Sheriff's Dispatcher I

County of Contra Costa; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Contra Costa is seeking dedicated Sheriff’s Dispatchers I for the Martinez dispatch center. You will receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch units, and perform data entry while maintaining radio communication with field units across multiple patrols.

The role requires calmness under pressure, clear communication, attention to detail, and strong multi-tasking abilities. Weekend, holiday, and overtime shifts are required with overtime compensated at 1.5x the

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; eligibility screening, background check, medical/psychological evaluations.
• Typing proficiency minimum 40 WPM for typing assessments.
• Ability to pass Cra, background investigations, and assessments as part of recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prioritize telephone and radio messages calmly and efficiently.
• Enter and relay information to field units using data systems and radio communications.
• Answer public inquiries with accurate information and provide dispatch services as needed.
• Dispatch resources from a mobile command center and coordinate with patrols, fire, ambulance, and emergency services.

Skills

Decisive

Communicative

Detail-Oriented

Calm

Adaptable

Multi-Tasking

Self-Motivated

Ethical

Analytical Thinking

Oral Communication

Writing

Customer Focus

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Typing Proficiency

Job description

This is a continuous recruitment

Accepting Applications: 8/14/26 through 9/7/26

Bargaining Unit: DSA - Deputy Sheriff's Non-Sworn Rank & File Unit

Why Join Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff?

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is the largest law enforcement agency in Contra Costa with over 1,100 sworn and professional employees dedicated to providing the highest level of law enforcement and customer services.

The Office of the Sheriff offers a full range of services to over 1,000,000 residents in the 715-square mile county. The duties and mission of the Sheriff's Office are unlike most police agencies. Responsibilities include unincorporated area policing, contract cities (Danville, Lafayette, and Orinda) and special districts, air support (helicopters), marine patrol, dispatch, investigations, coroners, county detention facilities, custody alternative, court security, forensic services, police academy, and Office of Emergency Services.

The Office of the Sheriff is recruiting individuals to fill positions in the Sheriff's Dispatcher I classification.

About the position:

The Office of the Sheriff is seeking dedicated and service-oriented individuals to join our team as Sheriff’s Dispatchers I. This critical role is based at the state-of-the-art dispatch center in Martinez, California, which operates around the clock to support the safety of the community.

Sheriff’s Dispatchers are the vital first point of contact for individuals in need of emergency assistance. In this position, you will receive and prioritize both emergency and non-emergency calls, determine the appropriate response, and dispatch units in accordance with established Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures. You will also enter and retrieve information from computer data systems and maintain continuous radio communication with 15–20 patrol units in the field. In addition to supporting law enforcement, you will provide dispatch services to fire departments, ambulance units, and the County Office of Emergency Services.

The role requires the ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations, accurately summarize and relay information, and provide clear instructions to field personnel to ensure efficient and effective responses.

Weekend, holiday, and overtime work is required, with all overtime compensated at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.

Want to learn more about the role and the Sheriff's Dispatch Center?

Visit the Official Sheriff's Dispatcher Job Page.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Decisive. Is able to act promptly, logically, and with clear judgement when faced with challenging situations.
• Communicative. Is able to clearly and effectively share information with the public and emergency responders.
• Detail-Oriented. Is able to read, comprehend and retain important information for dispatching needs.
• Calm. Is able to maintain composure and professionalism even during high-stress emergencies.
• Adaptable. Is able to adjust quickly to changing situations and shifting priorities.
• Multi-Tasking. Is able to balance data entry and communication seamlessly, managing several tasks at once.
• Self-Motivated. Is driven to provide exceptional and proactive support to the community.
• Ethical. Is able to demonstrate integrity and upholding standards in all aspects of the role.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Receiving and prioritizing telephone and radio messages in a calm and efficient manner.
• Using computer-aided data entry equipment or manually recording and relaying information to appropriate field units, including patrol officers, fire departments, ambulance companies, the County Public Works Department, and the Office of Emergency Services.
• Receiving, transmitting, and recording teletype and data systems messages to ensure accurate and timely communication.
• Answering questions from the public and providing accurate and helpful information.
• Dispatching resources from a mobile command center when requested, ensuring coordinated responses.

A few reasons why you might love a career as a Sheriff’s Dispatcher:

• You will be performing work that directly impacts the safety and well-being of the public and Contra Costa County residents.
• You will have the ability to demonstrate your moral and ethical decision-making skills in a meaningful way.
• You will use your fact-finding abilities to identify needs, make critical decisions and address pressing issues.
• You will have many opportunities for career advancement and professional development within Contra Costa County.

A few challenges you may face as a Sheriff’s Dispatcher:

• You will need to remain calm to effectively handle high-stress situations.
• You will need to be attentive to detail and ensure that every aspect of your work is thorough, accurate, and complete.
• You will need to maintain composure when faced with callers who are aggressive, angry or emotional because of their situation.
• You will need to make quick decisions and act promptly, often without knowing the entirety of the situation.

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Learning Agility: Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to one’s work
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

Read the complete job description at www.cccounty.us/hr.

The employment list established as a result of this examination may remain in effect for up to six (6) months.

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate.

Typing Proficiency: Ability to accurately type at a speed not less than 40 words per minute.

Other Requirements: Must pass a thorough background investigation, medical screening, and psychological evaluation prior to employment.

1. Application filing and evaluation: All applicants must apply online at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit a completed Supplemental Questionnaire at the time of application. Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed to determine which candidates demonstrate the best qualifications for the position and will be invited to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process. Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. on the last day for filing. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for the next testing cycle.
2. Typing Proficiency Assessment (Administered Remotely): Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online typing assessment. The assessment will be administered remotely and will consist of three (3) three-minute timed typing tests. An average net minimum of 40 net WPM is required in order to advance to the next phase. (Weighted 0%)
   • A typing certification will NOT be accepted in lieu of the required typing assessment.
   • Contra Costa County reserves the right to require test takers to take parallel version of this assessment in a proctored setting in order to confirm their identities as the original test takers if they are advance in the recruitment. Any violation of these requirements may result in disqualification from this and any future examinations.
3. CritiCall Performance Assessment (On-Site, Martinez): Applicants who pass the typing assessment will be invited to participate in the in-person CritiCall Dispatcher Skills Assessment. This computer-based test evaluates a broad range of skills required for dispatching. These skills include, but are not limited to: decision-making, data entry, rural map reading, call summarization, call prioritization, memory recall, spelling, ability to multitask and reading comprehension. Candidates are eligible to participate in the CritiCall assessment once every six (6) months. (Weighted 100%)
   • Contra Costa County - Human Resources does not provide CritiCall test prep help. Test information is available by visiting the vendor's website at: CritiCall - FAQs
4. Departmental Interviews: Candidates who successfully complete all prior phases of the selection process will be invited to participate in a departmental interview.

Filing Period and Assessment Dates

• January 1 to January 11, 2026 – Feb 7, 8
• January 12 to February 8, 2026 – Mar 7, 8
• February 23 to March 8, 2026 – Apr 4, 5
• March 13 to April 5, 2026 – May 2, 3
• April 6 to May 3, 2026 – Jun 6, 7
• May 11 to June 5, 2026 – Jul 11, 12
• June 6 to July 5, 2026 – Aug 1, 2
• July 14 to August 3, 2026 – Sept 12, 13
• August 14 to September 7, 2026 – Oct 3, 4
• September 8 to October 4, 2026 – Nov 7, 8
• October 12 to November 1, 2026 – Dec 5, 6
• Applicants interested in applying after 11/1/2026, will need to wait until January 2027

Contact Information

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Norma Martinez at [e-mail]. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at [phone].

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.