Public Safety Dispatcher I/II Flex (Entry Level)

City of Corona; Corona (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at the forefront of public safety as a Dispatcher in the City of Corona. This role demands quick thinking and exceptional customer service skills, as you will be responsible for managing emergency calls and dispatching the appropriate response units. You will thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment that values your growth and well-being. With opportunities for continuous learning and a commitment to community service, this position offers a thrilling career path where your contributions truly make a difference. Step up to the challenge and help shape the future of public safety in a vibrant community.

Qualifications

• Must attach a valid typing certificate of at least 40 Net WPM.
• Knowledge of municipal law enforcement operations and dispatch functions.

Responsibilities

• Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm.
• Dispatch appropriate response units for various emergency situations.

Skills

Quick thinking

Customer service

Problem-solving

Multi-tasking

Effective communication

Calm under pressure

Education

Completion of 12th grade or equivalent

Tools

Computer aided dispatch systems

Law enforcement software programs

Job description

We are not just a public safety agency – we are a dynamic team of individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on our community. We believe in fostering a work environment that blends professionalism with a spirit of camaraderie and fun. As a Corona Police Department Public Safety Dispatcher, you will be at the forefront of ensuring public safety while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace that values your growth, well-being, and contributions. Join our cutting-edge team as a Police Dispatcher, where quick thinking, sharp judgment, and top-notch customer service are the name of the game. Be the unsung hero who keeps calm in the storm, making split-second decisions that save lives. If you are up for a thrilling career that combines problem-solving with teamwork and a touch of adrenaline, we want you on our team. Step up to the challenge and be part of the force that's shaping the future of public safety. Your journey starts here!

Candidates must be available to work assigned and rotating shifts and extended hours, including weekends and holidays.

To be considered for this position you MUST attach a valid 5-minute typing certificate of at least 40 Net WPM (test must be taken within 1 year from application date). Online testing agencies are accepted.

Knowledge & Education

• Completion of the twelfth (12th) grade or equivalent.
• Knowledge of operations and services of a comprehensive municipal law enforcement agency and the dispatch function, including methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Familiarity with principles, practices, methods, techniques, and terminology used in public safety dispatching, including computer aided dispatch and related emergency systems.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
• Dispatch appropriate response units for a diverse range of emergency situations.
• Quickly and accurately disseminate information.
• Effectively communicate with upset and irate callers; obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Multi-task by listening, speaking, and performing computer functions simultaneously.
• Maintain composure, alertness, and concentration while working for extended periods of time.
• Within established parameters, make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property.
• Learn and effectively utilize various law enforcement software programs to retrieve or record information quickly and accurately.
• Learn and apply a wide variety of classification codes and computer commands and standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
• Operate a computerized dispatch system, and radio and telecommunications systems quickly and accurately.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.

Experience

• Public Safety Dispatcher I: One (1) year of responsible work experience involving considerable contact with the public.
• Public Safety Dispatcher II: One (1) year of increasingly responsible public safety dispatch experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Corona or in a capacity comparable to Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Corona and successful completion of a training program.

Licenses and Certifications

Public Safety Dispatcher I:

• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of employment, a valid P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.

Public Safety Dispatcher II:

• Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid CLETS Certification, to be maintained throughout employment.

Characteristics

• Accountability - The Corona Police Department is a professional police agency staffed by individuals who cherish and maintain the highest standards of conduct and performance.
• Integrity - Being truthful and ethical in what we do, what we say, and what we say we do in both our personal and professional lives.
• Respect - We are committed to our profession and will always respect one another and the community that we serve.
• Inclusion - We are not just diverse; we are welcoming to all.
• Teamwork - When we work together to achieve our mission, the department and community will grow stronger. Together, we are better.
• Innovation - We provide modern police services and are committed to always improve our organizational practices.

This position is FLSA Non-Exempt eligible for overtime compensation.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for first review of application is Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:00AM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as the recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review period. Our next one-day testing process will take place on, March 17, 2025.

Selection Component	Selection Component Description	Selection Component Weight
Video Interview	Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications AND attach a current and valid typing certificate that meets the criteria listed above will be invited to participate in a video interview. Emails for Video Interview will be sent by March 5, 2025.	Pass/Fail
Audio Exercise/Written Examination	Audio Exercise - Candidates will listen to an audio recording of an example of the type of calls Public Safety Dispatchers are required to handle. A short break will be given after the audio recording and then the written examination will be administered. Written Examination - Applicants must receive a minimum score of 70% in order to continue on in the recruitment process. Those who possess a current and active POST Basic Dispatcher certification or a T-Score of 48 or higher within the last year may submit proof in order to waive the written exam and will be invited to the Oral Interview. Testing is tentatively scheduled for March 17, 2025.	Pass/Fail
Oral Interview	Candidates will be placed on the eligibility list based on the scores received on each of the examination components. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for March 25, 2025.	100%
Background Investigation	The candidate selected for the position will undergo a thorough background investigation including a polygraph examination. Once a conditional job offer has been made, the candidate will undergo comprehensive medical and psychological examinations, including a urine drug screen, by City Medical Examiners. The Chief of Police will make the final hiring decision.	Pass/Fail

COMMUNITY

A City whose heritage spans more than a century, the City of Corona, located in Riverside County, California, encompasses around 40 square miles and has a vibrant, culturally diverse population of approximately 168,100 residents. Residents of Corona enjoy a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities that provide a first-rate quality of life for its residents and visitors. Within an hour's travel time, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy such winter activities as snowboarding and skiing and such summer activities as surfing, boating, or simply relaxing on a beach. Corona's economy is strong and getting stronger; more than 84,000 people work here. Our retail, commercial, and housing areas are expanding, and office development continues to be strong.

THE ORGANIZATION

The City of Corona is a General Law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. Policymaking and legislative authority is vested in the City Council, consisting of a Mayor and four Council Members. Members of the City Council are elected by District to a four-year term. The Mayor is selected by the Council and serves as the presiding officer for one year.

The City is organized into the following departments/organizational units: Community Services, City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Risk Management, Police, Planning & Development, Public Works, and Utilities. Oversight of these departments is divided between the City Manager and two Assistant City Managers.

The City's total operating budget for Fiscal Year 2025 is $ 399.1 million with a General Fund operating budget of $ 209.6 million. Corona enjoys a workforce of 922 dedicated employees who provide high quality services to its residents and visitors each day.