Safety Dispatcher - Part Time

City of Selma; Selma (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Selma seeks a Part-Time Safety Dispatcher to receive emergency calls for police, fire, and other services and dispatch units using CAD. The role requires calm judgment, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Under supervision, the dispatcher will also handle non-emergency inquiries, relay information to agencies, and assist in training new staff. A California driver’s license and completion of required POST coursework within a year are

Qualifications

• Equivalent to 12th grade with one year of clerical work involving heavy public contact.
• Completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Public Safety Dispatcher course within one year of hire.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency calls and determine priority, dispatch units via CAD.
• Maintain contact with units and track status and location of responders.
• Answer non-emergency calls and relay information to agencies.
• Operate teletype to retrieve information from networks.
• Coordinate county-wide road blocks during major incidents.
• Assist in training new dispatch staff.

Skills

Emergency dispatch

Radio operation

Public safety communications

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer-aided dispatch system

Job description

There is currently one (1) vacancy for a Part Time Safety Dispatcher Position with the City of Selma Police Department.
Failure to attach required documentation to your application will result in an automatic disqualification.

A. PURPOSE:

Under immediate supervision, to receive all incoming calls for police and fire assistance for a number of local jurisdictions and dispatch necessary units using a computer aided dispatch system; to perform a variety of general support duties related to communications activities; and to do related work as required.

B. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Safety Dispatcher operates a law enforcement radio system and dispatches police personnel and equipment. Also will receive fire, ambulance and EMT calls and re-direct them to the appropriate dispatch center. While other positions may fill in for the Safety Dispatcher on an as-needed basis, dispatching is the primary function of this classification.

C. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, ambulance or other emergency service within a number of local jurisdictions on computer aided dispatch terminal.
• Determine nature, location, and priority of emergency; dispatch police, fire, ambulance or other emergency units through computer aided mobile data terminals in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of police field units and fire units using computer status display.
• Answer non-emergency calls; relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and fire fighting agencies.
• Operate teletype machine to retrieve information from teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.
• Contact district attorney's office, probation officers, state parole officers, police agencies and fire agencies regarding various emergency and non-emergency incidents.
• Coordinate county-wide road blocks with the sheriff's department during major crime incidents; contact agencies outside the county regarding suspect information.
• May testify in court regarding activities leading to legal proceedings. Monitor emergency alarm boxes.
• Assist in training new employees in dispatch, including complaint desk and teletype operation. Contact relatives of victims of traffic collisions or crimes for identification of subjects.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work. Test and inspect equipment as required.
• Compile statistics on calls received.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

D. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Basic functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
• Applicable codes, regulations, policies, technical processes and procedures, including penal, vehicle, and health and safety codes and regulations.
• City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
• Basic principles of record keeping.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
• Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Interpret, apply, and explain policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Attend to multiple activities simultaneously.
• Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Perform technical, detailed and responsible office support work.
• Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

E. PREREQUISITES:

Education and Experience:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade with one (1) year of responsible clerical work involving heavy public contact.

Special Requirement:

Incumbents appointed to this classification are required to successfully complete the Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified Public Safety Dispatchers Basic Course within one year of date of hire in order to remain in the classification.

Licenses, Registrations, Accreditation, etc.:

Possession of a valid Class C California Motor Vehicle Operators License.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

May be required to work shifts, on-call, and stand‑by.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting with ability to sit for long periods of time and possess ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer.

Environmental Elements:

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.