Public Safety Dispatcher II

City of Mountain View; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Mountain View is seeking a lateral Public Safety Dispatcher II to join the Mountain View Police Department. You will receive and coordinate emergency and non-emergency calls, operate CAD, and support field responders with calm, clear information during incidents.

Ideal candidates have 18+ months of dispatcher experience, a California POST Dispatcher Basic Course certificate (or equivalent), and can type 35 wpm. A CA driver license is required; ongoing training is provided.

Qualifications

• 18+ months of recent experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher with a Police and/or Fire agency.
• California POST Dispatcher Basic Course certification (or valid out-of-state equivalent).
• Ability to type 35 words per minute (net).
• Valid California Class C driver's license within 6 months of appointment.
• Experience operating CAD and modern 911 call-handling software.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical aid.
• Use CAD to coordinate appropriate emergency response.
• Provide accurate, timely information to field personnel under pressure.
• Remain calm and focused while multitasking during evolving incidents.
• Maintain situational awareness and strong communication with teammates.

Skills

Public safety dispatcher experience

Calm under pressure

Clear verbal communication

Team player

Fast decision making

Typing 35 wpm

Education

California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course

Tools

CAD systems

911 call handling software

Job description

What's The Role And What You'll Do

Answer the call. Join the voices behind the badge with the Mountain View Police Department.
The Mountain View Police Department is looking for dedicated professionals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, value teamwork, and are passionate about helping others in moments that matter the most.
As a lateral Public Safety Dispatcher II, you'll be a part of a high-performing, tight-knit team that plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well‑well of our community.
From the moment a call comes in, your voice and actions help guide our emergency response efforts, offering calm in the chaos and connecting those in need with critical resources.

As a Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher, you Will

• Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical assistance.
• Use computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems to coordinate appropriate emergency response.
• Provide accurate, timely information to field personnel under high-pressure situations.
• Remain calm and focused while multitasking during rapidly evolving incidents.
• Maintain strong situational awareness, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to service.

Eligible candidates will possess the following at the time of application:

• Eighteen (18) months or more of recent experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher with a Police and/or Fire agency.
• California POST Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course certificate (may be substituted with an out-of-state Emergency Call Center certificate or license)
• Ability to type 35 (net) words per minute
• Valid California Class C driver's license (within 6 months of appointment)
• Ability to operate a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and modern 911 call‑handling software.

Our dispatchers are trusted professionals and essential partners in our commitment to public safety. We invest in your success with ongoing training, supportive leadership, and opportunities to grow your career.

The Ideal Candidate

• Is a lateral public safety dispatcher with recent, full-time experience in an emergency communications center
• Demonstrates excellent judgment, quick decision-making skills, and strong verbal communication skills
• Stays calm under pressure and maintains control in emotionally charged situations
• Processes the ability to work independently while remaining a strong team player
• Is passionate about public safety and making a difference in the lives of others

This is an ongoing recruitment. Applications are reviewed weekly. The selection process outlined below is intended to provide an overview of the recruitment and may be modified as necessary to meet the needs of the City.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to an oral board interview. Oral board interviews are scheduled periodically for candidates who pass the application review.

Candidates who are successful in the oral board interview will be placed on an Eligibility List and may be invited to participate in an Executive Interview as vacancies occur.

Candidates selected for employment must successfully complete a DOJ and FBI Live Scan fingerprinting, an extensive background investigation conducted in accordance with POST guidelines, including a polygraph examination, a medical examination, and psychological screening before appointment.

A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from the appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.

FINE PRINT

Depending on the number of applications, the above process may be altered. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submission of the application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

NOTE

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.