Sheriff's Dispatcher I

Contra Costa College; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa County is looking for dedicated individuals to join as Sheriff’s Dispatchers I in Martinez. This role involves receiving and prioritizing emergency calls, managing communications with field units, and requires a calm demeanor during high-pressure situations. Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma and a valid driver's license, embodying decisiveness, communication skills, and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Ability to accurately type at a speed not less than 40 words per minute.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prioritize telephone and radio messages.
• Use computer-aided data entry equipment to relay information.
• Maintain composure under high-stress emergencies.

Skills

Decisive

Communicative

Detail-Oriented

Calm

Adaptable

Multi-Tasking

Self-Motivated

Ethical

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Job description

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The Position

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 will remain in effect for up to six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Selection Process

• 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 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for the next testing cycle.
• Typing Proficiency Assessment (Administered Remotely): Qualified applicants 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. The scores from all three tests will be averaged to determine the candidate’s average net words per minute (WPM). A minimum of 40 net WPM is required to advance to the next phase. (Qualifying)
• 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.
• 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 must receive a score of at least 70%, which may be an adjusted score, in order to be ranked on the employment list. 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
• Departmental Interviews: Candidates who successfully complete all prior phases of the selection process will be invited to participate in a departmental interview. Date: July 2025
• 2025 CritiCall Assessment Dates ***
  

Assessment dates are based on the filing period in which an application is received.

Once an applicant’s eligibility has been determined, they will be provided with the assessment dates that correspond to their filing period and will be able to self-select their preferred date within that assigned assessment window.

Available testing slots are 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM.

Please plan accordingly.

Once applicants have selected an assessment date and time, rescheduling may not be permitted. Applicants who do not appear for their selected test date will be required to reapply after six (6) months.

Filing Period:Assessment Dates

June 6, 2025, to June 23, 2025

July 12, 13, 14

June 24, 2025, to July 8, 2025

August 2, 3, 4

July 9, 2025, to August 10, 2025

September 6, 7, 8

August 11, 2025, to September 1, 2025

October 4, 5, 6

September 2, 2025 to September 21, 2025

November 1, 2, 3

September 22, 2025 to October 19, 2025

December 6, 7, 8Applicant's wanting to file after October 19, 2025 must wait until a new recruitment: ETA 2026

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

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.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

01

The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the Sheriff's Dispatcher I position and to assist the HR staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."

• I Understand
  
  

02

This position may involve occasional travel or driving duties. A valid California driver’s license or an equivalent out-of-state license may be required. Do you currently possess a valid California driver’s license or an equivalent valid driver’s license issued by another state?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Do you possess a high school diploma, G.E.D equivalency, or high school proficiency certificate?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Have you submitted an application to the Sheriff's Dispatcher I recruitment with Contra Costa County within the last 6 months?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

Have you participated in a CritiCall assessment with Contra Costa County for a Sheriff's Dispatcher I recruitment within the last 6 months? Please note: Other agencies Criticall results will not be accepted

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

The CritiCall assessment for Contra Costa County’s Sheriff’s Dispatcher I recruitment is typically conducted once a month, usually on the first weekend unless otherwise stated. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for this position will be invited to reserve a testing appointment slot and are requested to block off the appropriate assessment date and time in their personal calendars. (Please check job announcement for dates) Changes or cancellations may not be accepted. Applicants who do not appear for their scheduled test will be subject to the standard reapplication waiting period of six (6) months. Do you understand and agree to these conditions?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

How did you hear of this position? (Check all that apply)

• Contra Costa Jobs Board
• Public Safety/911 Job Board
• LinkedIn
• Career Fair
• Career Fair- Military
• Local Community Event
• Take-One Brochure
• Billboard
• Email or Newsletter
• Current Employee
• Referral from a Friend or Family member
• Handshake
• Other
  
  

08

If you marked OTHER to question #7, please tell us how you heard of this position.

09

Acknowledgement of Shift-Based Environment: Incumbents hired into this classification are required to work in a shift-based environment. This means employees work scheduled shifts (morning, afternoon, or night) to ensure continuous coverage—including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. Do you acknowledge the requirements of working in a shift-based environment (including scheduled shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime)?

• I Understand
  
  

10

Acknowledgment of Background Investigation Duration and Eligibility Status: Do you acknowledge and understand that the comprehensive background investigation process for this position may take up to 12 months to complete and that, if placed on the eligible list, your eligibility status may remain valid for up to 12 months?

• I understand
  
  

11

By checking this box, I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process, or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.

• I agree
• Required Question

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other, Information Technology, and Management

• Industries

  Higher Education

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