimal cost.
The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.
Final compensation based on Single Highest Year. Employee responsible for full 7% employee share effective 1/1/2013.
Final compensation based on Highest Three-Year Average. Employee responsible for one half (1/2) the normal cost of the CalPERS Pension.
New Member is defined by law (PEPRA) as an "1) individual who has never been a member of any public retirement system prior to 1/1/2013 or 2) An individual who becomes a member of a public retirement system for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was previously a member of a public retirement system, but who was not subject to reciprocity. or 3) An individual who was an active member in a public retirement system and who, after a break in service of more than six months, returned to active membership in that system with a new employer".
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation program. Deposits into this plan are strictly voluntary and are made through a payroll deduction on a tax-deferred basis. The County does not make contributions to the employees' Deferred Compensation accounts.
For short-term disability, the County participates in California State Disability Insurance (SDI) fund. County employees are also covered by an employee-paid long-term disability program. The long-term disability insurance benefit is 60% of the disabled employee's biweekly wage.
County employees can elect to participate in a Flexible Spending Program. This program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care and/or dependent care expenses. In addition, employees can choose to have their portion of the monthly Health Plan premium withheld from their checks on a pre-tax basis as well. Generally, employees who participate in the Flexible Spending Program have less taxes withheld for their payroll checks than if they had elected not to do so.
Up to $500/year.
The County of Butte provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services.
3 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 552.3552
Comments, please email: personnel@buttecounty.net
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