Public Safety Dispatcher II

City of Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Berkeley is hiring a Public Safety Dispatcher II to receive 911 calls, dispatch for police and fire, and manage records. The role supports police, fire, animal control and public works in a limited capacity.

Dominant duties include call taking, records processing, and performing related information retrieval. Successful completion of the first two training components and the probation period are required, with potential PST certification. Evening and weekend work is expected.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the City's Public Safety Dispatcher Training Program (Call Taker and Records)
• Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatch certificate (if applicable)
• Willingness to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts

Responsibilities

• Receive 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls
• Dispatch assignments according to police and fire procedures
• Maintain records and perform related information processing for public safety functions

Skills

Emergency services experience

Two-way radio operations

Computer use

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Public Safety Dispatcher II

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher II in the Police Department! In this role, you will receive 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch assignments according to police and fire procedures, and maintain records.

The Public Safety Dispatcher II provides technical communications support and computer information processing for police, fire, animal control, parking enforcement and public works functions in a limited capacity. In addition to dispatching and call screening, you'll perform varied record keeping, information retrieval and similar work in support of public safety activities.

Public Safety Dispatchers in the Berkeley Communications Center typically operate in four distinct positions. While Public Safety Dispatcher I possesses the skills and responsibility for two positions (Call Taker and Records), those at Public Safety Dispatcher II level possess the skills and responsibility for all four positions.

• 1. Call Taker (handle phone calls, service requests, operate secondary radio channel)
• 2. Records (handle phone calls, database entries/removals/inquires, operate records radio channel)
• 3. Fire Dispatcher (dispatch and monitor fire/medical resources, operate fire channels)
• 4. Police Dispatcher (dispatch and monitor police resources, operate police channel)

See the full job description here: Public Safety Dispatcher II

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

EDUCATION

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

EXPERIENCE

Successful completion of the first two components of the City's Public Safety Dispatcher Training Program (Call Taker and Records) and successful completion of the probation period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Berkeley.

OR

The equivalent of two (2) years full-time experience working independently in emergency services or communications with computer use and/or two-way radio operations with a consolidated public safety agency (dispatching police and fire)

OR

The equivalent of three (3) years full-time experience working independently in emergency services or communications with computer use and/or two-way radio operations with a non-consolidated public safety agency, and possession of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatch certificate.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to pass a medical and psychological evaluation.

Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities.

When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application (Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.)
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
• Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatch certificate (if applicable)

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to [e-mail]. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

The exam process will include, but is not limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the administrative review date)

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to [e-mail] at the time of application.