This position pays at an hourly range of $47.96 – $52.88 

Under supervision and in a trainee capacity, processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatches police, fire, medical, rescue, animal control or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD); and performs other related duties as assigned.

• Public Safety Dispatcher-In-Training is the entry and trainee level in the public safety dispatcher series. Under close supervision, incumbents are trained in dispatching techniques, equipment and protocols. Work assignments change frequently in order to facilitate training. Employees are subject to daily and weekly observation reports until they demonstrate the ability to perform independently. This classification is distinguished from the higher level Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter is the fully trained, journey level classification in the series..

1. Dispatches public safety personnel and equipment on both routine and emergency calls utilizing a computer aided dispatch system, multiple video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, and related equipment.
2. Answers the telephone and receives 9-1-1, emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance, evaluates the information provided and creates a CAD system event, relays information to other jurisdictions or provides information for the caller; processes and prioritizes incoming calls.
3. Monitors and maintains status of public safety personnel and equipment; analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help ensure officer safety; may initiate the reassignment of fire equipment to ensure adequate city-wide fire protection.
4. Inquires, interprets, verifies, receives, and disseminates information from law enforcement computer networks, such as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and all points bulletins.
5. Provides Emergency Medical Dispatch, and Emergency Fire Dispatch, including pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions.
6. Provides the public with basic instructions to safeguard persons in hazardous situations prior to the arrival of trained emergency personnel.
7. Maintains familiarity with major roads, streets, areas, and industrial and public facilities within the city limits.
8. Maintains records of all calls received and prepares reports of critical incidents; performs routine clerical work associated with the assignment.
9. Monitor text to 9-1-1

Education:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

• Graduation from high school or tested equivalent, AND
• One year of work experience providing customer service to the public.

Other Requirements:

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver’s license and a safe driving record, or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority
• Completion of a Basic Dispatcher certification course approved by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training organization (POST) within one year of appointment
• Possession of a POST Public Safety Dispatcher certificate within 18 months of appointment.
• Completion of Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatch certification courses, approved by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch, within one year of appointment, and subsequent continued maintenance of Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatch certification

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a structured and often stressful work environment that includes structured breaks and lunch schedules. Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities.  The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard.   Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading documents and computer screens, and the ability to distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals. The position requires the ability to view multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low light. Acute hearing sufficient to distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources is required, as is the ability to speak in a clear and distinct manner and carry on multiple conversations while distinguishing background radio communications. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books and documents weighing up to 10 pounds is also required.  Work is performed in a confined area and incumbents wear a headset, which restricts physical movement about the work area. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.